It is helpful to see what other schools are doing with their guidelines for smart, effective, safe and ethical use of technology and digital resources. Our Washington International School Information and Communication Literacies (ICL) team recently reviewed and updated our AUP. We will be creating a version written in more “student friendly” language for our Primary School teachers to use in their start of the year lessons. Hopefully the following can add to your discussions as you review your technology and digital resources use policy.

________________

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, THE INTERNET AND ELECTRONIC RESOURCES

WIS provides a wide array of computers, digital equipment, technology resources, services, and Internet access in order to enhance the teaching and learning process. Access to the Internet is provided via a high-speed network in classrooms, labs, and libraries, and all public spaces on both campuses are served by a robust Wi-Fi network for laptops and mobile devices.

The instructional program at WIS is designed around a framework of 21st century skills, and as such charges students to do a great deal of online research, multimedia design, data processing, and electronic communication. In order to successfully participate in the instructional program, students need access to digital resources outside of the classroom. Although the libraries and computer labs are available at various times outside of regular teaching hours, access is limited and students who are involved in after school activities will have little opportunity to use these resources. Ideally, students should have reliable and consistent access to a computer and the Internet from home.

Additionally, students in Grades 6 through 10 participate in WIS’s 1:1 BYOiPad program.  Families are responsible for purchasing a device and students are required to bring them to class each day.  Student iPads are registered in our Mobile Device Management system and apps will be pushed to their devices as necessary.  11th and 12th graders participate in a full BYOD program where they choose what kind of device to bring to class on any given day.

 

TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

This Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) outlines the appropriate use of WIS’s technology resources and services during and after school. By signing the Handbook Acknowledgment form, every student is indicating that he or she understands and agrees to abide by the guidelines written below.

WIS network, technology resources and Internet access are school resources and use of them is considered a privilege. Therefore, violation of this AUP will result in the loss of this privilege and/or other appropriate discipline actions according to division-level policies. These actions may include written warnings, withdrawal of access privileges, and in extreme cases, suspension or expulsion.

Applicable to all WIS students (Primary, Middle, Upper):

I realize that my behavior when using the WIS network and technology resources should abide by the WIS Code of Conduct.

Safety and Security

• I understand that passwords are private and should not be shared with others. I will not allow others to use my account name or password, or try to use that of others.

• I will not bypass security settings or interfere with the operation of the WIS network in any way.

• I will use WIS network and technology resources productively and responsibly for school-related purposes; if I want to use the network or technology for a purpose other than education, I will do so after securing permission from my teacher, librarian or administrator.

• I will maintain the setup of WIS devices as they were when I found them. For example, I will not add or change software, apps, passwords, wallpapers, etc.

• I will record or share image or audio files only when I have obtained permission from my teacher, librarian or administrator. I will not use cameras in restrooms or locker rooms, regardless of intent.

• I will use WIS network and technology resources to access, display, create or communicate material that is not illegal, obscene, destructive, harassing, threatening, hateful or otherwise offensive. I am responsible for not pursuing or sending material that could be considered objectionable or hurtful to myself or others.

I will be responsible for all of my digital files, including backing up files not already stored in the cloud.

 

Digital Citizenship

• I will use technology in such a way that does not disrupt the attention of the class. This includes setting all of my devices on “mute” or “vibrate” unless permission is obtained from the teacher, librarian or administrator and configuring Do Not Disturb settings.

• I will be thoughtful and polite and use appropriate language in my digital communication, as determined by school administrators.

• I will follow all guidelines set forth by my teachers when publishing schoolwork online (e.g. to a website, blog, wiki, discussion board, podcasting or video server).

• I will respect the intellectual property rights of others. I will obey copyright guidelines and avoid plagiarizing others’ work or ideas.

• I understand that I am an ambassador for the school in all of my online activities, which should not reflect negatively on my school, fellow students or teachers. I will not post personal or embarrassing information about other students, employees, or members of the WIS community.

• I will not masquerade, spoof, or pretend to be someone else. This includes, but is not limited to, sending out e-mail, creating accounts, or posting messages or other online content (e.g. text, images, audio or video) in someone else’s name.

• All confidential school information must be protected and may be disclosed only according to school policy or as required by law. I will not disclose or repeat any confidential information in my online communications.

 

Specific to Primary School students:

• If I bring an e-reader to school, I will use it only for reading pre-loaded materials and will not access the WIS network or the device’s other capabilities, such as programs, apps or games. I understand that I am responsible for the damage, loss or theft of any device that I bring to school.

• If I bring a cell phone or other device (with the exception of an e-reader) to school, I will power it off and store it in my locker the entire time that I am at school (including after school). I understand that I am responsible for the damage, loss or theft of any device that I bring to school.

• When I am conducting research related to school pursuits, I will first use the information resources provided by WIS, such as those found at http://pslibrary.wis.edu.

• When registering or sharing my work on the Internet I will not share identifying personal information, including but not limited to my last name, age, address and telephone number.

• When I am assigned a WIS Google apps account (this usually occurs in Grade 3), I will follow the guidelines of this AUP.

 

Specific to Tregaron students (Middle and Upper Schools):

• I understand that while social media may be available at school, I can only use it legally and at the discretion of my teacher or administrator. In general, access to these sites is not available during class time and will only be possible during breaks, lunch and before/after school. The teacher or supervising adult holds complete authority to decide whether these resources can be used at any time.

• I will be prudent in allowing access to my online content on social media sites and configure privacy settings to limit access to my profiles.

 

1:1 BYOiPad Policies:

• I must provide an iPad for my school coursework.

• My iPad is required to be at school every day, fully charged. If I leave my iPad at home or it is not charged, I am responsible for completing all coursework as if I had use of my iPad.

• I must set a passcode to my iPad.

• I will configure my WIS email address on my iPad.

• I understand that malfunctions or technical issues are not acceptable excuses for failing to complete an assignment, unless no other means of completion exist.

• I will know where my iPad is at all times. It is my responsibility to keep it safe and secure.

 

EXPECTATIONS OF PRIVACY

The computer system, including e-mail and Internet, is the property of Washington International School.  WIS relies on a combination of self-hosted, externally hosted, and cloud-based services.  The current list of these services can be accessed at _______ ; it will be updated as needed throughout the year. These services are primarily intended for educational and business use and are subject to monitoring at any time. Although WIS does not routinely check communications or files, it has the right to review, audit, and disclose all matters sent over or stored on the system. As a result, members of the WIS community should recognize that there is no reasonable expectation of privacy when using the computer system.

 

DISSEMINATION OF MULTIMEDIA MATERIALS

The increasing use of technology and multimedia at WIS presents a wonderful opportunity for students and teachers to share what they do with the WIS community. The presentations, photos, video and audio of classes, field trips and school events are often shared with the WIS community electronically and through web-based resources. Sometimes, students and parents buy or receive copies of school events on media, such as CDs or DVDs. The instinct to share achievements is understandable but these files are for community use only. Any sharing of these materials beyond the WIS community is prohibited, except with the explicit permission of the creator of the work and all students involved.

 

ADDITIONAL SCHOOL-WIDE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ONLINE COURSE MATERIAL

Tregaron teachers use Moodle to maintain online resources for their classes, including posting announcements, sharing documents, collecting assignments, facilitating online activities, etc. While the degree of usage will inevitably vary from teacher to teacher, students should expect to refer to the Moodle pages regularly to get the latest updates from their courses. Families have an account on this system as well, so that class updates and other information is readily available.

 

Updated February 2014