NetRef

NetRef is a classroom management tool offered by Linewize that aims to provide real-time visibility and control over students' online activities in the digital classroom. It is designed for educational institutions of all sizes, ranging from small schools to large districts. According to the vendor, NetRef is used by teachers, technology coordinators, school administrators, education technology specialists, and school districts.

Key Features

Real-time visibility: According to the vendor, NetRef allows teachers to have real-time visibility of students' online activities during class. Teachers can monitor the websites and apps accessed by students, enabling them to identify any off-task or inappropriate internet use.

Internet access control: NetRef provides teachers with the ability to prevent access to distracting or non-relevant websites and apps during class. According to the vendor, teachers can close off-task or inappropriate tabs that students may be viewing. NetRef also offers teacher-managed classroom internet policies to ensure appropriate access to websites and apps.

Full device and OS support: NetRef supports managed BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) for Chrome, Windows, and MacOS. The vendor claims that it seamlessly works across different devices and operating systems, providing a consistent experience for teachers and students.

Guide and reinforce responsible use: The vendor states that NetRef enables teachers to guide students effectively on the internet during class. Teachers can pre-select specific apps and sites for students to access, focusing their attention on lesson-related content. Additionally, teachers can introduce additional resources during class, opening them on every student's device simultaneously or on individual devices only. This feature is intended to reinforce responsible internet use by limiting access to specific resources and content.

Minimize distraction: NetRef provides teachers with full visibility of students' online activity through the Teacher Dashboard in real time. According to the vendor, this allows teachers to quickly identify and address off-task internet use as it happens. Teachers have the ability to pause the internet for the whole class, a group, or individual students to regain their attention, aiming to minimize distractions and maintain focus.