Tip 14: Send important information (like passwords) securely

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The transition to remote learning and working has been a little bumpy, and we’re all learning as we go and tackling new challenges (zoom-bombing, anyone?).

As we prepare for extended distance learning, it’s imperative that we make sure our online communications and interactions are secure.

While Zoom is taking security precautions like offering password-required meetings, there are a few things you can do to make sure students have the credentials they need without putting student privacy at risk or having hundreds of students call in to your already-busy tech support team!

We recently spoke with Fortune Schools about their experience with distance learning. Here’s an excerpt from their story, focused on how they are navigating security when sending out passwords and other sensitive information:

One thing we had to figure out was how to get Google Classroom logins and passwords out to parents and students in a secure way. Older students know their login details, but in elementary school, teachers have students login at the beginning of the day and have their username and password on a card so they can enter it. Kindergarteners and First Graders aren’t going to remember this! We used our ParentSquare communications platform to do the equivalent of secure mail merge so each parent got their students’ login information securely.

We’ve all heard by now about zoom-bombing, so we’re going to add in a password that all students will need to use to join their virtual meetings — we’ll send that securely out to students and parents using ParentSquare.

So, see what type of secure communication options are available with your communication platform and utilize it. If not, consider direct messaging if you have a smaller school site. Other platforms with merge field capabilities include MailChimp and Constant Contact. (If you are a ParentSquare user, learn about Auto Notices here.) 

We’re certainly in strange times, but take it day by day! As you think about online conferencing meetings and sharing secure information (like passwords), consider the ways in which you can use what you have to amp up your security. 

K-12 Remote Tips

We send out an email with each new remote communications tip for K12. Some examples use ParentSquare, but these tips will work with any comprehensive communications tool. Sign up to receive them straight in your inbox.

We’d love to know what you are doing — what great examples or ideas would you like to share with other schools? Simply comment below or submit your tip via our web form.