Digital Resources & Website Filtering

RSU 9 manages access to digital content and resources by staff and students in two ways. The first is through web-filtering that allows or restricts users from accessing specific websites while connected to our networks or while using one of our devices while connected to another network. The second is by maintaining a list of approved (i.e. vetted) digital tools or resources that students and/or staff can use.

What is web filtering?

Our security infrastructure relies on a multi-layered web filtering system that includes filtering traffic on our physical network using on-premises firewalls and filtering off-site traffic on student devices using Cisco Umbrella. Each service utilizes their own extensive database of websites that are automatically sorted into categories such as pornography, violence, social media, games, etc. and then blocked or allowed based on rules we set up. When you attempt to visit a site, both systems check these lists in real-time to determine if it should be allowed based on the categories we have selected to block or allow. Since these lists are maintained independently by Fortinet and Cisco, adjustments need to be made to accommodate specific district needs.

We retain the ability to block or unblock specific websites regardless of how they are categorized by each system. We do this by adding specific domains to Allow Lists or Block Lists to supersede how that domain is handled by the 3rd Party systems. Before doing this however, we have to investigate the website access request to determine why it was blocked or allowed on the original, default list and what district needs require that determination to be altered.

How do I get a website blocked or unblocked?

Ask...through a ticket of course! The most effective way to initiate a review of a website that you think should be blocked that isn't currently or that shouldn't be blocked that currently is, is to put in a tech ticket. Be sure to include the url of the site you want us to look at (copy and paste from the web browser's address bar is the most reliable), whether it is currently blocked or allowed, and why you want it to be changed.

On student devices, when they try to visit a site that is blocked by the Cisco Umbrella client, they are presented with a block page that includes a link for them to use to request access to the site. The form attached to this link goes directly to our ticketing system so we can look at those without any input from staff. Oftentimes these requests are not legitimate ("you gotta unblock this games site 'cause it so rad") so we generally recommend that students work with a staff member to put in the request on their behalf.

What is a digital resource?

Just because a website is accessible doesn't mean it is automatically an acceptable resource for you to use in your classroom or office. If a website is accessible by students AND the site is educationally appropriate (use your professional judgement) AND it doesn't fit one of the conditions below, it is probably acceptable to use in your classroom.

A digital resource needs to be vetted and approved if any of the following conditions apply:

• you or your students are required or are able to login or create an account to use the digital resource including a Google button, Clever, Google Classroom integration, etc.;

• any student information is entered into the system (even if it's just names);

• any educational records will be in the system;

• the system may potentially have access to educational records including grammar checkers or other "web apps" that require access to Google Workspace documents;

• school funds will be used, including grants;

• data sync, single sign on (SSO), or rostering support is required;

• Terms and Conditions or other agreements must be accepted or signed in order to use the resource;

• the resource is an app that needs to be installed on a device (i.e. it isn't web based);

• uses GenerativeAI.

How do I get a digital resource approved?

Step 1: Make sure it isn't already approved by checking the "Requested & Approved Digital Resources" list below

Step 2: Put in a tech ticket via the RSU9 Helpdesk portal. Select Technology Support > Apps & Digital Resources > New Digital Resource Request as the issue. In conjunction with this, you will need to fill out the "Digital Resource Request Form".

Step 3: Be patient. Sorting through new requests takes time as a lot of research needs to be done. We will likely be in touch throughout the process as well if we need additional information from you.