Enter the student portal – you can access all your grades, class rankings, SAT/ACT and FCAT scores, and have a couple gigabytes of storage space to keep stuff to boot via Live@edu. You also can communally share group projects with it, too. Students no longer have to line up at the guidance counselor’s office in order to get the information or material they need for colleges, and parents can keep even better track of their child’s performance with student portal’s parental counterpart, parent portal.
A Good Next Step into Digitization
Many schools are now installing this new software, the most recent Marion County Public Schools of Florida, due to its immense usefulness and practicality. Indeed, when Live@edu (a service provided by Microsoft, which is accessed through student portal) was first created it was used primarily by colleges. However, now it seems to have filtered down into high school and many are enthusiastic about its welcome. Now students can work on group projects more efficiently together and they can access both assignments and resources (such as educational videos) from any computer terminal. Also, students can run practice FCAT exams with student portal in order to prepare them for the test, as well as be better organized through an online planner where they can organize their homework, studying and exams.
The program seems to be the next step for digitizing education. It may not be as extreme as handing out iPads to every student, but it is still a step in the digital direction. It is also a move that might suit schools that are a little more strapped for cash, and a little more conservative about jumping full-force onto the technological bandwagon.
It’s Not Just for Students
Parents can join in the technological fun, as well, as they have already been using for a year the aforementioned “parent portal.” Parents can access their child’s test scores, their attendance, and their SAT/ACT and FCAT scores. In this way parents will be able to know exactly how well their child is doing and in what areas. It is an ideal tool that can help parents keep on top of their sometimes-rambunctious teens’ schoolwork and make sure they are not playing hookey.
Overall, it is likely the smartest move for schools that are looking for useful tools in their digital arsenal. They can make a significant step forward without breaking the bank. Read more about it here.