Fairbanks North Star Borough School District

Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, located in Alaska, serves a diverse student population. Megan Douglas, a tech lead who has worked in various roles, has seen firsthand the impact digital learning has had on students and staff.

Challenge

Before ClassLink, the district relied on “pen and paper,” manual systems, and the transition to digital tools proved challenging. Educators struggled with managing multiple accounts and logins, making it difficult for students and staff to access the resources they needed. The district needed a more streamlined solution to support both its staff and students.

Solution

ClassLink provided a fitting solution by providing tools like LaunchPad, the ClassLink Management Console (CMC),  and Roster Server with rule-based permissions. LaunchPad allows students to easily access all their apps, while teachers and staff use it for the creation of apps, assignments, and class setup.

Roster Server automated the import of student and staff data, eliminating manual uploads. With Rule-based Permissions, the district could easily assign resources to specific groups based on grade level, school, or roles. Additionally, the CMC’s impersonation feature allowed the district’s IT team to troubleshoot issues quickly by simulating user experiences and identifying problems remotely.

Results

Since implementing ClassLink, the district has seen significant improvements in user efficiency and troubleshooting capabilities. Analytics have allowed Fairbanks to monitor app usage and make data-driven decisions regarding vendor contracts. The ability to manage resources and permissions effectively has saved time and helped ensure that students and staff can focus on learning rather than navigating complex systems. The district plans to continue refining its use of rule-based permissions, which will further enhance resource management and improve the user experience for all.