At AIS-R, we believe that learning environments provide universal access and choice, both physically and digitally. In these spaces, our learners inquire, collaborate, create and solve issues that are authentic, personalized and relevant to their learning and the world while understanding the implications of their voice.
AIS-R’s technology program empowers students to become proactive, engaged and self-directed global citizens who navigate the digital world to find, evaluate and use information. Our students will understand how to use devices to: communicate effectively, learn anywhere, enhance collaboration, become an ethical digital citizen, develop and maintain a healthy online identity, reduce their global environmental footprint, connect with the world in order to understand and positively change it, and create new and engaging content.
In all their actions, both online and in person, AIS-R students are deemed to be acting as representatives of AIS-R and are expected to act responsibly and ethically.
AIS-R’s TRUA is an agreement signed by all families upon acceptance to the school to ensure that students use technology safely and ethically to advance their learning while at AIS-R.
Digital Citizenship Plan
Every student completes AIS-R’s Digital Citizenship Plan which includes lessons on Digital Citizenship [K-12]. Within this plan, AIS-R students learn appropriate, positive, and educational use of technology.
AIS-R has implemented a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program in grades 4-12. This program is called 1:World and it helps us educate our students to be responsible, productive and ethical global citizens. This 1:1 ratio of devices to students provides our learners with the tools they need to communicate, collaborate and create at a global level. For more information about this program please review the 1:World Handbook.
Families are requested to use a laptop in Grade 6 - 12, however for the 2024-25 school year only families can decide to use an iPad or Laptop as they transition from the required iPad in Grade 5 to the required Laptop in Grade 7 and 8. See below for the specifics of either device.
Laptop
For the 2024-25 school year, learners can use any MacBook, PC Laptop or Chromebook. We recommend the MacBook Air (13") as it is lightweight and durable and is readily available in Riyadh. In the 2025-26 school year, all students will be required to have a MacBook computer.
iPad (Grade 6 Only 2024-25 School Year)
If you are using an iPad, the minimum requirement for new learners as of the 2024-25 school year is any iPad Pro, iPad 5th Generation, iPad Mini 4, or iPad Air 2.
However, we recommend that families purchase the latest generation iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad or iPad Mini as we expect these devices to have the maximum usable life. All four models will meet the learning expectations at AIS-R and we recommend that families choose the model that best fits their child's needs. We also recommend that families purchase an iPad with at least 64GB of storage to provide ample space to download apps and store student learning.
A case is required for all iPads.
All learners must also bring a keyboard; there are many good keyboard cases available, such as those recommended here.
AIS-R has created a list of core apps that are required for all learners to have installed on their device. These apps are all available from the App Store. Please reference the 1:World Handbook for the list of required apps that need to be installed.
Although all students (Grades 4-12) are required to bring their own device to school, the use of these devices is a privilege and not a right. Devices are intended to be used for educational purposes only and can be temporarily confiscated if it is deemed the student is not using the device appropriately.
Students are responsible for their own device while it is at school. When not in use the device should be safely stored in the students' locker.
Device privileges may be removed for inappropriate use. This will be communicated by MS Administration.
MS Students are expected to keep their devices (laptops and Ipads) either stored in their locker during break and lunch times or closed if they are traveling with their device to snack or lunch from a nearby classroom. Devices are no longer allowed to be used in the Dining Hall or Sunken Garden or other areas, including the Learning Commons, for non-academic purposes. Break times are an opportunity for students to “unplug” and engage socially with peers. Break from “screen time” is essential for healthy social emotional development. Break times are important for brain breaks and students are encouraged to either eat, play sports, or connect with peers without using their device.
If a device is left on campus after the end of the school day, students are not allowed to return to class to retrieve it. AIS-R will collect the device, place it in lockable storage, notify the family via email and the device can be collected by the student on the next school day.
The school monitors activity on all devices that connect to the school network through WiFi. If a device is lost at school it is the responsibility of the student to report the device missing and immediately fill out an incident report with the help of either their teacher or divisional office. Once reported, the tech department will use the network to attempt to locate the device. If the device is no longer powered on it cannot be tracked. The facilities department will sweep the school in the evening to look for the device. The student should continue to search for the missing device and report to the divisional office if the device is found. If a student does not report the device missing immediately, the probability of locating the device is greatly reduced. The school cannot be held responsible for lost devices.
If a device is left on campus after the end of the school day, students are not allowed to return to class to retrieve it. AIS-R will collect the device, place it in lockable storage, notify the family via email and the device can be collected by the student on the next school day.
An important component of AIS-R’s learning program is Google Classroom, which teachers use to extend learning beyond the classroom. Family access to Google Classroom is available at request. Google Classroom provides a daily or weekly summary of entries over a requested period of time. Families are encouraged to speak with their child about classroom learning that is posted on Google Classroom.
With this in mind, AIS-R parents should ensure that their children have access to the following at home:
Internet access
Chrome (recommended), Firefox or a similar Internet Browser
Anything posted online and shared digitally (including but not limited to: Facebook, YouTube, Blogs, Instagram, X, etc.) that represents AIS-R can reflect positively or negatively on the school and the person posting. People outside the community (including students applying to AIS-R, their parents, AIS-R alumni, and the general public) will associate these materials with AIS-R.
Specific regulations for AIS-R affiliated content include:
Do not share a student’s photo online without their permission or the permission of their parent (if the student is younger than 13).
Do not share a student’s photo with their last name attached.
Do not share personal information about a student publicly, such as email address, phone number, or home address.
Do not share locations, dates and times of school events online.
Do not use the school’s logo online without permission from AIS-R.
Do not share any material that violates copyright laws and licenses.
Do not share obscene, illegal, inflammatory, libelous or otherwise objectionable material.
Do not share any material that contravenes the TRUA agreement (listed above).
Messaging and Digital Communication (Social Media)
Students are not allowed to take or disseminate photos or videos of other students without permission.
If photos or videos of other students are shared without permission or requested to be removed, the school may become involved if the content was captured or shared during school or using school programs.
Taking video or photos without permission
If photos or videos of other students or teachers are taken without permission, they will be removed from the device and based on the situation, may result in consequences.
Taking photos or video of teachers is strictly forbidden and may result in the loss of device privileges, suspension and/or expulsion. This will be determined by consultation with the divisional principal and the superintendent.
Filming Performances
Most major student performances are recorded by AIS-R and then published on a school designated YouTube Channel. The school does not provide copies of recorded events to families.
Adult guests attending student assemblies and performances are permitted to make video recordings of the performance solely for their own use and enjoyment. Video recordings of student performances are not to be posted on the Internet or social networking sites.
It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure all data recorded in Powerschool is accurate and up to date. AIS-R is not responsible for personal data that may be compromised due to a breach in data from either an AIS-R community member or outside source.
Virtual Meeting Guidelines
When meeting online with any member of the AIS-R community all community members must adhere to the Parent and Student Expectations Agreements for Virtual Meetings.