Below is a summary of several updates implemented this summer to student accounts and Chromebooks that support the Technology with Purpose campaign and help students use technology responsibly. Staff needing technology assistance should contact Technology Support at TechSupport@hcpss.org or 410-313-7004.
Lightspeed Parent Portal
All parents receive the Lightspeed Parent Portal weekly email on Sunday summarizing their student’s HCPSS Chromebook internet usage. The same email contains an option to sign up for the Online Lightspeed Parent Portal, which provides near real-time information on a student’s HCPSS Chromebook internet activity, and, when not on the HCPSS network, offers parents the ability to pause web browsing and greater control to restrict websites. Parents received information regarding the online portal and setting healthy boundaries at home over the summer.
YouTube
Prior to the first day of school, the setting for Google Additional Services was reset for students entering 6th grade, including those who previously were opted in. Additional services are offered at the middle school level so resetting the opt-in setting allows parents to evaluate the new services, such as direct access to the YouTube website, and make access decisions prior to them being provided. Information regarding Google Additional Services, including directions for how parents/guardians may opt-in can be found on the HCPSS website.
HCPSS has implemented two additional features to help ensure responsible use of YouTube on an HCPSS device:
- Families who wish to ensure YouTube is not accessible at home can sign up for the Lightspeed Online Parent Portal, through which they can block YouTube and other sites off the HCPSS network.
- The Lightspeed content filter is now being used to block YouTube reels, featured videos on channels, playlists, thumbnails, comments and the side bar. Additionally, videos are individually filtered, and as a result many will be blocked.
As a reminder, educators using YouTube videos in instruction should embed the video on a Google Slide to ensure that all students have access to the content and to avoid enforced ad playback. Not all students can access direct links to the YouTube website.
Access to Personal Gmail/Google Accounts
New this school year, high school students cannot add or access personal Google/Gmail accounts on HCPSS Chromebooks. This policy, already active for elementary and middle schools, helps to prevent students from bypassing content filters.
This restriction prevents reading/sending emails, resetting passwords, and accessing personal Google Drive files on school devices, however personal accounts are often used for long-term services like College Board for post-graduation access to SAT and AP scores. Students may switch to alternative email providers (such as Microsoft, Yahoo, or iCloud) on Chromebooks or access personal Google accounts on personal devices. Students retain access to HCPSS email.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Planning
As outlined by the AI Ready Schools Act, HCPSS must adopt an AI policy. To meet the deadline, HCPSS staff will bring for Board approval revisions to policies: 3040 Technology Security, 3060 Student Data Governance and Privacy, 4050 Procurement of Goods and/or Services, and 8080 Responsible Use of Technology, Digital tools, and Social Media. In order to create time for current 9th graders to receive instruction on ethical academic use of AI, Gemini access for HCPSS Google Workspace for Education high school student accounts will be turned off through the first quarter. Gemini access is not available for middle or elementary students.
Enhanced Detection of Attempts to Bypass the Content Filter
HCPSS implemented Lightspeed’s Bypass Detect feature to help prevent attempts to access blocked sites via proxies and sites hosting embedded games.
Search Term Blocking
Using the Lightspeed content filter, specific search terms are blocked from search sites including Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc. Students who attempt to search for words that are objectionable or tied to attempts to bypass filtering will receive a Lightspeed block screen.
Guidelines for the Use of Devices in the Cafeterias
To support a safe, engaging environment and help limit non-instructional screen time, Chromebooks and other school-issued devices are not permitted for student use in cafeterias during lunch at the elementary and middle school levels. At the high school level, students may use Chromebooks and other school-issued devices during lunch, provided they are used appropriately and in accordance with school and district expectations. Students should access only approved websites and use devices for school-related tasks. Gaming and other non-school-related activities are not permitted.