Technology Use

Digital technology is ever present in today’s schools. Digital technology and personal electronic devices enable students to learn in both the physical and digital worlds. It is important to understand that expectations for behaviour are the same in both the physical and digital worlds and that the use of digital technology in schools comes with responsibility and high expectations for behaviour.

We will be using the following guidelines this year to promote responsible use of technology at school:

• Students will use digital technology and/or personal electronic devices (i.e., cell phones, tablets, laptops) only as learning tools during instructional time unless otherwise authorized to do so by a teacher or principal/vice principal. During the instructional school day, from 8:15 AM to 2:35 PM, students will turn off personal electronic devices and keep them in their school bags, unless the classroom teacher allows for personal electronic device use in class as a learning tool to enhance the learning and engagement of the student.
• Students will not be able to text, call, or otherwise contact family using personal devices during the instructional school day from 8:15 AM to 2:35 PM. Students are invited to come to the office to contact their families.
• Students will ensure their behaviour in the digital world meets the same expectations as behaviour in the physical world, using digital technology or personal electronic devices in a manner that respects the dignity, rights, and privacy of all. Students will not take photos, videos, or record any digital content of themselves, other students, or staff on their electronic devices at school.
• Students will project a positive identity online and participate and contribute constructively.
• Students will use a board username and a secure password when appropriate and limit the amount of personally identifying information shared online when possible.
• Students will understand that they will be held accountable for content created using their account (i.e., log out of accounts on public/shared devices).
• Students will refrain from inappropriate use, including but not limited to cyberbullying, viewing, creating, or distributing inappropriate content, and racist, sexist, classist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or any other oppressive behaviour.
• Students will refrain from inappropriate use, including but not limited to cyberbullying, viewing, creating, or distributing inappropriate, racist, sexist, classist, homophobic, transphobic, or ableist content, or participating in any other oppressive behaviour in digital spaces.

Reference: HWDSB Procedure for Policy No. 6.1 Responsible Use of Digital Technology Procedure

NOTE: If personal electronic devices are being misused, staff will securely store personal electronic devices until the end of the school day. If inappropriate use continues, the HWDSB Code of Conduct applies and parents/guardians will be required to come to school to pick up personal electronic devices.

Parents/guardians are asked to support staff in helping students understand the importance of focused instructional time and its impact on academic achievement. Parents/guardians can support the responsible use of digital technology by:

• Encouraging their child(ren) to use digital technology and personal electronic devices as learning tools during instructional time.
• Assisting their child(ren) in understanding the importance of digital citizenship and privacy.
• Explaining the importance of acting appropriately in both digital and physical worlds.
• Calling the school office at 905-388-1761 to contact their child while they are at school.

Responsibility for Personal Electronic Devices

• The secure storage of these devices is the sole responsibility of the owner/user.
• The school does not accept responsibility for lost, damaged or stolen personal electronic devices; students bring devices to school at their own risk. If this risk is unacceptable, devices should be left at home.
• The electronic transmission or posting of photographic images and recordings of a person or persons on school property, at school events, and during school activities and/or hours, is prohibited without the permission of the person or persons being photographed, the principal or designate, and where the student is below the age of 18 years, the consent of the parent/guardian.
• Personal electronic devices may not be taken into washrooms or change rooms.
• The principal may authorize the use of personal electronic devices on certain occasions (e.g., to monitor a medical condition, to photograph or video commencement).

Your support in fostering focused instructional time to maximize student achievement is greatly appreciated.