Based on Education Enterprise Architecture Guidebook, single sign-on (SOS) allow users the ability to access more than one resources (web page and applications) with one authentication. This means through a form of password synchronization on a software cookies based authentication can provide positive and negative consequences.
Through my professional use of utilizing signal sign-on has helped me to navigate the world wide web without difficulty. The time to access data and centralizing information feasible for an educator. Riverview Language Academy had a program called Gather Safety that would help memorize all the passwords, however, through the lack of communication with the provider and initial difficulty for parents, the vendor was removed. In my opinion, the single sign-on would have been difficulty for launching, but once implemented the services would be everlasting and beneficial for all.
In addition, SOS would allow students to bring their own device to school and keep their password privacy safe. The approach will create a distinct differentiation between students who can/ cannot afford technology devices. However, once all students have their own devices, they can sign in and allow their device to memorize their password, so that no time in classroom learning would be lost. In addition, students and staff can access a shared data-based for educational resources and share the resources with parents. Also, single sign-on will allow an educators to use one username and password to access all the necessary systems within their device. This means each students or staff member, will have secure information on their own device.
Furthermore, the benefit of using this type of system is that it simplifies user access to multiple systems like Schoology, Illuminate, Outlook email account, etc. Security is a major concern with this type of authentication implementation. If a user leaves their device unattended, an unauthorized individual may gain access to protected systems.. Once one student has managed to get information or password from another individual, the devious student can leak into their account and change some setting or program levels, etc. This could be an alarming signal that SOS should not in place. Then, a larger problem could occur in the sense that certificated or classified staff could be hacked into their information and leaking information could create a larger privacy issue.
Overall, school districts might need a careful consideration of implementing single sign-on. As an educational leader in technology, I would not recommend single sign-on. My school district and school has allocated me with various online programs with different passwords. Yes, managing endless passwords is difficult, but by not implementing single sign-on for school sites with no one-on-one devices would be beneficial. However, if students do have one-on-one device and managed carefully by the teacher, then the implementation is beneficial mainly for primary grades like second and third grade. Once students are in middle school or high school, allowing them the responsibility for bringing in their own device can be a less costly outcome for the district.
References:
Arizona Education Learning and Accountability System (AELAS) Business Case. Retrieved on March 15, 2015 from http://www.azed.gov/aelas/files/2013/10/aelas-business-case-v1.5.pdf