Digital Citizenship at Our School 

Digital technology is an essential part of our school experience. Our students use digital tools throughout the learning process; from the gathering and organizing of information, to the synthesis of that information, to the presentation of their learning to an audience. Our teachers are also making use of digital tools in a variety of ways; for the purposes of assessment; data collection; and to open up avenues to learning conversations. It is our mission to help students to become safe, competent, and responsible digital citizens from Grade 1 to12 and into adulthood. We aim to help our students to think critically, communicate, collaborate, and create change on local, national, and global levels, in ways that are responsible and respectful of others. The use of digital devices throughout the learning process, with teacher support and careful supervision, provides opportunities for students to practice digital citizenship in contexts that mirror real life.

Note:

• The school is not responsible for the loss, damage, or theft of student electronic devices.
• The school is not able to provide technical support for student devices.
• There are risks that are inherent in internet use therefore devices can only be utilized when students are under the direct supervision of a teacher in an approved area of the school.
• Devices can only be utilized for educational purposes.
• Misuse will be determined by the staff and administration.

We view Digital Citizenship as a shared responsibility between students, their families and the school and appreciate families taking time to discuss this with their students.

Admirable Use Policy

We practice the principles of our Caring Circle in helping students make positive decisions through the values of caring, respect, and responsibility. Through these values, we will ensure the safety of all students when working with educational technology in the school. The three principles of respect will ensure that we are using digital information and technology resources in a responsible way:

Respect Yourself

• Keep your CBE account passwords and other personal information private.
• Tell your teacher if something on an electronic device makes you feel uncomfortable or is inappropriate.
• Use your time wisely when using technology during learning time.
• Caring for a personally owned device is the responsibility of the owner.

Respect Others 

• Use appropriate language and communicate respectfully at all times.
• Respect the property and the creative work of others.
• Protect and respect the personal information of others.

Respect Your School 

• Leave all school equipment so that it is ready to be used by others.
• In the school environment, use technology for learning.
• Report any problems with technology equipment as soon as you have seen them. 

Violation of the CBE and Briar Hill School Policy

If you do not follow this policy it may result in one or more of the following consequences:

• A phone call home or letter
• Restriction or loss of computer privileges; and/or
• School based disciplinary consequences 

Digital Citizenship Plan

Schools use Digital Citizenship Plans to ensure that students and staff have access to and can use available educational technologies to support learning within a strong culture of digital citizenship. Elements of the plans address how a school will work to build a community where we live and work together as digital citizens. These plans are updated and revised on at least an annual basis to address emerging needs and access to new technologies.

Each school’s Digital Citizenship Plan addresses six elements:

1. How digital tools and resources will be incorporated in the classroom to personalize student learning.
2. Processes and guidelines for ensuring student safety online.
3. Opportunities and strategies for providing professional learning related to using digital tools and resources.
4. Plans for how the school will encourage and support students in bringing in and using personally owned devices to support their learning.
5. Processes and opportunities for communication and dialogue with parents about digital citizenship and to involve them as partners in building strong digital citizenship practices.
6. Strategies for assessing and revising the plan based on emerging needs.