Digital Citizenship frames the rationale and conditions for the appropriate use of personal devices by all people. At Douglas Harkness School, students will not be allowed to access the network with their personal device (mobile phone, IPad’s, etc.) unless there is an educational reason and teacher invitation for including these devices into the learning environment. 

If you feel there is an educational reason for your child to be using their personal mobile device during instructional time (school day), please have a conversation with your child’s teacher. With the rapid advance of technologies and applications, we are confident that there will be opportunities for students to use digital tools that reside only on their tools in the service of their educational programming. We are asking that any use be discussed and agreed upon by your child’s teacher first. 

Personal Electronic Devices

We understand that often children bring cell phones for communication and safety reasons. Our policy is that all cell phones are turned off and put away during the instructional day (including lunch and recess). Students who use them during the day will be asked to put them away. If they are unable to meet this expectation, we will hold the device until we can talk to the child’s parents. As with any personal belonging that a student brings to school, the school cannot be responsible for electronic devices that are lost, stolen or damaged.

This is a significant opportunity for students to personalize their learning by identifying and using appropriate technology for their learning needs. As a school, we enter conversations with children about the responsible ways in which, we as members of a digital world, need think and act in terms of digital citizenship. We thank you for your attention to this important information. 

Use of Electronic Information Resources

Follow these three principles of respect to ensure that you are using information and technology resources in responsible way:

1. Respect Yourself

• Keep your CBE account passwords and other personal information confidential.
• Practice responsible conduct and digital etiquette when using electronic information resources.
• Inform your teacher if something on an electronic device makes you feel uncomfortable or is inappropriate.
• Use electronic information resources in a responsible manner that supports learning and demonstrates exemplary character.
• Care for personal devices is the individual student’s responsibility.

2. Respect Others

• Use appropriate language and communicate respectfully while using electronic devices.
• Respect the property and the creative work of others.
• Protect and respect personal information of others.

3. Respect this Place

• Use all electronic resources in a responsible manner that does not damage computer systems, data or networks.
• Leave the school equipment so that it is ready to be used by others.
• Use electronic equipment in the classroom environment to support learning in consultation with your teacher.

Students at Douglas Harkness School are expected to be responsible digital citizens who demonstrate exemplary character through an understanding of personal and civic responsibility. Any violation of the above expectations may result in disciplinary measures as outlined in CBE administrative regulations.

School Web Awareness Actions

In accordance with CBE regulations and expectations, we adhere to the following procedures to ensure all students are fully trained and aware of the need for web safety when using the internet:

• All students participate in at least one section of information from Media Smarts online.
• At the beginning of each school year, teachers review carefully with students the school policy on using technology.
• All students are provided with their own email account which is subject to filtering by the CBE. Students are made aware that there is no expectation for privacy when using this account and that it is solely for educational use.
• Access to computers is provided only when supervisors are present and aware of student use of internet.
• Computers are fully equipped with protected passwords and every computer onsite requires a valid password in order to access the computer, internet and email.
• There are specific consequences for inappropriate use of the internet which range from parent notification to restricted school use of computers and possible suspension from school.
• There is an instructional component of the regular curriculum that includes engaging all students in various types of research and representation, as well as the effective use of internet research tools.

If you have any questions or comments about email or internet use at the school, please contact our office at 403-777-6720.