Digital Citizenship Plan

This plan is one component of the CBE Digital Citizenship Process. Schools must complete this plan: to be compliant with Administrative Regulation 1062 Use of Electronic Resources to allow students to connect to the school’s wireless network with their own devices.

The plan is meant to guide the school’s work in these areas. The principal does not submit the plan as part of the compliance process.

1. Student Safety

Outcomes for student online safety include: The school has an acceptable use policy (AUP) modeled on Administrative Regulation 1062 Use of Electronic Resources and it has been communicated to students. Appropriate Information & Communication Technology (ICT) outcomes relating to digital citizenship have been infused in core subjects that relate to student safety. Consequences for inappropriate use have been communicated to students (possibly through the AUP).

2. Student Learning

Student learning outcomes relating to digital citizenship include: ICT outcomes relating to digital citizenship have been embedded in appropriate curricula. Click here to see the ICT Program of Studies. Students are aware of information regarding the reliable and authoritative resources that are currently available for all CBE students, parents/guardians and staff.

Describe how the school will meet student learning outcomes relating to digital citizenship:

• An integral part of the planning process at Dr. E.W. Coffin School includes the infusion of technology into instruction.
• Technology is being embedded in appropriate curricula in a variety of ways to enhance learning. 
• Appropriate website links related to a variety of topics are available to students (e.g. on the school’s website) to direct younger students to information that they will find useful. 
• Students will learn to evaluate the quality of material and information being accessed and used for learning purposes.

3. Staff Professional Development

Staff professional development outcomes include: 

• Teachers are aware of issues relating to student online safety. 
• Teachers are aware of the potential impact of digital technologies on student learning.
• Teachers are aware of professional development resources relating to digital citizenship. 
• Teachers are aware of the CBE Three Year Education Plan.

Describe how the school will meet staff professional development outcomes relating to digital citizenship:

• All staff that work with students have completed the online D2L course related to online safety.
• Teachers have been provided with a list of on-line Digital Citizenship resources. 
• All staff that work with students have been in-serviced regarding Dr. E.W. Coffin’s Acceptable Use Policy. 
• Teachers will be working closely with learning leaders to build their capacity around infusing technology in a way that enhances an understanding of digital citizenship for students.
• All teachers have been encouraged to read the CBE Three Year Education Plan and have access to the link.

4. Student-Owned Devices

Outcomes relating to student-owned devices include: 

• Students and staff are aware of their rights and responsibilities with regard to the use of student-owned devices in schools. 
• Students and staff are aware of how student-owned devices may enhance student learning.
• Issues relating to student-owned devices have been clearly articulated for students and staff. These include:
• Keeping their devices in a secure location at all times.
• Responsibility in case of loss, theft or damage.
• Technical support. 
• Teachers are aware of professional development resources that support the use of student-owned devices in classrooms.

Describe how the school will meet outcomes relating to student-owned devices: 

• Students and staff will be made aware of their rights and responsibilities with regard to the use of student-owned devices in schools.
• A parent communication was sent home explaining the use and responsibility of student owned devices at school. 
• Staff and students will be informed on the effective use of student-owned devices in schools. 
• Staff will ensure that classroom doors are locked when no one is in the classroom to ensure student owned and school owned devices are secure. 
• Student cell phones will be kept in backpacks at all times. 
• Camera functions can only be used under teacher supervision as per privacy legislation. (FOIPP) 
• Teachers will continue to be in-serviced by learning leaders, learning staff and through online resources around how to effectively use digital devices (including student-owned device) to enhance student learning.
• To ensure digital access for all students, Dr. E.W. Coffin School has purchased a growing variety of digital tools (e.g. smart boards, desktop computers, laptops, and digital cameras) and will continue to do so through the school’s long-range purchasing plan.

5. Parent Communication

Outcomes relating to parent communication include: 

• The school has communicated information about the school’s digital citizenship plan to parents. 
• The school has informed parents of issues relating to use of student-owned devices in school including:
• Staff and student rights and responsibilities;
• Student readiness criteria;
• Liability in case of theft, damage or loss;
• Impact on student learning.

Describe how the school will communicate this to parents:

• Parents have been sent a letter outlining the regulations around students using their own devices in the school, including that the school is not responsible for any damage or loss. 
• A presentation on the school’s digital citizenship plan will be provided for parents at the April school council meeting. 
• The following documents will be posted on the Dr. E.W. Coffin School website for parents: Dr. E.W. Coffin’s Digital Citizenship plan, Acceptable Use Policy and other supporting documents. Parents will be informed that this information is available.
• Parent information will be provided on the Dr. E.W. Coffin School website listing useful websites regarding digital citizenship.

Acceptable Use of Electronic Information Resources

(Interpretation of Administrative Regulation 1062 Responsible Use of Electronic Information Resources

Following are three principles of respect to ensure that students are using our information and technology resources in a responsible way:

1. Respect Yourself

• Make good decisions about your conduct when using electronic information resources (CBE school computers, Desire2Learn, CBE student email).
• Keep your CBE account passwords and other personal information confidential.
• Use computer resources in a responsible manner that supports learning and demonstrates good character.
• Inform your teacher if something on a school computer makes you feel uncomfortable.

2. Respect Others

• Always use appropriate language.  All electronic communication must be respectful. Do not use electronic information resources to harm or hurt the feelings of other people.
• Never intentionally display or send offensive messages or pictures.
• Do not plagiarize (copy).  Always respect the property and creative work of others.
• Do not use other people’s passwords or accounts.  Never try to trespass in other people’s folders, electronic work, or computer files.
• Do not post or distribute personal information about other people.

3. Respect the Equipment and Environment

• Never intentionally waste resources.
• Use all electronic resources in a responsible manner that does not damage computer systems, data, or networks.

Students at Dr. E.W. Coffin School are expected to be good digital citizens who demonstrate good character through taking care of themselves, taking care of others and taking care of their surroundings.  Any violation of the above expectations may result in disciplinary measures including the loss of access to CBE electronic resources.