Many schools in the United States use GoGuardian. It is often used in school Chromebooks to achieve certain goals such as to help manage and monitor student activity on Chromebook devices.
It is basically, a filtering software that is used in schools to block inappropriate content and keep students safe online. It is a very controversial topic because some people think that it is an invasion of privacy.
In the previous post, I explained the Top 11 features of GoGuardian’s new web filtering service On this page, I will be discussing how to use the software.
What is the GoGuardian?
GoGuardian is an educational technology company that provides software solutions for K-12 schools.
It offers a range of tools and services like – Classroom Management, Web Filtering, Mobile Device Management (MDM, Student Safety Solutions, Data Analytics, and Reporting aimed at enhancing digital learning environments and ensuring a safe and productive online experience for students.
| Founder (s) | Advait Shinde, Tyler Shaddix, and Aza Steel |
| Found in | 2014 |
| CEO | Advait Shinde |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Services | Classroom Management, Web Filtering, Student Safety Solutions, Data Analytics and Reporting |
| Purpose | To provide digital learning solutions for K-12 schools to create safe and engaging environments for students. |
| Website | goguardian.com |
The company’s mission is to empower educators and provide them with the tools they need to create positive and productive learning environments in the digital age.
Top 3 Features of GoGuardian
1. Filtering & Monitoring
GoGuardian’s Filtering & Monitoring feature is an essential tool for schools aiming to create a secure and productive digital learning environment. With this feature, schools can effectively control students’ access to online content, ensuring they interact with educational materials while avoiding distractions or inappropriate material.
The platform offers a comprehensive range of capabilities, including category-based filtering, customizable policies, and safe search enforcement.
Real-time activity monitoring allows educators to track student engagement and intervene when necessary. Additionally, the ability to whitelist or blacklist specific websites offers further customization options.
Time-based policies and SSL inspection provide additional layers of control and security.
Alerts and notifications help educators address policy violations or potential safety concerns promptly. Through data and insights, schools gain valuable information about student online activity, enabling informed decisions regarding digital learning strategies.
2. Classroom Management
GoGuardian’s Classroom Management feature is a dynamic tool that empowers educators in the digital learning environment. With real-time device monitoring, teachers gain valuable insights into students’ activities, allowing for timely interventions and tailored support.
The ability to share screens and broadcast specific student screens facilitates seamless instruction and collaboration. Remote screen locking provides a powerful means to refocus student attention when needed.
Under this feature, the teachers can also exert control over web access and application usage, ensuring students stay on task and utilize the appropriate resources.
The messaging and chat function fosters direct communication between teachers and students, enabling quick clarifications and support. Additionally, the feature allows for assistance requests, creating an avenue for students to seek help when they need it.
With tools like internet pausing and time management controls, educators can manage class time effectively, optimizing the learning experience. The inclusion of student thumbnails offers an efficient means of monitoring multiple students at once.
3. Student Safety
GoGuardian’s Student Safety feature is a paramount aspect of the platform, placing the well-being of students at the forefront of digital learning. It employs advanced algorithms to scan online activities for potential safety concerns, swiftly alerting school staff to take appropriate action.
By identifying flagged keywords or phrases that may indicate distress, it provides a crucial early warning system. The platform goes a step further, utilizing sophisticated algorithms to detect language suggestive of suicidal thoughts or intentions. This capability is instrumental in enabling timely interventions and support.
GoGuardian also excels in recognizing self-harm indicators, ensuring schools can swiftly offer necessary assistance. By monitoring online interactions, it helps prevent instances of bullying or harassment, reinforcing a safe digital learning environment.
Operating around the clock, this system guarantees continuous vigilance, even outside regular school hours, generating comprehensive reports for staff review.
The integration with crisis hotlines allows for immediate responses when urgent assistance is required. With customizable alert thresholds, schools have the flexibility to align safety alerts with their specific protocols.
How to log in and use the GoGuardian?
- Open a web browser and go to the GoGuardian login page
- Enter your provided credentials (username and password).
- Access the dashboard to manage settings, view activity, and utilize features based on your role (teacher, student, or administrator).
- Follow your school’s policies and guidelines for using GoGuardian.
What are the benefits of using the GoGuardian app?
There are numerous benefits of using the GoGuardian app. Perhaps most importantly, it allows parents and guardians to have a direct line of communication with their child’s school.
In the event of an emergency, this can be invaluable. The app also provides peace of mind for parents, knowing that they can check in on their child’s whereabouts and activities during the school day.
Another great benefit of the app is that it provides parents with access to their child’s academic progress. Parents can see how their child is doing in class and track their progress over time. This information can be used to help support and guide your child’s academic journey.
Additionally, the app is a great tool for staying up-to-date on school events and happenings. Parents can easily view upcoming events, such as field trips or school concerts, and RSVP or sign up for volunteer opportunities. This helps ensure that you never miss an important date or event!
How to get started with the app (Parents)?
If you have already downloaded the GoGuardian app on your device, here are the steps to get started with GoGuardian Parent:
- Download the GoGuardian Parent application from the Apple App Store or Google Play after receiving approval from the school’s IT Administrator or district’s IT Administrator.
- Open the App and Enter the email address associated with your school’s administration for authentication.
- Upon successful entry, you’ll receive an email with a verification link. Click the Verify Your Email link/button in your email to log in.
If the link does not work for any reason, use the PIN to complete the Verification step.
- Review the terms and conditions provided in the app, ensuring you read to the bottom of the text before pressing “I Agree“. If you encounter any issues, ensure your device has an active internet connection, reopen the app, and try again.
- After signing in, select your child’s student account to review their activity. Depending on administrative settings, you’ll have access to various information regarding their browsing behavior and interactions with GoGuardian teachers such as the top 5 visited domains and domains logged within the Chrome browser, etc.
- If suspect any unusual activity, you can use the app to configure website filtering settings and manage internet access for your child. To do this just click on the Filters option and then on + ADD WEBSITE icon to block the domain. Please note filtering services are not allowed during school hours.
How to get rid of GoGuardian as a student?
GoGuardian is a tool that helps schools monitor and manage student activity on Chromebooks, and tampering with it could violate school policies.
If you’re having issues with GoGuardian or believe it’s causing problems, it’s best to talk to your school’s IT department or a teacher for assistance. They should be able to address any concerns or technical issues you’re experiencing.
Conclusion
Overall, GoGuardian is an amazing program that can really help students in the classroom.
It allows teachers to see what websites students are visiting, and also provides a way for them to block certain websites if necessary.
Additionally, it gives parents peace of mind knowing that their child is only accessing appropriate content during school hours. We highly recommend giving Go-Guardian a try in your classroom!
FAQs
This software allows schools to monitor and filter student internet usage. Below are some FAQs –
Q.1 How does it work?
Ans: It works by monitoring students’ internet activity and blocking certain websites and content that may be inappropriate or harmful. It can also send alerts to parents or guardians if it detects any suspicious activity.
Q.2 Is it effective at preventing cyberbullying?
Ans: GoGuardian can be effective in detecting certain indicators of cyberbullying, such as flagged keywords or phrases, and can provide alerts to school staff.