Responsible Use of Technology

Responsible use of technology

We see technology as an important tool for learning and asking questions. Technology & digital devices help DGS scholars to think critically, work together, and communicate. We use technology at DGS for many reasons:

To be more productive in the classroom

To communicate and work together more

To learn how to find new information

To solve problems and make decisions

To be more creative

• Digital devices are a valuable school tool for learning. It is important that all DGS scholars understand how to be a responsible digital citizen and how to use and take care of their laptop and other school devices.

• As a DGS scholar, it is important that you understand that you are a representative of our school wherever you are. These expectations for digital citizenship apply to DGS scholars at all times.

• Use of laptop and other digital devices at school will be at the teacher’s discretion.

Expectations for Responsible use of technology by DGS Scholars:

Respect Yourself

I will show respect for myself through my actions. I will use online names as instructed. I will send or share information and images that are appropriate. I will be careful about sharing personal information online (like my relationships, my activities, and my life). I will not use bad or offensive language.

Respect Others

I will show respect to others when I use, or communicate with, any digital technology. I will not visit sites that could have a harmful impact on others and will respect other people’s privacy by not going into websites or accounts where I am not expected to be. While at DGS, I will use the school devices and network in a responsible way.

Protect Yourself

I will keep my information safe. I will not share information that is private or personal, including my schedule or my contact information. I will tell my teachers or administrators if someone tries to attack me or says something bad to me online. I will keep my passwords and online information safe.

Protect Others

I will protect others by being an Upstander and reporting things I observe that might be hurtful to others. I will not send or share anything that may be hurtful or unsafe, or may make someone else feel hurt or unsafe.

Respect Intellectual Property

I will cite my sources. (This means I will document where I found information.) I will not take any information from others and pretend it is my own.

Protect Intellectual Property

I will ask before I use someone else’s creations. I will act with integrity.

Respect Physical Property

I will consider safety -- for me, for others, and for the device. I am responsible for ensuring that my device is sufficiently charged before each class.

Protect Physical Property

I will take care of other people’s laptops by thinking before I do something that might damage or destroy someone else’s laptop or any school equipment.

Laptops and care

Each user is responsible for their use on a laptop or device and should treat and use it responsibly and appropriately. Computers and technological devices that give students access to information services or enables them to access information (e.g. Digital Microscopes, Cameras, Mobile devices) are sophisticated devices that require care and

gentle treatment to function properly; if you mistreat your device, it will likely run poorly or malfunction.

Be sure to follow the following guidelines for care:

• laptops should be cleaned with an appropriate cloth and solution frequently or when a teacher suggests cleaning.

• laptops should be carefully stored when not in use. Laptops should not be left in a pile on desks or lockers.

• laptops should be returned to their charging station at the end of the day.

• laptops and other devices such as cameras should not leave the school.

• Any damage to the device or problem in operation should be reported immediately to a teacher and/or the technology support department.

Gaming

Playing games of all kinds can be fun and educational. Computer games as well are not only fun, but can allow students to develop thinking and planning skills. The gaming guidelines are meant to allow students to game at certain times during the day while remaining safe and respectful. At times, gaming restrictions may be in place in order to preserve bandwidth that is necessary for instruction.

Allowable Gaming Devices

Students may only use their laptop to game. Other electronic devices may only be used at

teacher discretion.

Appropriate Times to Play Games at School

Students are allowed to play games before and after school, and during break times.

There are exceptions to this, such as when the teacher uses a specific game in class for learning. The games played during the certain times given above must follow these gaming guidelines, and students must responsibly follow the guidelines written in the student handbook.

Locations for playing games

Students are allowed to play games in the community room, in supervised spaces such as the cafeteria and in DeltaLab. Students playing games must not be disruptive to other students who are working silently or collaborating on a group project.

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School Appropriate

All games played at school need to be school appropriate. School appropriate games should fall into these categories: creative construction, educational, sports, strategy, skill-building and sandbox games. The content and objective of the game must also be school appropriate. In selecting a game to play at school, students should ensure that the

language of the game is appropriate and respectful. The game should focus on positive relationships and conduct by and toward both people and inanimate objects.

Content that is NOT School Appropriate

Students may not use games that include violence, blood, sexual references, drugs and inappropriate language, etc..

Some examples of video games that ARE school appropriate

Tetris

Minecraft

2048

Agar.io

Balloon Tower Defense

Some examples of video games that are NOT school appropriate

Counter Strike

Team Fortress

Grand Theft

Computer accessories and devices

Headphone use during school day

Headphones can be used during Flex periods, breaks, lunch, with teacher permission and before or after school. Students should be aware of the social and respect issues associated with using headphones. If a student or adult is speaking to you, please remove them so you can interact and be respectful.

Mobile phone use

Mobile phones can be used at appropriate times including on the bus. Phones should not be used during scheduled instructional time and should be on silent while in class.. All students may use the phone in the office to contact parents if needed.

Consequences for inappropriate use

Like all behavioral issues at DGS, inappropriate use of technology will first be addressed in conversation with a teacher and/or advisor. Further discussion with the wellness coordinator or counsellor and the development of a behavioral plan may follow if actions are either serious or repeated. Consistent and/or unsafe use of technology may result in discussions with administration and parents.