EdTech Playbook: Interoperability
May 21, 19
One of the biggest concerns facing education leaders is simply keeping track of the systems used throughout classrooms in the district. Even trickier, do those systems interact nicely with each other?
We're exploring the components of interoperability in this Playbook. How can district leaders create a system designed to maximize time spent teaching and learning while minimizing data entry time? Let's look at the pieces of the puzzle, talk about asking the right questions, and look to the future of interoperability.
1) What are interoperability standards?
Interoperability affects every level of the school population—from students enjoying single-sign on access to practice programs, to teachers embedding assignments into digital content, to administrators reviewing achievement trends in real time.
Though the benefits add up quickly, interoperability takes careful planning to achieve. Never fear—there are guidelines in place to map out the systems that will work together and continue to stay connected for years to come, thanks to K12 interoperability data standards. These standards give vendors and schools a common language, rubric, and expectation for what exactly makes systems operate seamlessly together.
Though the benefits add up quickly, interoperability takes careful planning to achieve. Never fear—there are guidelines in place to map out the systems that will work together and continue to stay connected for years to come, thanks to K12 interoperability data standards. These standards give vendors and schools a common language, rubric, and expectation for what exactly makes systems operate seamlessly together.
2) Asking interoperability questions
Identifying and building the components of a connected system is equal parts art and science. It’s important to know the tech specs of a system, but equally important is the capability to ask vendors for a rundown on how interoperability works from their perspective.
3) Build a connected system
Creating a system built for interoperability can be a huge source of savings for your district, whether it’s time, money, headaches, or all three.
4) The future of interoperability
Systems designed to facilitate the open transfer of content between all classrooms in the district makes truly personalized learning possible. Longitudinal data and content carried consistently year after year from classroom to classroom makes a huge impact on individual student achievement. But as we look into the future, should we expect continued growth in K12 schools? Absolutely.
Originally posted on Skyward’s Advancing K12 blog.
A OneRoster API Endpoint is Now Available in SMS 2.0!
So what are the benefits? Cross-vendor interoperability! You can use this new API endpoint to share class rosters and related data with third party applications. Rest easy knowing you have a tested and reliable system that can connect with other products to meet your district’s unique needs.
Districts currently using other methods to provide OneRoster data to their vendors will now be able to use the OneRoster API instead, at no cost. Current Basic and LMS API users already have the ability to select the OneRoster API. Learn more!
SMS 2.0 is a dynamic suite of easy-to-use software tools that manages your district's operational processes and supports all school district staff in their efforts to provide sustained student success.
WSIPC is a non-profit cooperative that provides technology solutions (including SMS 2.0), services, and support to K-12 schools. WSIPC’s purpose is to help schools do more with every dollar and to empower them with the tools to work smarter. To learn how your district can become a part of the WSIPC Cooperative, contact us at info@wsipc.org or 425.349.6600.
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