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Responsible Use of Educational Technology

Educational technology can make learning more accessible, engaging, and flexible. From learning management systems and video-conferencing platforms to AI and assessment tools, technology is increasingly part of the student experience.

At the same time, using technology in teaching and learning comes with responsibilities for both students and instructors. For instructors, choosing institutionally approved tools helps ensure that student information, personal data, and academic work are handled appropriately and that the technologies we use meet institutional requirements for privacy, security, accessibility, and responsible use.

When selecting educational technologies, you should consider factors such as privacy, security, accessibility, reliability, and institutional support. Ontario Tech has processes and supports in place to help guide the review and selection of educational technologies used for teaching and learning. 

Questions?

Lead with Pedagogy, Not Technology

  • Integrate Technology Intentionally: Introduce and implement technology gradually and thoughtfully.
  • Align Technology with Learning Goals: Select technologies based on how well they support learning outcomes and instructional goals, rather than simply because they are new or visually impressive.
  • Prioritize Accessibility and Digital Equity: Consider accessibility, functionality, and equitable access when selecting technology. The most feature-rich tool may not always be the most effective or inclusive option.
  • Plan Ahead and Practice: Become familiar with the tool in advance and give students opportunities to use it before high-stakes tests or assessments.  is important when integrating technology into teaching and learning experiences.
For more information on teaching with tech, visit: Effective Technology Integration

Syllabus Statements

Students should know when technology is being used as part of their education, particularly when the technology involves collecting, processing, or sharing information. When technology is an important or required part of a course, we should include information about it in the syllabus. A syllabus statement might identify:

  • The technology or platform students will be expected to use.
  • The purpose of using the technology.
  • Where students can find information about privacy and terms of use.
  • Any alternatives available to students.
  • Who students can contact if they have questions or concerns.

For example, when using Turnitin as part of your course for written assignments, the following course statement should be included in the syllabus. Note that this language, along with technology requirements and the Notice of Collection and Use of Personal Information, can be found in the course outline template, which is available for download: 

Ontario Tech University and faculty members reserve the right to use electronic means to detect and help prevent plagiarism. Students agree that by taking this course all assignments are subject to submission for textual similarity review by Turnitin.com. Assignments submitted to Turnitin.com will be included as source documents in Turnitin.com's restricted access database for the purpose of detecting plagiarism in such documents and to generate purely statistical data from such content for product development and improvement. The instructor may require students to submit their assignments electronically to Turnitin.com or the instructor may submit questionable text on behalf of a student. The terms that apply to Ontario Tech University’s use of the Turnitin.com service are described in the Turnitin Services Privacy Policy and Turnitin End-User License Agreement available on the Turnitin website. Students who do not wish to have their work submitted to Turnitin.com must provide their instructor a signed Turnitin.com Assignment Cover sheet when submitting an assignment. 

Protect Privacy and Data

Protecting information is a shared responsibility. When using technology and digital tools for teaching and learning, everyone should take steps to protect the privacy, data, and intellectual property of ourselves and others. This includes, staff, students, instructors, and other members of our community. 

  • Data is used for its intended purpose. Agreements with approved vendors generally restrict how institutional data may be stored and used. Data should only be accessed, retained, or processed as necessary to provide the intended service. For example, Turnitin submissions are processed within the parameters established by the instructor and the institution.
  • Approved tools have safeguards around data use. Approved educational technologies are subject to institutional review and contractual requirements designed to limit the use of student and instructor data. Where applicable, these requirements prohibit the use of institutional data for purposes such as training artificial intelligence models.
  • Protect your intellectual property. Students and instructors should have an opportunity to understand the terms that apply when their work or information is shared with third-party tools and integrations. In some cases, students may have options to decline participation. For example, students may be able to opt out of submitting their work to Turnitin by following the institution's designated process, available here: Turnitin.

About LMS Integrations

LMS integrations can make teaching and learning more seamless while also supporting good privacy and security practices.

  • Leverage Single Sign-On: Whenever possible, use verified integrations that allow students to access a tool directly through the LMS without creating additional accounts or remembering separate passwords. This reduces friction for students and can help limit the amount of personal information shared across platforms.
  • Streamline grade sharing: Where supported and appropriate, verified integrations can securely sync grades and other relevant information back to the Canvas LMS, reducing the need to manually transfer student information between systems.
  • Choose approved integrations where possible: Tools with LMS integrations have been reviewed and approved through the university’s established processes. This helps ensure that appropriate privacy and security requirements are in place, including agreements that address the protection and appropriate use of student, instructor, and staff data and intellectual property.
  • Keep your LMS interface focused: A cluttered interface can make it harder for students to find what they need. Hide or remove unused options in the Canvas menu settings to create a cleaner, more accessible navigation experience.

You are strongly encouraged to use institutionally-supported tools and approved Canvas-integrated apps. If you are interested in adopting a new third-party application within Canvas, please visit the App Centre and follow the required review and request process.

All new app requests are reviewed by the LTI Software Request Committee prior to approval and implementation.

Institutional Resources & Supports