Using the F3 Key to Search Terms of Service

Often, as one of three Tech Coaches in the Georgetown County School District, teachers will ask us via email, about new web tools they've found. What they want to know is, “Hey, I've found this new site, and I think it looks pretty good. I want to use it with my students. What do you think?"

Here are some things to keep in mind when you do find new Web Tools:

1. Is this just a cool tool that can go with an activity...or was the lesson planned, and now you are
    looking for a tool to use to enhance the content?

2. Is the site FREE?

3. Is it sustainable? Meaning, is this a site you can use year after year, and even bank items you've
    created for future use...or is it a trial period site tool that you have limited usage to without being
    required to upgrade to the "Premium" account.

4. Do the Terms of Service meet the requirements for use by students above or below the age of 13?

5. Does using the Web Tool require parental consent?

6. Does the site, and more importantly the use of it, abide by the stipulations of CIPA, COPPA, and
    FERPA Laws for Internet safety of minors?

Items 1 - 3 are easily answered. Numbers 4 - 6 require a little more investigation.  First go to the site, and then find the Terms of Service or Terms of Use (usually at the bottom in fine print). Click on these Terms. Now use the F3 key on the top of your keyboard to bring up a "Find Box." This usually pops up at the top left under the web tool bar. Type in key words and scroll down to help you find the information you need quickly. I like to type in "13", "18", "age", "legally" and "binding."

Watch the video below. I hope this has been helpful.





Keith Brown

Twitter is “all the rage”…but what is “all the rage” about?

Twitter is “all the rage”…but what is “all the rage” about?  If you are diligent in finding the right folks to follow on Twitter, you will get a Twitter Feed with all kinds of good information, wonderful and enlightening articles, and tools to help in your particular quest.  You can certainly choose to follow those that have “like-mindedness” toward certain subjects. ..thus creating a ProfessionalLearning Network.   Here are some reasons to ue Twitter.

·         First and foremost, Twitter is limited to 140 characters per message and therefore provides messages and information that are short and direct.  This encourages the writer to capture your attention fast and gives you a synopsis to glean the information in the Tweet in a quick scan.

·         Twitter allows you to enter pictures that may further illustrate your post.

 

·         Professional Interaction can take place outside the walls of your class or school.  A short time  invested to create your Twitter account can pay off big later in the eveniong while in your easy chair. 

·         Connect through Twitter to other learning communities.  Here you will find deeper applications to the educational subject matter you crave.

·         With Twitter, you can be easily transition to an array of multimedia sources (YouTube, dedicated URL’s, Blogs, etc.).

·         The availability of smartphones and tablets with their own network connections, or even over Wi-Fi, allow you connect on the go.  (THAT DOES NOT MEAN WHILE DRIVING.  BE SAFE AND PAY ATTENTION TO THE ROAD.)

Happy Tweeting!

 

Keith