TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Why Use Third Party Tools?
• Privacy and Data Security
• Functionality and Usability
• Accessibility
• Management, Support, and Scalability

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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

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?