I found a great app... now what?

There are certain times during the year when I receive a lot of questions about what apps or websites can be used in the classroom, and a big request for a 'list of approved sites.'
Most districts do not have such a list because new tools are constantly created. It would be hard to keep up with the growing number of tools in the classroom. Also, some sites may be safe today, but change their services tomorrow.
Teachers should know how to evaluate tools for classroom use while keeping information safe.

What does safe mean?
Three important pieces of legislation were passed to help keep student information safe:

• FERPA
• COPPA
• CIPA (the most important when integrating apps and websites in schools)

What does this mean for me as a teacher?
It means having to evaluate apps and sites to keep student information safe.

• Create accounts using a professional email address to separate it from personal accounts. 
• Read the Terms of Service and specifically look for the age users have to be to create an account or use the site. Some sites allow for a parent to create a login for the child to use, while others prohibit anyone under the age of 13.
• Does the tool have: 
  • a 'search' feature? These can often lead to students finding inappropriate things.
  • some type of 'messaging' or 'chat' feature? This is a red flag.
  • a 'location' feature? No one should be able to identify a student's location.

• Does the tool pass the test? Great! 
  • Keep in mind district guidelines and procedures vary, ask administration for support.
  • Make sure to tell administration and parents what tool is being used and the purpose it is serving. 
  • Create avatars for students when possible. If the tool requires a name, let students pick a nickname or assign a generic one like 'Student 1.'