For the 2022-2023 school year we will be changing and/or solidifying a number of policy changes on the use of technology at SMA to better improve system security, performance and support. Please read carefully.
- Google Chrome* will continue to not be supported and should not be installed on SMA devices unless there is a specific work related website that requires (not recommends) it. And if approved for use by the I.T. Director it should never be:
- The default browser on your SMA device.
- Used to access SMA Microsoft 365 accounts, PowerSchool, Schoology or any other website that has personal information about SMA community members.
- Used to access personal email, social media or streaming sites where it runs all day. Okay for checking intermittently but close the tab(s) when not actively using.
- The Spotify application is no longer allowed on SMA laptops. It can still be used in a browser or on iPads intermittently.
- Microsoft Teams is our primary video meeting environment (24 hour meeting limit).
- Zoom can still be used but has 40 minute meeting limit and more restrictions than previous years.
- We are adding Flip (formerly Flipgrid), Canva and Google Workspace for Education to our SMA toolbox. More information forthcoming about these new options.
- We are not renewing the school VoiceThread as it was rarely used and Flipgrid has similar functionality. Accounts that currently exist will be shifted to free individual accounts.
- Microsoft OneDrive is our primary storage and collaboration environment.
- The use of personal 3rd party accounts to collaborate with faculty, staff, students or other work related activity should be limited or eliminated.
- For example, the use of Google Docs/Drive should be transitioned to the new SMA Google Workspace (or SMA OneDrive) even if you had signed up for an account using your SMA email.
- Personal or family files/photos/etc. are not to be stored on SMA devices, SMA OneDrive or SMA Google Drive. Note: Files related to SMA benefits (health, retirement, etc.) can be stored on SMA devices.
- Dropbox and other 3rd party storage applications are not allowed on SMA devices if they contain any personal or family files/photos/etc. Note: We are no longer pushing out Dropbox to iPads.
- Email from sources that are not related to the school business or education should be shifted to personal email and/or 'unsubscribed' entirely. Examples would be Nordstrom, Macy's, Target, Amazon, Home Depot, New Seasons, Super Karate Coupons, etc.
- Our Tech Interns will return to the Tech Office ready to help everyone.
- Swivl robots will be distributed to classrooms upon request.
* Exceptions can be made to some of these based on functionality and school needs. Must obtain the permission of the I.T. Director.
We understand that some of the above may be a difficult transition but with the changes in licensing, cybersecurity protection, system performance, insurance liability and personal privacy these changes are necessary for the SMA community.
If you have any questions please email Tech Help.