Use of ICT @ ISPH

Networked computer resources and Internet access are widely available at The International School @ ParkCity Hanoi. They enhance the teaching and learning environment for both teachers and students. Internet use in particular raises a range of legal, ethical, technical, and management issues. There is thus a need for proper regulation in the use of computers and Internet by staff and students. All those who wish to use ISPH ICT facilities must comply with this policy. 

Student use of laptops, iPads and internet

All students in Year 3 to Year 9 are required to have a personal iPad as a part of their essential school equipment (Students from Year 10 to Year 13 will need to bring a personal laptop computer into school each day). All students are expected to abide by this code. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, depending on the situation. Students are reminded that websites visited via the school network can be monitored. 

Restrictions for the use of technology

It will not be necessary for a student to use their laptop or iPad in every lesson. The appropriateness in a particular lesson is at the sole discretion of the class teacher. During lessons and student ‘free’ time (i.e. before school, after school) laptops and iPads may only be used for school-related work. These devices are not to be used during break and lunch times unless specific permission has been granted by a teacher. The downloading or use of music, games, films and other forms of media entertainment are not permitted within school time. Permission should be sought from a teacher before using social networking sites. 

The following are not permitted in school:

• Sending, displaying, accessing or trying to access any obscene or offensive material.

• Chatting online, using Whatsapp, Instagram, Messenger etc.

• Downloading or installing programs onto school-owned equipment, without permission from a teacher.

• Visiting gaming, adult content or other inappropriate websites.

• Playing games, listening to music, or watching videos not related to school work.

• Making digital recordings is not allowed without permission from a member of staff.

• Violating copyright laws.

• Revealing personal information online, eg home addresses or personal phone numbers of yourself or others. 

Check with a member of staff before:

• Opening unidentified email attachments or links.

• Completing questionnaires or subscription forms.

General advice to parents

• Set clear rules regarding the use of technology in the home - and enforce them.

• If your son/daughter says that their homework requires a computer, check the sites to be accessed.

• Net filters are available and offer a degree of protection, but are not infallible.

• Most social sites state that it is a violation of their policies for children under the age of 13 to be using them.

• Visit internet sites that offer advice to parents, for example commonsense.org, safekids.com.

• Ultimately the best protection against misuse of the internet has to be informing and educating children. This will be more effective than any locks, passwords, filters or threats. 

Use of digital devices

Initial set-up of iPads will require students/parents to have an Apple ID. Family Sharing is recommended for students below 13 years of age. Parents are required to purchase certain essential apps for their children via the App Store. A complete list of these is published on the school website. For laptop users, no specific software is required, the Chrome browser is recommended for accessing the school’s Google services.

General care of your technology

• Students must provide a case for their iPads that properly protects the screen and corners.

• iPads and laptops should be clearly labelled with the student’s name on the back.

• A soft cloth should be used to clean the screen.

• Devices must never be left in an insecure area.

• Students should charge their device each evening to a minimum of 80%.

• They should not be taken to the canteen, to avoid damage from food or drink spillage.

Usage in school

• Students are responsible for bringing their charged device to school each day.

• If a student accidentally leaves it at home, they must inform their teacher.

• Any installed digital media must be age-appropriate.

• Students are encouraged to regularly ‘back-up’ any work that is stored locally.

• Applications or media should not be downloaded over the school network - please download at home.

Software on iPads

• School provides a list* of software for each year group, which are required for learning.  Some applications are free, whilst others require payment via the App Store.

• Occasionally teachers may request that students download additional specific applications

• If applications are suggested by the teacher, it is requested that these downloads are completed according to the deadlines set by the teacher.

• Unofficial software must not be downloaded onto iPads.

Parent/ guardian responsibilities

• Monitor the use of technology at home and the content that is downloaded, in line with the ISPH Family Media Agreements.

• Ensure rules are in place to guide children about the use of technology.

• Parents are responsible for the payment of applications downloaded by their children.

Inspection 

•  Teachers may ask permission to inspect the content of a student’s iPad or laptop at any time.

We recommend parents download the Parent’s Guide to Technology at ISPH from the Digital Learning page on the ISPH Website.

An iPad user guide can be downloaded at http://support.apple.com/manuals/#ipad

* Apps to be installed on student iPads can be found online at: bit.ly/ISP-apps

ISPH procedural policy for children found playing games on iPads in school

Level 1

If a student is seen to be playing games on their iPad during school hours without permission from a member of staff, then:

Action on the first occasion:

• The iPad will be confiscated and handed to the student’s form/class teacher.

• The form/class teacher will make a note of this first offence.

• The student must claim back their iPad at the end of the school day.

Level 2

If a student is seen to be playing games on their iPad during school hours without permission from a member of staff, then:

Action on the second occasion:

• The iPad will be confiscated and handed to the student’s form/class teacher.

• The form/class teacher will print out the ISPH standard letter to parents (located in the shared folder) and will return the iPad only on receipt of a letter from a parent requesting that the iPad is returned.

• The student must claim back their iPad by presenting the form/class teacher with a letter from their parent requesting the return of the iPad.

Level 3

If a student is seen to be playing games on their iPad during school hours without permission from a member of staff, then:

Action on the third occasion:

• The iPad will be confiscated and handed to the student’s form/class teacher.

• The form/class teacher will pass the iPad to the appropriate LT member.

The LT member will print out and send the ISPH standard letter to parents in which a meeting is requested with the parents. The iPad will then be handed back to the parents during this meeting. 

Parent and Student Agreement for the use of laptops and iPads at

The International School @ ParkCity Hanoi

Name of Student: ________________________________________ Year Group: _____________________

Name of Parent(s) _______________________________________________________________________              

• We agree to the conditions stated in the ‘Use of ICT’ policy.

• Our child will be responsible for bringing their charged iPad or laptop to school each day.

•  We agree to purchase and download the listed ‘essential apps’ for iPad - bit.ly/ISP-apps.

• We acknowledge that our child has full responsibility for taking care of their iPad or laptop and agree that The International School @ ParkCity Hanoi is not liable for any damage, malfunction, loss or theft of the item.

• We acknowledge that an iPad (Yr3-9) or laptop (Yr10-13) is an essential piece of equipment, and it is our responsibility to provide our child with the correct device.  Advice for purchasing a laptop: bit.ly/ISP-laptops

• If their iPad or laptop is damaged or lost, then it is an expectation that we will repair/replace the device at as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary disruption to learning.

• We have read and discussed the ISPH Family Media Agreement (Appendix A of the Handbook for Families).

Important note: In order for a student to use their iPad or laptop in school, this agreement must be signed by both the student and the parent(s) and shown to the respective teacher.

Students must also provide evidence that they have a protective case, suitable for an iPad.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Signature of Parent(s): _________________________________     Date: _________________

Signature of Student: __________________________________   Date: _________________  

This agreement helps children remain safe and happy online and outlines the partnership between students, parents and teachers.

I will keep myself safe.

I will not share my password with anyone other than my parents.

I will not share private information online, including my birthday, last name, address, picture or phone number.

I will not upload or download photos or videos or fill out surveys without my parents’ permission.

I will not meet someone in person who I have met online without my parents’ permission.

I will tell my parents or an adult I trust if anything happens online that makes me feel upset, sad or not safe.

I will think first.

• I will make smart decisions about what I watch, play and send, and will ask my parents if I am not sure what is appropriate.

• If my family has rules about ratings for movies, TV, gaming, websites and music, I will follow them.

• I know that not everything I read, hear or see online is true.

I will be a good digital citizen.

• I will not bully anyone online or on my hand phone by sending pictures, sharing videos, spreading gossip, setting up fake profiles or saying unkind things about people.

• I agree not to use technology to cheat in games or on school work.

• I agree to tell my parents if I see something that is inappropriate.

I will keep a healthy balance.

• I will help my parents set time limits that make sense, and then I will follow them.

• I will recognise that my safety is more important to them than anything else.

• I will continue to enjoy the other things — and people — in my life.

In exchange, my parents agree to:                                                  

• Recognise that media is a big part of my life, even if they do not always understand why.

• Before saying “no”, talk with me about what worries them and why.

• Talk to me about my interests and help me find things that are appropriate and fun.

This agreement helps students remain safe and happy online and outlines the partnership between students, parents and teachers.

I will keep myself safe.

• I will not give out private information, like my age, address or phone number.

• I will not meet someone I have met online, without my parents’ permission.

• I will not put myself at risk by sharing private or offensive photos or videos. 

• I will block strange messages from people I do not know.

• I will tell my parents or an adult I trust if anything happens online that makes me feel uncomfortable, upset or sad.

• I will not share my password with anyone other than my parents, even my best friend.                       

• I will set privacy controls and discuss with my parents when I want to create a social networking profile.    

I will think first.

• I agree that not all TV shows, movies, games, music and websites are right for me. I will talk to my parents if I am not sure what is appropriate.

• If my family has rules about ratings, I will follow them.

• I know that not everything I read or see is true, and I will think about whether a source is credible.

• I agree to ask my parents’ permission if I am not sure whether a download is safe or appropriate.

• I know that the pictures and videos I post online, and everything that I write about myself and my friends, will likely be online forever. Therefore I will not put anything on my profile that I would not want my parents, teachers, college admissions officers or future bosses to see.             

I will be a good digital citizen.

• I agree not to bully anyone online or on my hand phone by sending pictures or sharing videos without the permission of the person(s) in the photo/video, or by spreading gossip, setting up fake profiles or saying unkind things about people.

• I agree not to use technology to cheat in games or on school work.

• I agree to flag and report content that is inappropriate.

I will keep a healthy balance.

• Even though I like media, there are other things in my life that I am interested in. Therefore I will help my parents set time limits that make sense and then I will follow them.

• I will help my parents to understand why media is so important to me, but also recognise that my safety is more important to them than anything else.

In exchange, my parents agree to:                                                  

• Recognise that digital media is a big part of my life, even if they do not always understand why.

• Before saying “no” talk with me about what worries them and why.

• Embrace my world: understand downloads, messaging apps, online games and the sites that I like.