GESD students getting email accounts

The digital age has taken another step. Starting this school year, GESD students will be provided with email accounts through Gaggle.

Gaggle is a safe, web-based Internet system of digital tools that allows the teacher to be in control at all times. Gaggle provides numerous safeguards that protect students from the potential problems of digital communication. Gaggle allows schools to control what level of access students have and with whom they can communicate. Gaggle also allows schools to set restrictions on accounts. All student content passes through a number of filters. Messages or posts with offensive language, questionable domains, banned file types, or pornographic images are automatically rerouted either to the Gaggle Human Monitoring System or school representatives.

Arizona’s education standards now include technology and electronic proficiency requirements, and providing students with email accounts helps GESD meet those standards. It is important for students to become proficient in the usage of digital tools in order to be successful in the workplace. Using digital tools like Gaggle in school provides students with extra practice in following the rules of writing and improve overall literacy.

Through Gaggle:

All users have a Digital Locker, or online file storage system. Files can be uploaded and accessed from anywhere, so students can work on documents anywhere they have web access, without needing a flash or USB drive.

Teachers can create class Discussion Boards or Chat Rooms for ongoing discussions or homework help, and control which students have access. All postings are filtered and any posts blocked for offensive language and images will be rerouted for review by Gaggle or the school district.

Teachers and students can create a Blog as a personal webpage or journal. Gaggle Blogs are filtered for content and images. The teacher controls access, and entries can be reviewed at any time.

Teachers and students have access to an Assignment Drop Box. Students can access and complete their assignments anywhere they have web access.

Additional features include built-in Language Translation, Spell Check, and an Auditory Feedback System that will read emails and Discussion Boards aloud to improve literacy.

“We are excited about providing these digital tools to our students, and confident that by using Gaggle as our provider, we are putting safety first,” said Dr. Donna Lewis, assistant superintendent for educational services.

Parents can visit the Gaggle Web site for more information, or go here to log on. Please contact your child’s school with any questions.