MDLT Blog

Answers to the top 10 questions Learning Technologists get asked everyday about Glow

TEAMS

Teams is telling me to download the app, do I have to?

No, you can use Teams in your internet browser, Chrome works best. Teams will suggest you download the app, which is free and does have some additional features for video conferencing; however it is not available on school computers and is not required. When working/learning at home you can chose to use the app on your own device if you have permissions to do so.

I can’t chat 1 to 1 with my teacher/learner in Teams, it says this feature is disabled by the administrator can you switch it on?

The chat function in Teams for learners is disabled nationally within Glow and can’t be switched on locally. Discussions are taking place with Education Scotland, Glow Key Contacts and RM Unify who operate Glow. Any changes will be communicated. Questions you do not wish to post inside the Team should be sent via your Glow email.

I can’t see my pupils when I am doing a video conference meeting in Teams, can you switch it on?

The video is disabled for learners nationally within Glow and can’t be switched on locally. Discussions are taking place around two way video conferences with learners and any changes will be communicated.

GOOGLE CLASSROOM

I have tried to email a learner/teacher in Google Classroom and its says it disabled by the administrator, can you switch it on so it will work?

Gmail is disabled for all Glow users nationally, so any emails regarding learning should be sent via your Glow Outlook email address. Any notifications from G Suite products will be forwarded automatically to your Outlook email account.

I can’t see my pupils when I am doing a video conference meeting in Google Classroom via Google Meet. It says it’s disabled by the administrator, can you switch it on?

Can I use Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint with Google Classroom?

Yes, but these documents will have to be added as attachments. The default programmes used to create new documents within Google Classroom are part of the G Suite such as Doc, Sheets and Slides.

GENERAL

I am being asked to enter my Microsoft account details when I try to get into my email or other Office 365 applications, what do I enter?

When you see the Microsoft sign in pop up box you need to enter your full Glow email address. Your Glow email is your user name followed by @glow.sch.uk for school users or @glowmail.org.uk for non school users.

When I am trying to use Glow sometime I get an error saying my browser does not support the action, what do I do?

When using Glow it is best to use Chrome as your internet browser. Some applications accessed within Glow are not comparable with other browsers such as Firefox or Internet Explorer. It is also worth ensuring that your browsers is update with the latest version of the software.

I have forgotten my password, how to I get it reset?

Contact the school in the first instance and they will be able to reset your password.

Can I use [insert product name] now that we are teaching/learning remotely?

The same data protection procedure is in place even when working remotely and only approved software, apps and websites should be used. If you wish to use a new product a DPIA form will be required to review the product prior to use.

Remote Learning Support

A website has been created to help parents/carers support learners in accessing Glow and saying safe online. The aim of this resources is to get learners logged into Glow where they can access long term support resources.

You can access the website using the following link – Digital Support Website

You can also find links for families of children in primary schools to support their child’s learning and development – here.

Data Protection – Do I need to complete a DPIA form?

Before purchasing or using a software programme, app or website Data Protection should be considered. If the product requires you to create an account, enter information about yourself or other people then a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) is required to comply with Data Protection legislation. The DPIA is reviewed by the organisation’s Data Protection Officer, who will decide whether to approve the product. On some occasions specific guidance is placed on the use of the product, for example additional parental consent requirements, data purging schedules or limits on information to be provided.

A link to download a blank DPIA and view full list of all the products that are authorised for use, products which schools are completing DPIA’s for and DPIA’s currently being reviewed can be found at the top of the Education Weekly Bulletin issues to all schools and support teams.

Do you always need to complete a DPIA?

The short answer is yes, but if you are creating an account for a product or website using generic information not linked to a specific person then the DPIA should only require the screening questions to be completed. For example creating an account using the school name rather than a person’s name, using a generic admin email account not a personal email and entering the school address instead of a home address.

It is worth considering when creating accounts to access resources whether generic information could be used without breaching the terms and conditions of the account you are creating.

If you have to enter personal details to create an account or to use a programme when should you complete a DPIA?

The DPIA should be completed prior to purchasing any new product or subscription. This will ensure that you are able to use the product straight away after purchase. It is also worth checking if you are renewing an existing subscription that was originally taken out prior to the updated Data Protection legislation coming into law that it has been reviewed and authorised.

Where can I find out more information?

You can find full guidance on completing the Moray Council DPIA form in the Data Protection Guidance – HERE

For general information about Data Protection legislation visit the Information Commissioner’s Officer by clicking – HERE

Don’t forget you can complete the Moray Data Protection training module on CLIVE

Any specific questions about completing the DPIA, products approved/rejected or currently under review can be directed to learntech@moray.gov.uk. The Learning Technologists will liaise with the DPO on your behalf.

What Digital Learning might look like

Located on the National Improvement Hub, Education Scotland have published a document which aims to provide examples of digital learning activities and how they can be incorporated into a range of contexts at early, first and second level.

The document lists the experiences and outcomes in the left-hand column with suggested learning activities in the right-hand column.

These examples are not exhaustive and are only to illustrate how educators can include the digital literacy and computing science experiences and outcomes into cross-curricular contexts.

This exemplar has been developed to support practitioners in early years settings and primary schools when they are planning learning and teaching of the digital literacy and computing science experiences and outcomes.

You can access the document using the link below –

What Digital Learning might look like exemplar

Signing In to Microsoft account in Glow

Some users when trying to open Office 365 from their Glow launch pads are being asked to Sign In to Microsoft in order to access Office apps.

If you see the message shown in the picture, simply type in your Glow email address and click ‘Next’ to progress to the Office 365 home page. Your Glow email is your user name followed by @glow.sch.uk for school users or @glowmail.org.uk for non school users. Examples for both email formats are below –

gw20bloggsjoe@glow.sch.uk

gw20bloggsjoe@glowmail.org.uk

You may be asked to repeat this action if you log onto a different computer or have cleared your browser’s cache.

If you have any issues logging in to Office 365 via Glow please email learntech@moray.gov.uk

2025/26 CLPL Opportunities

Places for all of the CLPL sessions details below can be reserved on CLIVE, Moray Council’s online learning management system.

The list below will continue to be updated as new sessions are confirmed. For school/team specific training requests please email the Digital Learning Team – learntech@moray.gov.uk

Date	Time	Session	Location	Delivered by
03/09/2025	4pm – 5pm	Leveraging Glow Applications for Learning & Teacher Workload	Online – Microsoft Teams	Digital Learning Team
18/09/2025	4pm – 5pm	Gemini AI : Lesson Planning & Resource Creation	Online – Microsoft Teams	Digital Learning Team
30/09/2025	4pm – 5pm	Using NotebookLM for Curriculum Analysis & Resource Development	Online – Microsoft Teams	Digital Learning Team
05/11/2025	4pm – 5pm	Using Adobe Express for Interactive Learning & Student Projects	Online – Microsoft Teams	Digital Learning Team
19/11/2025	4pm – 5pm	Computational Thinking & Problem Solving	Online – Microsoft Teams	Digital Learning Team
25/11/2025	4pm – 5:30pm	Introduction to Visual Programming with Scratch / ScratchJr	Online – Microsoft Teams	Digital Learning Team
10/12/2025	4pm – 5:30pm	Portfolios & Project Websites: Empowering Learners with Google Sites	Online – Microsoft Teams	Digital Learning Team