National Microschooling Members FAQs

The URL of your business domain will be able to be used as a subdomain.  This means that you can keep the current email addresses under that domain.  Synetic will need to move the DNS record by working with the person who set up your business domain.  Any data in Drive can be moved by you via Google Takeout to the new domain.

All of the refurbished Chromebooks will have at least a 2027 Auto Expiration date to ensure they take updates to the Chrome browser.

Yes, if you are a National Microschooling Member Synetic will manage the domain at the same price/student.  However, we must confirm it is an educational domain and not a business domain first.  If it is an educational domain, the minimum number of Education Plus licenses is 50 even if you don’t have that many students.  Staff are free at a ratio of 4 students = 1 free staff license.  

Synetic will become your technology support for your Google for Education domain/subdomain and will review a comprehensive range of settings with you in advance to understand how you would like it set up for your individual microschool. There are over 1000 settings inside the Google domain and having the technical and educational experience is key to ensure security, reliability and educational value.   

 

To ensure the security, efficiency, and usability of the domain for educational purposes, here are the key areas and settings to consider:

Security Settings

1. User Authentication:

   • Enable 2-Step Verification.

   • Enforce strong password policies.

2. Data Protection:

   • Set up Data Loss Prevention (DLP) rules.

   • Configure Google Vault for archiving and eDiscovery.

   • Enable and configure Secure LDAP.

3. App Access Control: iXL, iReady, Lexia

   • Manage third-party app access.

   • Configure OAuth app whitelisting.

   • Enable API access controls.

4. Device Management:

   • Enforce device policies (e.g., for Chromebooks).

   • Configure mobile device management (MDM) settings.

   • Set up advanced security settings for managed devices.

User Management

1. Organizational Units (OUs):

   • Organize users into OUs for better policy management.

   • Apply specific policies to different OUs based on user roles (students, teachers, staff).

2. User Provisioning:

   • Use automated user provisioning tools (e.g., Google Cloud Directory Sync).

   • Configure account recovery options.

3. Group Management:

   • Set up and manage Google Groups for collaboration.

   • Configure group settings and permissions.

Application Settings

1. Google Workspace Core Services:

   • Configure settings for Gmail, Drive, Calendar, and Classroom.

   • Set sharing and access permissions for Google Drive.

   • Enable/disable services as per educational needs.

2. Google Classroom:

   • Manage class creation settings.

   • Enable guardian summaries.

   • Configure Meet settings for Classroom.

3. G Suite Marketplace Apps:

   • Review and approve third-party apps.

   • Manage app installation permissions.

Compliance and Reporting

1. Audit Logs:

   • Regularly review audit logs for suspicious activities.

   • Configure alerts for important events.

2. Reporting and Insights:

   • Use the security dashboard for insights.

   • Generate usage reports for apps and services.

3. Data Retention and Compliance:

   • Configure data retention policies.

   • Ensure compliance with local regulations (e.g., COPPA, FERPA).

Network and Access Settings

1. Network Configuration:

   • Set up network restrictions (e.g., IP whitelisting).

   • Configure VPN access if needed.

2. Access Control:

   • Set up access control rules for different services.

   • Manage session lengths and sign-in security.

Training and Support

1. User Training:

   • Provide training materials for teachers and students.

   • Regularly update training on new features and security practices.

2. Support Resources:

   • Set up a helpdesk or support system.

   • Provide resources for troubleshooting common issues.

Communication and Collaboration

1. Gmail and Chat:

   • Configure email settings (e.g., spam filtering, forwarding rules).

   • Set policies for Google Chat usage.

2. Google Meet:

   • Configure Meet settings (e.g., recording, moderation controls).

   • Ensure proper settings for virtual classrooms.

Miscellaneous

1. Branding and Customization:

   • Customize the domain with logos and themes.

   • Set up custom URLs for services (e.g., mail.school.edu).

2. Backup and Recovery:

   • Set up regular backups of critical data.

   • Ensure a recovery plan for data loss scenarios.

   • Regularly reviewing and updating these settings helps maintain a secure, efficient, and effective Google for Education environment.

Education Plus by Google includes all of the Teaching and Learning Features, Collaboration Features and Security features of the software.

Expanded Teaching Tools in Google Workspace for Education Plus:

• Advanced Video Communication: Enhanced features in Google Meet, such as larger meeting capacities, recording, live streaming, and breakout rooms.

• Classroom Enrichment: Tools for managing assignments, grading, and providing feedback.

• Originality Reports: Advanced features for checking academic integrity and providing detailed reports.

Security Features:

• Security Center: Advanced threat detection and response tools.

• Advanced Mobile Management: Comprehensive device management capabilities.

• Enhanced Security Tools: Tools for data loss prevention, data region controls, and enterprise-grade access controls.

Collaboration Features:

• Interactive Q&As and Polls: Tools for engaging students in Google Meet.

• Breakout Rooms: Facilitating group discussions and activities.

• Additional Storage: Increased capacity for Drive, Gmail, and Classroom to support collaboration and file

• Sharing

• See this LINK

To get approved for a Google for Education domain on your own could be difficult.  Synetic Technologies worked with The National Microschooling Center for several months.  Due to microschools not having certifications in all states and the way the approval process works, it took a long amount of time.  However, if you want to try to get your own domain approved through Google.  This link will take you to Google’s Support article on the process.  

It is also important to note that the minimum number of Google licenses for Education Plus software from Google is 50.  This means that even if you have fewer students you would have to buy 50 licenses annually for Education Plus software.

Comparison Chart: Unmanaged vs. Managed Google Chromebook for Students

This chart provides a clear overview of how unmanaged and managed Google Chromebooks differ, especially in a school setting. Managed Chromebooks offer enhanced security, control, and support, making them more suitable for educational environments where consistency and compliance with school policies are crucial.

Feature	Unmanaged Chromebook	Managed Chromebook
Control	Full control by the user (student)	Controlled by an administrator (e.g., school IT)
Security	Basic security features	Enhanced security with administrative oversight
Software Updates	User-managed updates	Automatic, centrally managed updates -
App Installation	Freedom to install any apps	Restricted to approved apps
Content Filtering	No content filtering	Content filtering based on policies
Device Management	No remote management capabilities	Remote management and troubleshooting
Account Management	Personal Google account	School-managed Google accounts
Parental/School Controls	Limited to what the student sets up	Comprehensive controls set by administrators
Access to School Resources	Manual configuration required	Automatic access to school resources (e.g., WiFi, printers)
Compliance with School Policies	Dependent on student adherence	Enforced compliance with school policies
Support and Troubleshooting	User-dependent support	Centralized support from school IT
Data Backup	User responsible for backups	Automatic backup through school policies
Usage Monitoring	No monitoring tools	Usage monitoring tools for administrators
User Experience	Personalized, potentially inconsistent	Consistent experience across devices
Cost	Generally lower initial cost	May include additional costs for management software

No, a school that wants to have all of the features of the National Microschooling domain, must also have Google domain management by Synetic.  This is due to the number of schools that have a subdomain within the main environment.

From Google Article found here: 

Some settings apply only to supervised company-owned devices:

All iOS devices under advanced management

Supervised company-owned iOS devices only

Apple certificates—Set up the integration between Google endpoint management and Apple services. Apple Volume Purchase Program (VPP)—Set up Apple VPP to distribute and manage iOS apps. Account Configurations—Allow users Google Workspace or Cloud Identity data to sync to built-in iOS apps. Enrollment—Control how iOS devices are enrolled in your organization. Lock Screen—Control what information is shown on the screen when the device is locked. Data sharing—Control how files and content can be shared between apps. Backup and iCloud Sync—Restrict how users can use iCloud for data synchronization and backup. Photos—Restrict photo syncing and storage in iCloud. Advanced Security—Restrict screen capture, Siri, Apple Watch sync, and Handoff. Safari—Control access to Safari features. Device features—Control diagnostics reporting.

Company-owned iOS device setup—Control how company-owned iOS devices are enrolled and which setup screens are shown. Device features—Restrict how users can personalize their device and use certain features such as AirDrop, ScreenTime, and factory reset. Networks—Restrict the cellular, Bluetooth, eSIM, Personal Hotspot, VPN, and Wi-Fi settings users can change. Apps and services—Restrict app installation, removal, and changes to settings. Apple apps—Restrict use of iOS apps, including FaceTime, iMessage, Game Center, and Podcasts, and restrict access to explicit content in iTunes and Apple Books. Authentication—Control what authentication methods users can edit and control password sharing and autofill. Connections—Restrict pairing and printing. Keyboard and dictionary—Restrict use of spellcheck, autocorrect, QuickPath, and Look Up.

 

Many of the microschool leaders are leasing an extra Chromebook or iPad for use by teachers or staff.  This is just fine.  You may also get an extra device or two for students who forget their device at home or for them to use when their device is in for repairs.

If your enrollment goes up during the year, you simply let Synetic Technologies know via our ticketing system to add the new student(s).  If you also lease devices, we will ship out another device to you and adjust on the next invoicing cycle.

If your enrollment goes down, you will let us know which student(s) to remove from the Google domain.  We will make that adjustment on the annual license term cycle because the Google Workspace for Education licenses are on an annual license renewal. 

Please visit this link and scroll through all the content.  Make sure you click on the various YouTube links as they do a deep dive into the individual tools.

Please visit this link for a full overview of the Security Features.

Yes, Google Workspace for Education is COPPA compliant.  Students in an educational domain are secure and safe.  Business domains are not COPPA compliant.  See this link for more.

If you have tax-exempt status, please make sure Synetic receives that documentation.  More on this can be found HERE.

Tax Payer Identification form.  Here is a LINK to the information and instructions on how to fill the form out.