Digital Citizenship & Admirable Use Policy

All members of our school community are expected to be digital citizens who demonstrate respect, responsible behavior and overall good character when using technology and/or engaging in online activities. The use of technology is an integral part of teaching and learning at our school. Teachers and students use digital technologies to access information, communicate ideas, and demonstrate fundamental understandings. 

When using school or personal devices (when given permission from teachers),  all students are expected to follow school guidelines for Acceptable use of Electronic Devices and Networked Information Resources (AR 1062). 

Cell Phone Use at School

Personal devices such as cell phones, earbuds, headphones etc., are not permitted in our classrooms. If student bring your personal devices, they are expected to leave them in their backpacks during instructional time. This includes time when students are working on projects in the hallway, traveling from class to class, in the Learning Commons, etc... Students are welcome to use their cell phones responsibly before school, during lunch, and after school.  

There may be occasions where teachers ask students to use their cell phones for a learning task. This is the only time when students are allowed to use their cell phones.

•  Using your cell phone for calling is not permitted inside the building. Should you and your parent/guardian need to   contact each other, please come to the main office or ask your classroom teacher to use a school phone.
• Due to FOIP and privacy concerns, cell phones SHOULD NEVER be used to take photographs or digital recordings of staff or students at any time.
• Cell phones and other devices with recording applications are not permitted in bathrooms and change rooms.

The school will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items that are brought to school - students and families are responsible for their devices.   

• Asking students to put their cell phones/devices away and reminding them about acceptable use
• Confiscation of personal electronic device – devices will be checked into the main office
• Notifying parents of ongoing issues and to potentially come and pick up devices from school
• Not allowing students to bring devices to school or requirement of checking them into the office for the day

Admirable use of electronic/digital devices at Perter Lougheed School Means:

• Keeping CBE account passwords and other personal information confidential.
• Practicing responsible conduct and digital etiquette when using electronic information resources.
• Informing teachers if something on an electronic device is inappropriate.
• Using electronic information resources in a responsible manner that supports learning and demonstrates exemplary character.
• Using appropriate language and communicating respectfully while using electronic devices.
• Respecting the property and the creative work of others.
• Protecting and respecting personal information of other.
• Using all electronic resources in a responsible manner that does not damage computer systems, data or networks.
• Leaving the school equipment so that it is ready to be used by others.
• Use electronic equipment in the school to support learning in consultation with teachers.

CBE The following activities are inappropriate for students to engage in:

• Using someone else's account or password.
• Taking a video or picture without their knowledge or permission or sending it to someone else without their                knowledge or permission.
• Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures/images. 
• Using obscene language, harassing, insulting or attacking others.  
• Any online behaviour that negatively impacts the school environment. 
• Intentionally damaging computer equipment/school technology, the network or other people’s digital work.
• Trespassing into other people’s folders, work, or files. 
• Intentionally using technology on non-teacher-approved activities.
• Using electronic media for plagiarizing.
• Modifying backgrounds and/or relocating, deleting or adding applications on shared school technology (iPads, tablets, Chromebooks).
• Breaching copyright law and/or failing to follow fair dealing guidelines - See relevant sections of Copyright Matters!
• Sharing or distributing digital recordings, audio or visual via the Internet or through social networking sites, without written permission from the content creators.
• Using cell phones to make calls, text, engage in social media activities, play games etc, during instructional times (parents who wish to communicate with their children during class time should go through the office, as texting and phone calls are not permitted during instructional time).

Violation of the Admirable Use / Digital Citizenship Policies

When students are not meeting the above expectations, our progressive student discipline process will be applied. Every situation is dealt with on an individual basis.  Possible consequences for violating the Admirable Use / Digital Citizenship policy may include one or more of the following:

• Asking students to put their cell phones/devices away and reminding them about acceptable use.
• Confiscation of personal electronic device – devices will be checked into the main office.
• Notifying parents of ongoing issues.
• Notifying parents to come and pick up the from school.
• Not allowing students to bring devices to school or requirement of checking them into the office for the day.
• Suspension of school-based computer privileges (including, but not limited to, student email, D2L, Google Drive, wireless access and use of school technology).
• If necessary, students/families may be required to pay to repair or replace damaged equipment.