Sometimes your class will need to use a piece of software not already licensed by UM or by LSA. Perhaps you need your students to have very specific creative tools, or to learn an industry-standard platform. Perhaps you even created a tool yourself, for your specific course needs!

Your first step should be to speak with the LSA Learning and Teaching Consultants. It’s possible that one of our existing tools has just what you want as a new feature, and many of our vendors also accept requests to develop new features specifically for us. In that case, you would have the advantage of both professional technical support and assistance from LTC in using the tool. Your instructional need may also not be unique to you, and you may be the starting point for piloting a new tool that the rest of your department or other departments also need.

It is also important to remember that UM and LSA licensed tools are centrally paid for. Students do not bear any additional costs, when you use already licensed tools. 

Please remember, as well, to be cautious of tools and platforms that are entirely “free.” If a tool has a free level, with limited features, and a paid level with more features, that is generally a sustainable model. If, however, a tool or platform asserts that all its features are free, then you must be cautious of exactly how that platform is sustaining itself. The most common answer is that they are data-mining their users and selling that data. Always keep in mind: if you are not the customer, you are the product.

If nothing already licensed will work, and if a new license does not seem called for yet, you are still welcome to use the tool you’ve found or created. You can start the process of purchasing licenses here. Be aware, though, that all software used for classes at UM (including free tools) must pass both security and accessibility reviews. You will need to request those for anything that is not already licensed by UM or LSA

Required Reviews

The goal of the security review is to ensure that all FERPA information and all UM logins will remain private and not be shared with any unauthorized parties. It is vital that our class tools not expose UM to a hacking event or our students to invasions of privacy. Remember that students are the owners of their own data, and are trusting us all to take due care to keep it safe.

• To request a security review, email LSA.Security@umich.edu. Describe your tool briefly, and say what kind of student data it stores (if any). This may include course work, grades, user email, etc. In your request, mention what the instructor will enter into the tool, what students will enter, and whether the tool will be integrated into your Canvas course site. It will be helpful to also include the vendor’s contact information and a link to the tool’s Privacy policy.

The goal of the accessibility review is to ensure that all students have full access to course materials and will be able to complete course activities. It is also a legal requirement that all of our digital documents and tools be accessible at the AA level of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.

• To request an accessibility review for a tool that you wish to add to your Canvas course site, use the LTI Integration request form. For a tool that will not be accessed through Canvas, use the Digital Accessibility intake form.

The required reviews do take time, so please plan ahead and request the reviews as early as possible. Allow at least two months, possibly four during spikes in demand.

LTC is always happy to consult on tools you want to use, and help you identify what your options are. Reach out to us for an appointment!