Computers and other technological devices are available in many areas of the school for research, assignments and as aids to learning. At all times, students will be expected to be good digital citizens and use the Internet and their personal devices responsibly. Students are required to sign a form on the first day of school, promising to be good digital citizens before they are allowed to access any technological devices at school. Parents must also sign this form as a witness to their child’s commitment to being a good digital citizen. Computer and internet use requires teacher permission and supervision. All students are eligible to receive a CBE e-mail account. Access privileges to the CBE computer network and email accounts may be restricted or revoked depending on the level of responsibility shown by individual students. 

Acceptable Use of Electronic Information Resources 

The privilege to use electronic devices and/or networks is dependent on the level of responsibility shown by individual students. It is our intent to have students access these tools for learning on an ongoing basis. At this time, the permitted tools that students may bring from home are laptops (including netbooks), tablet computers (such as iPads), Smartphones (such as Blackberries, iPhones, Android OS Phones, etc.) and Personal Digital Assistants (PDA’s – iTouch, Palm, etc.) only.

Students are encouraged to use various technologies, their personal learning devices and the school network to: 

• Access, critically assess, and communicate information and understanding 
• Seek alternative viewpoints 
• Collaborate during inquiry 
• Construct personal knowledge and meaning 
• Demonstrate understandings 
• Organize and manipulate data 
• Interact with others for the purpose of academic learning 
• Make cross-curricular connections

It is expected that students use these devices in an appropriate manner to organize and/or further their learning. The following uses of these devices are prohibited:

• Use of any device to text, access social media sites, or make phone calls during class time. 
• Recording audio, video or taking pictures during class time without the explicit permission of their teacher. 
• Accessing or using someone else’s CBE account or log in information. 
• Any use, display or distribution of improper, obscene or abusive language messages or pictures 
• Any conduct which is injurious to the physical or mental well-being of others
• Use of technology and other digital equipment for purposes that are illegal, unethical, immoral, or inappropriate.
• Theft, including theft of identity and intellectual property. 
• Involvement in the formation of or affiliation with gangs or other groups which negatively impact the school environment. 
• Hazing and initiation activities. 
• Interfering with the orderly conduct of classes or the school. 
• Tampering with or opening any hardware or computer accessories in any manner. 
• Connecting to networks or proxy servers that are not part of the CBE network (I.e. nearby unsecured wireless signals). 
• Posting, publishing, circulating or distributing personal information (including pictures) about oneself or others without the supervision and consent of a staff member.

Access 

The CBE expects students to exhibit socially responsible and respectful behaviours so that teaching and learning are maximized.

Students have a responsibility under the School Act to respect the rights and dignity of others and to proactively participate in promoting and fostering positive relationships with others while: 

• on CBE property;
• participating in school activities; 
• traveling to and from school; and 
• engaging in any electronic communication both on or off CBE property; or e) in any other circumstances that may impact the school environment.

These principles are applicable to any and all school related activities including the use of electronic networkable devices and network access. Network access while at school requires teacher permission and supervision. This includes but is not limited to printing student work, use of e-mail, and the use of technological tools and programs. By utilizing the school’s computers and/or the network for learning at school or at home, the following agreement is accepted.

While the CBE uses strong filtering tools, access to unauthorized sites may occasionally occur. Unauthorized sites include those that have: 

• Vulgar or lewd depictions of the human body 
• Any content publicly labelled for adults 
• Pictures or references to violent acts
• Access to on-line gambling
• Messages that encourage the use of illicit or illegal drugs, tobacco or alcohol products 
• Messages or images that advocate violence or hatred against an identifiable group of people because of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, colour of skin or sexual orientation.
• Messages that promote criminal activity of any kind.

Consequences of Violating this Acceptable Use Policy 

• Restricted or complete loss of electronic device privileges.
• Confiscation or barring of the use of personal devices.
• School based disciplinary actions based on CBE Administrative Regulation 6006 Progressive Student Discipline Policy of the school.
• Possible police intervention and/or legal action.

School Disclaimer

• The school is not responsible for loss, damage, or theft of student property, including electronic devices. 
• Devices may only be used for educational purposes. 
• The school will not provide technical support for students’ devices.
• Devices can only be brought and/or used in the classroom when deemed appropriate by the teacher. 
• Misuse will be determined by staff/administration. 
• Digital Citizenship is a shared responsibility between students, parents and the school.
• Parents are expected to support and promote this Acceptable Use Policy, and students are expected to abide by it.