What are Digital Tools?

WCPS defines digital tools as any website, application, or software that requires an account.  WCPS' Digital Tools Review Committee (DTRC) reviews all Digital Tools used for a number of reasons, one of the most significant is to ensure that there are no privacy or security concerns.  DTRC also ensures that Digital Tools are compatible with our devices and other systems, and that Digital Tools aren’t duplicative of other ones that are already in use.  

Two Types of Digital Tools

​Core Digital Tools
  • Necessary to deliver educational programs and operational services
  • Use of the Core Tools is required as part WPCS curricular and operational programming depending on students’ grade level and academic programming
  • Data Sharing Agreements and/or other contracts are in place with the vendors to help ensure data privacy and security
  • In most cases student accounts are created at the district level and tied to students’ active directory credentials
  • Core Tools are generally requested by content specialists, content supervisors, or other administrators
​​Supplementary Digital Tools
  • Used to supplement students’ educational experiences
  • Should be discussed with supervisor before requesting
  • Reviewed for privacy and security concerns as well as compatibility issues and duplication of other tools already in use
  • Teachers must notify parents regarding supplemental tools used in their classroom, and give parents the opportunity to “opt-out” of their children’s use of these tools
  • If parents choose for their children to “opt-out” then teachers will alternative enrichment opportunities for those children
  • Student accounts are not created automatically, created either by the teacher or the student depending on grade level and tool
Visit WCPS' Parent Digital Tool Portal for a complete list of Digital Tools that are currently approved. ​