NetSupport launches new generation of keyword monitoring to safeguard bilingual students.
July 2016 – UK: NetSupport is pleased to announce the launch of multiple language packs for the safeguarding keyword and phrase database within its IT asset management solution for schools, NetSupport DNA. This will enable staff in schools with a diverse ethnic mix of students to be able to monitor community languages other than English for safeguarding purposes.
With the number of bilingual and multi-lingual students doubling from 1997 to 2013, there is now a reported 1 million students learning English as an additional language (EAL) in UK schools, according to naldic.org.uk. Schools are faced with the challenge of not just safeguarding students who speak only English, but also EAL students, whose language differences make it near impossible for staff to monitor and react to as part of their safeguarding and Prevent Duty obligations.
Included with NetSupport DNA’s Safeguarding module, the new language packs will feature in the product’s comprehensive keyword monitoring tool – and will be updated with new languages on a regular basis. The tool uses advanced neurolinguistics technology to provide nominated school staff with an insight into what students have typed, the pages and content they have searched for and the text they have copied into clipboard. It monitors both web and desktop applications, and gives schools the option to exclude certain applications from monitoring. It draws on an extensive database of keywords and phrases covering the spectrum of safeguarding topics, to provide real value to schools.
Now teachers and safeguarding leads will be able to extend their safeguarding provision to a wider group of students, as the packs allow them to see and monitor phonetic representations of what students are typing in languages other than English; alerting them to activity by any student who is potentially open to physical or emotional harm – and allows them to take the appropriate action. A word cloud is also created for each category, highlighting trending terms within a school and providing further details on the entry.
Commenting on the development of language packs for NetSupport DNA’s Safeguarding module, NetSupport’s Managing Director, Al Kingsley, said: “Although safeguarding is now a key priority for schools, few have the tools to monitor and support EAL students whose numbers in schools are rising. Working with a range of schools and community leaders in numerous countries, we have developed a number of comprehensive language packs which include both phonetic representations and slang phrases specific to each language. Schools that have already invested in IT management tools to ensure cost efficiencies and secure their networks can now leverage the benefit of these extra safeguarding features at no additional cost.”
NetSupport collaborated with the Internet Watch Foundation to compile the initial English version of the keyword and phrases database. Speaking about the addition of language support, its Commercial Relationship Manager, Nicky Peachment, said: “We’re really happy to see NetSupport taking additional steps to better protect young people from accessing potentially damaging content. It’s a great example of how we’re sharing expertise with our internet industry Members to help develop new protection tools.”
In addition to supporting schools’ safeguarding policies, NetSupport DNA also provides a suite of easy-to-use tools to support the effective management of school, staff and student technology; saving time and money whilst increasing security and productivity. Its capabilities have recently been recognised with a win of Best of Show at ISTE 2016, awarded by Tech&Learning, the information portal for the educational technology industry.
To learn more about NetSupport DNA or to download a free 50-PC trial copy, visit www.netsupportdna.com/education where product video tours, walk-throughs and a range of supporting resources are also available.
About NetSupport
Headquartered in the UK and with a 26-year development pedigree, NetSupport is an award- winning developer of IT Asset Management, Classroom Management, Desktop Security, ITIL ServiceDesk and Desktop Alerting software.
NetSupport solutions and their derivatives are sold worldwide and enjoy market-leading status in many countries. Its flagship classroom management solution, NetSupport School, has been named a finalist at the prestigious Bett Awards 2016 – and NetSupport itself was awarded the title of Global Education Supplier of the Year at the 2015 GESS Awards in Dubai.
For more information about NetSupport, visit www.netsupportsoftware.com.
Press Contact
For further information or to schedule an interview, please contact Katie Hall, Marketing and Communications Manager at NetSupport.
Email: k.hall@netsupportsoftware.com
Tel: 01778 382270
