Message from Mrs. Holmquist 12/5

Dear TIS Families,

We want to share an important update about how we support students and manage technology in the classroom for ages 11 and up. Tirana International School will soon introduce Class Cloud, a digital classroom management system designed to help teachers create focused learning environments and guide students toward responsible technology use.

Class Cloud allows teachers to view student screens during class, share resources, limit access to distracting sites, and provide quick feedback. It will also significantly reduce students’ ability to use VPNs to access social media, limit WhatsApp for desktop, and cut down on toggling between schoolwork and online gaming. On school-issued devices, this will work automatically. For personal devices, students will install a secure extension that only functions during school hours while connected to the TIS network. Outside of school, Class Cloud does not monitor or access the device. If students or parents prefer not to install Class Cloud on a personal device, we will gladly provide a school-issued device.

Students will use Class Cloud by signing in at the start of each class period when a teacher requires device use. Each class has its own unique code, and access ends when the class ends. This means that any monitoring or restrictions apply only during that class session. Once the class is over, Class Cloud stops completely—teachers and students cannot access the system outside of school hours.

Why are we making this change? Studies show that while laptops can improve learning when used for class-related activities, they also create distractions that harm performance. Students who multitask or browse unrelated content during lessons tend to score lower on exams. Globally, increased leisure use of electronic devices during school hours has been linked to declines in academic performance and greater feelings of isolation.

Class Cloud helps address these challenges by reducing distractions, promoting healthy digital habits, and creating consistency across classrooms. Students will no longer be able to play games during lessons, and teachers can lock screens until devices are needed for learning. Our goal is to help students build focus, responsibility, and balance in an increasingly digital world.

If you have question or concerns, please email me or book an appointment at katie-holmquist@tirana.qsi.org.

Thank you,
Katie Holmquist
Secondary Director of Instruction