How do I find safe and appropriate websites for my students?
Where to Look
Common Sense Education offers reviews and ratings for educational tools, including privacy evaluations. Graphite (now part of Common Sense) is another source. Your school or district may have a list of approved sites.
Professional learning networks like ISTE or Twitter can be good places to ask other teachers for recommendations. Also, check if the site has a privacy policy that is easy to find and understand.
- Common Sense Education reviews
- Graphite by Common Sense
- ISTE Connect community
- School district approved list
- Teacher recommendations on social media
Evaluation Checklist
When previewing a site, check for age-appropriate content, ads, and links to external sites. Ensure it doesn't require personal information from students unless necessary and compliant.
Look for signs of quality: clear learning goals, evidence of effectiveness (though be wary of unverified claims), and ease of use. Test the site on the devices your students will use.
- Check for age-appropriate content
- Review privacy policy and terms
- Look for ads and external links
- Test on student devices
- See if it requires student accounts
Common mistakes
- Relying solely on a search engine's top results without vetting the sites.
- Assuming a site is safe because it's popular among teachers; always verify privacy and content.
- Forgetting to re-evaluate sites periodically, as content and policies can change.
Related questions
- What are the best websites for teachers to use in the classroom?
- How can I create a free classroom website for my students?
- What makes a good educational website for elementary students?
- Can I use any website in my classroom if it's for educational purposes?
- What are some interactive websites for classroom activities?