Description
As educators, you are constantly seeking the best tools to help your students learn and thrive. Useful websites, apps, and other tools are readily available to assist you in monitoring student progress and improving student learning. While these tools are easily accessible and tempting to download, please submit an IT Help Ticket first (choose PC/Mac Software Request type). We don’t want to prevent you from finding new tools to better support your students, but to protect student privacy and the MCCSC network, we must ensure that anything you use in your classroom complies with state and federal student privacy laws and is free of viruses, malware, and ransomware.
Explanation
How Apps and Software are Deployed at MCCSC
You might have heard IS staff use the terms Filewave, App Portal, or MCCSC App Kiosk. All of these are part of app/software deployment and management.
- Filewave – Multi-platform device management (MDM) and software deployment system. All MCCSC owned devices are enrolled in this system, which allows the IS Department to deploy apps/software to all student and staff devices.
- App Portal – Repository containing apps available for students to download to their iPads. **Note: Faculty iPads have an app portal too with the same respective base apps all middle school or elementary students have. For free apps, teachers download them from the app store using an Apple ID that they create. For paid apps please submit a ticket (funds are available).**
- MCCSC Kiosk – Repository containing apps/software available for high school students (laptops) and faculty (PC, laptops, or Macs) to download. Click Install Software to see what software is available to you and to download/remove items.
Mac
Guide article: Apple MacOS - Installing Applications from App Kiosk
Windows PC/Laptop
Guide article: Windows - Installing Applications from the App Kiosk
**If you don't see the red MCCSC Kiosk icon, click the ^ on the bottom right of your screen and click the red wave icon. You may also drag the icon to the bottom of your screen (taskbar) for quick access.**
App and Software Request Workflows
Student iPad App Request
Software Request for Teacher Computer
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do I need to fill out an app request for apps I want students to use on iPads?
A: The IS Department reviews apps' privacy and data policies, public commenting features, age rating, device requirements, in-app purchase needs, and any necessary subscriptions. While funds exist to purchase apps, the IS Department does not have funds for subscriptions. Many times, the app is free but a paid subscription is required.
Q: What criteria do the IS Department use when evaluating student privacy policies for software and app requests?
A: The IS Department uses the following guidelines from Student Privacy Compass.
Q: Why do I need to submit an IT Help Ticket for software I want students to use on laptops or workstations?
A: The IS Department reviews software privacy and data policies, public commenting features, device requirements, and any necessary subscriptions. The IS Department does not have funds for subscriptions.
Q: Why do I need a system administrator to install software?
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Just as school faculty must be vigilant in checking email for phishing attempts, the IS Department must ensure any software installation doesn't also install viruses, malware, or ransomware.
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MCCSC insurance fees increase significantly if faculty are permitted to install software on computers.
Questions?
For additional information or questions, please put in a Help Desk ticket.