Digital Citizenship
Teachers will be discussing with students in Grades 1-6 the expectations that the school and the Calgary Board of Education have around the honorable use of technology.
- Teachers monitor student accounts. If however, parents become aware of concerns around the ethical use of technology please do not hesitate to call the school. Students are not permitted to use cell phones during school hours.
Computers in the Classroom
At West Dalhousie School, technology is a key element integrated into the learning process for all students. Not only do students develop their own skills in the area of technology, but technology is also an instructional tool used by teachers to help all students access material in a way that best suits their unique learning style. Through the use of a variety of programs and tools, students are given an opportunity to demonstrate learning in personalized ways. This approach increases student engagement and celebrates the unique skills and abilities of all learners.
Smartboards are used on a daily basis to enhance student learning. There are provisions in place for cohorts of students to use Chrome books and iPads. Students who are accessing technology at school must be under the direct supervision of a staff member. This applies to devices owned by The Calgary Board of Education and personal devices.
Digital Citizenship Plan
This plan is one component of the CBE Digital Citizenship Process.
1. Student Safety
- Teachers will monitor student use of the Internet at all times. Teachers are actively involved in supervising and supporting students during Internet-based activities by walking around the work area and monitoring students’ actions. Such supervision will aim to help ensure appropriate conduct and the appropriate use of CBE information technology resources. Teachers will provide direct instruction on identifying appropriate and useful information when using the internet as well as what to do if a student should come across something deemed inappropriate.
- Teachers will identify and report problems of inappropriate or unacceptable Internet access by students to the school principal and/ or teacher.
2. Student Learning
The school will meet student learning outcomes relating to digital citizenship in the following ways:
- Learners will understand the importance of protecting personal information online and apply appropriate strategies.
- Learners will develop skills using digital tools to support and enhance learning.
- Teachers, parents, and students will be advised as to where they can access reliable and authoritative resources. This CBE-approved list of reliable and authoritative resources will be made available on the CBE website.
- Teachers will be responsible for helping students learn to evaluate the quality of material and information being accessed and used for learning purposes.
3. Staff Professional Development
The school will meet staff professional development outcomes relating to digital citizenship the following ways:
- Teachers will review the digital citizenship plan each year and update it to keep it current with technological advances.
- Teachers will have access to this Digital Citizenship Plan and associated resources through the CBE website.
- Teachers reviewed resources available from the CBE website.
Admirable 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 West Dalhousie 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 1062.
