Instructional Technology

Technology is one of many instructional tools that teachers use to support student learning. At Lower Merion School District, we believe that meaningful learning is grounded in strong relationships, active engagement, and high-quality instruction led by educators. When used purposefully and under the direction of District staff, digital resources can expand learning opportunities, support accessibility, foster creativity, and provide students with additional ways to practice, create, communicate, and demonstrate their understanding.

As the District continues to thoughtfully integrate digital resources into teaching and learning, protecting student privacy remains one of our highest priorities. Whenever the District considers adopting a new online educational service, software application, or other digital resource that may access student information, it undergoes a comprehensive review before it is approved for use. This review extends well beyond purchasing a product and includes an evaluation of its educational purpose, technical requirements, cybersecurity, accessibility, operational impact, and compliance with applicable federal and state privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and other laws governing the confidentiality of student information.

As part of this process, District administrators, instructional leaders, technology staff, and legal counsel work together to evaluate each proposed resource. The District reviews vendor contracts, terms of service, and privacy policies and, whenever appropriate, requires vendors to execute a District-developed privacy addendum that establishes additional protections for student and staff information. The District does not agree to contractual terms that permit vendors to sell, monetize, or improperly disclose personally identifiable student or staff information to third parties. Vendors are expected to use student information only for authorized educational purposes and only to the extent necessary to provide the contracted service.

In accordance with COPPA, the District maintains an inventory of approved online educational services used by students. This inventory includes information about each provider, links to vendor privacy policies, and other information required under applicable law. The current list is available at: https://www.lmsd.org/oes