Technology

1:1 Laptop Program

All students in the ICS High School participate in the 1:1 laptop program. 

Students are expected to bring their own laptops to school. Student laptop must comply with the minimum specifications as described on the Bring Your Own (BYO) page of the ICS website and be in good condition and working order. Students are expected to carry, use and be responsible for a laptop computer in their school work. Students are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their own devices. Students may use additional equipment in school, including their own devices. These technology guidelines, while written specifically for use of the laptop, also cover student use of other devices. 

Responsible Use Policy

This is an ever-changing challenge for teenagers and educators. ICS appreciates that students bring electronic devices on campus, beyond their school assigned laptops, but does not accept responsibility for instances of theft, loss, or damage. HS Students are required to read and sign an acceptable technology use agreement each year at ICS Addis which guides students in their online behavior inside and outside of school. In addition to the acceptable technology agreement, students will be taught various “Digital Citizenship” lessons ranging from Digital Footprints to Cyberbullying (CommonSense Media curriculum). Disciplinary action may be taken if students are in breach of the technology agreement.

The responsible use agreement guides students to being responsible online and is updated annually to reflect changing dynamics of the digital world we live in. 

We will encourage our maturing students to reflect on their use of digital devices using the following 5 behaviour statements, as they make choices of how they will use technology:

 I will:

• Use digital devices, networks, and software in school for educational purposes and activities.

• Keep my personal information (including home/mobile phone number, mailing address, and user password) and that of others private.

• Show respect for myself and others when using technology including social media.

• Give acknowledgement to others for their ideas and work.

• Report inappropriate use of technology immediately.

(adapted from Edutopia.com, Digital Citizenship)Privacy and Safety

Email, chat, and Netiquette

Students have been given ICS email addresses, and are expected to use this address for school work or school related work. The ICS communication system also includes a calendar and schedules and shared documents.

Students should always use appropriate language, and should not transmit language or other material that is profane, obscene, abusive or offensive. Students should not send mass emails, chain letters or spam.  

Important Note

Students should remember that ICS email or other communication through the ICS network or ICS property, including the laptop, is subject to inspection by members of the IT Department and/or ICS Administration.

Consequences of misusing technology 

The user name and ICS accounts and user names  are the responsibility of the student to whom they are assigned. Any misuse or violation of the Responsible Use Policy will result in disciplinary actions. Consequences may include anything from detention or suspension to loss of computer or internet privileges, or even consequences from parties outside ICS. 

Student Expectations

Students are expected to be responsible for the care and maintenance of their laptop. Appropriate instruction will be given to students as part of classroom activities and via email, online videos and

courses. Students are to bring the laptop to school every school day with a fully charged battery. Students must report any problems with the laptop to the IT Help Desk before school on the first morning after the problem becomes apparent or as soon as it develops during the school day. Students are expected to be responsible “digital citizens” by following the guidelines outlined in the ICS Learner Profile in Technology The ICS Way in Technology and respecting their own and others' privacy, intellectual property, and security.

Parent Expectations

Parents are asked to provide their students with a laptop that meets the requirements listed on the BYOL page on the ICS website. It should be reliable and in good working order. Parents are asked to supervise the security of the laptop while at home or in the car, and to assist students with making sure that laptops are stowed securely in the carry case within the student's backpack while in transit from home to school. Parents are asked to assist in ensuring that the laptop comes to school fully charged with the student every normal school day.  We also ask parents to supervise student use of the laptop and any internet connection while at home. Parents are encouraged to take an active interest in students' activities online and on the laptop. Parents are encouraged to have frank and honest discussions with their children about staying safe and avoiding inappropriate material online. While the school network is filtered to screen out inappropriate materials, no such filtering is foolproof and the school cannot control access outside of our network. Parents are also encouraged to talk with their child about their digital footprint and  protecting their personal identity and information. 

Parents will be asked to pay a refundable deposit of 1,500 Birr as security for any repair costs for damage to the laptop or loss of the laptop. Additional deposits or costs for replacement or repair of the laptop, AC adapter, battery, or carry case will be billed to the family in case of loss, theft or damage.

Care & Troubleshooting

Students are expected to be responsible for the laptop throughout the school year – both within school and outside. Any damage, loss or theft to the laptop will be the responsibility of the student and families will be charged for repair or replacement.

Students are not to bring laptops to the sports fields, gymnasium, cafeteria tables, or other places where the laptop may be damaged or lost. Laptops are to be locked up in the student’s locker during meals, PE classes, sports practices, etc. Any damages or difficulties with the laptop should be reported to the IT Help Desk immediately, or email help.desk@icsaddis.org.