Things to Consider When Using a 3rd Party Tool

Modified on Wed, Dec 18 at 9:00 AM

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Why Use Third Party Tools?
Privacy and Data Security
Functionality and Usability
Accessibility
Management, Support, and Scalability
Blackboard Integration (LTI)

Why Use Third Party Tools?

There are many interesting and exciting tools out there and you may want to use some of them in your course. Perhaps it is a commonly used tool in your field that Lesley does not currently license. Or perhaps it is an app or website that you think would benefit your students. Or maybe it is a tool that your colleague has been raving about. How do you decide whether or not to include a third party tool in your course?

While you may certainly use whatever tools you wish, please note that our support staff may not be able to support you or your students, as we may not know how to use them or be able to access them. You and your program will be responsible for any questions your students may have. When making the decision whether or not to include a third party tool in your teaching, please be aware of privacy, security, usability, accessibility, management, support, and scalability.

Privacy and Data Security

Keeping your students' data secure is of utmost importance. When considering a third-party tool, review their privacy policy and/or data use statement carefully to make sure that you understand what the company is doing with the data it collects.

Here are some things to keep in mind when reviewing privacy and security features:

Does this tool require students to create an account?
What information does this tool collect from its users (ex name, email address, etc.)?
How does the company collect, store, and share the personal information that it collects?
How does the company ensure that personal information is secure?
If students sign up for a free trial how long does the trial last? Are they required to enter payment information?

Functionality and Usability

As you explore the tool, think about the student experience and the value that this tool will add to your course. Keep in mind that students will want to be able to easily access, navigate, and use the tool with minimal support.

Here are some things to keep in mind when reviewing the tool's functionality and usability:

What function does this tool offer that existing supported tools do not?
Will this tool allow you to do something new or meet a curricular need?
Is this tool compatible across operating systems (ex Windows, MacOS, ChromeOS)?
For mobile users, is the tool compatible with a mobile browser or will students have to download an app? Will it work with both iOS and Android?
How easy is this tool to navigate and use?
Does the company provide detailed instructions or documentation?
Does the tool work consistently or is it glitchy?

Accessibility

Review the company's Accessibility Statement to ensure that the tool complies with higher ed requirements for accessibility and demonstrated best practices for universal design. If available, review the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT), which contains information about how the product conforms with Section 508 guidelines.

Here are some things to keep in mind when reviewing the tool's accessibility:

Is there a VPAT available for review?
Does the tool support screen readers? If so, which ones?
Does the tool support keyboard navigation?
Does the tool provide low vision color contrast?
Is video or audio content captioned?
Are support resources and/or documentation accessible?

Management, Support, and Scalability

Think about how much work will be involved in managing and supporting your students with this tool. Is this something that you can do easily?

Here are some things to keep in mind as you think about managing and supporting your students:

Do students create their own accounts or do you create an instructor account and add students?
Is the tool free or is there cost involved? If there is a cost, who will pay for it?
What kind of support does the company offer?
- Will you need to create documentation for your students or can you point them to existing resources (ex a detailed support site)?
- Can students contact the company with support questions?
Does this tool provide ongoing development, version updates, and bug fixes? If the tool is older or not well maintained, it could have performance issues or no longer be compatible with new systems and devices.
Is this tool or workflow scalable if your course is taught by another instructor? Will they be able to quickly learn the tool and how to manage it?

Blackboard Integration (LTI)

An LTI is a secure and seamless way to integrate certain third-party resources into myLesley/Blackboard, allowing users to move between resources without having to log in to multiple sites. If your tool has an integration, consider the following:

Does the tool have a Blackboard integration available (LTI 1.3)?
Is the LTI compatible with Blackboard Ultra?

If you would like to integrate a tool with myLesley/Blackboard, fill out the Blackboard Integration Request Form. All requests will be handled on a first come, first served basis.