Responsible Use

Purpose

At West Ridge Middle School, instructors use district-issued iPads for a variety of learning opportunities. Using and caring for these devices as well as their online reputations requires a great deal of responsibility on the part of the students and diligence on the part of the faculty and staff. For this reason, the following guidelines for responsible use have been put into place at WRMS.

Student responsibilities

Security

Students will log onto the district network as themselves. Use of apps aimed at getting around the web filter are strictly prohibited. During the year, various random checks will be conducted (both remotely and in person) to check for inappropriate use of the iPad. Students who are breaking the Responsible Use Guidelines will be referred to the assistant principals.

iPad Academic Readiness

The iPad is provided by the district for academic use. To that end, it is the student's responsibility to ensure that:

• The iPad is taken to all classes every day unless otherwise requested by a teacher.

• The iPad is fully-charged every day.

• It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the iPad is functioning properly and ready for academic use at school. 

Care for the iPad

It is the responsibility of the student to care for his or her iPad. iPads are not to be left on the floor, in the bottom of a locker, etc. The district is not responsible for iPad damage. Please see the current iPad form for information about purchasing insurance.

Non-academic Use of iPads

During the academic day, students may only use their iPads (district-issued and personal) for academic use. Gaming, messaging, using social networks and other non-academic use of the iPad is prohibited during the school day. Consequences for gaming during school (even when you finish your work) include the student sending an email to the person who witnessed non-academic use, the parents and the Educational Technologist. The Educational Technologist will look for trends that indicate excessive gaming and will work with students and parents on a long-term solution that will promote better self-regulation.

"I'm finished. Now what do I do?"

Students who finish their work early will not be permitted to play on their iPad or any other electronic device. Each teacher will have various opportunities for enrichment that includes passion projects, socialization strategies, extensions of learning, etc. Students should ask their teachers what they can do when they complete an assignment.