Digital Citizenship at Taradale School:

Digital Citizenship in our school is about having the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to demonstrate responsible and respectful behavior when using technology or participating in digital environments.

Students have the privilege of utilizing the technology and online network at Taradale School for curriculum-based work. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that technology and the internet are utilized in ways that show consideration and respect at all times.

Students are encouraged to use technology appropriately to:

• Access, critically assess, and communicate information and understanding
• Seek alternate viewpoints
• Collaborate during inquiry
• Construct personal knowledge and meaning
• Organize and manipulate data to demonstrate understanding
• Interact with others
• Become informed citizens 

At Taradale School, we want to ensure that digital information and technological resources are being used responsibly through following the Circle of Courage’s principles of independence, belonging, generosity, and mastery.

Taradale School Acceptable Use Policy

1. Independence - Be responsible for yourself

Students are welcome to bring their personal electronic devices to school, but are not required to do so. Students who bring technology should understand how a device works and how its use supports their learning.

Students must use their device appropriately and comply with AR 1062 – Responsible use of Electronic Information Resources. Ultimately, the teacher is the manager of the learning environment and will decide whether the device is being used appropriately. Students are responsible for any devices they bring to school. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.

Ways students can demonstrate independence:

•  Keep your CBE account passwords and other personal information private
•  Tell your teacher if something on an electronic device makes your feel uncomfortable or is inappropriate
•  Remember that caring for a personal device is the responsibility of the owner
•  Use the device appropriately
•  Only use technology with the permission of a teacher
•  Store your personal technology in a safe place when not in use, as Taradale School will not be responsible for loss or damage

2. Belonging - Create a sense of community

•  Use appropriate language and communicate respectfully at all times
•  Respect the property and creative work of others
•  Protect and respect the personal information of others
•  Use your time wisely when using technology during learning time, which includes using the CBE network only for learning and educational purposes
•  Only use your own CBE account or access to network

3. Generosity - Sharing and using common technology

•  Leave all school equipment so that it is ready to be used by others
•  Download items only with permission from your teacher
•  Use educational technology that supports learning and do so in consultation with your teacher
•  Ensure you receive teacher permission before printing and only print materials that aid in learning and project work
•  Report any problems with technology equipment as soon as you see them

4. Mastery – Develop skill and goals for working with technology

•  Use your time with technology wisely. Focus on the learning task
•  Recognize and use what is open domain and respect copyrights
•  Report when technology or online programs are being used inappropriately

Violation of Taradale’s Acceptable Use Policy

Every year, a digital citizenship agreement is sent home with families. It is expected that the agreement is reviewed with and signed by students. If there is a violation of the agreement, each situation is dealt with in consideration of individual and mitigating factors. The following are possible consequences:

• Conference with student about the issue
• Inform parents
• A restriction or loss of computer privileges
• Restorative projects
• School based disciplinary consequences, which may involve school administration
• Paying for any damage resulting from intentional misuse
• Police intervention and/or legal action

As Partners in Education, We Encourage Parents to:

• Read and discuss Taradale School’s Technology Agreement with children 
• Address any questions or concerns with their child’s teacher or with a school Administrator
• Know the consequences of inappropriate use of technology;  
• Monitor children’s use of technology at home
• Support the school in teaching all students about the responsible and appropriate use of technology.