Information and Communications Technology

A ‘Use of ICT Policy’ is published in APPENDIX A.

The school provides access to the internet for students, staff, parents and visitors. This is filtered to minimise exposure to malicious or inappropriate content, and to improve network performance.

Student iPads

It remains a requirement that each child from Year 3 to Year 9 brings an iPad to school everyday, and students in Year 10 upwards bring a laptop. Students are required to purchase a protective case for their iPad. They should also ensure it is clearly labelled with their name, and the ‘wallpaper’ on the LockScreen of the iPad should, ideally, be a photograph of the student to whom the iPad belongs.

If a child’s iPad is damaged or lost, it is an expectation that the student will repair/replace the iPad at their own expense and as soon as is reasonably possible.

Student use of iPads and Personal Laptops

In Years 3-13 students are only allowed to use iPads/laptops during lesson times or as directed by the teacher to complete learning activities. Students should not be using an iPad for any other purpose such as playing games or watching videos when on the school premises without the permission of a teacher.

An exception to this rule is for students in Year 10 and above who will be allowed to use iPads and laptops during break and lunchtime only if using for study related purposes in the allocated study room.

Student use of the Internet

The following points form a framework for The International School @ ParkCity Hanoi.

•        A code of conduct is drawn up between each student and the school. All students are expected to abide by this code. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

•        Screens are easily visible to the teacher or supervising adult.

•        Discussions on the dangers and pitfalls of the internet are an integral part of ISPH’s Life Skills curriculum, and our Digital Citizenship programme.

•        Homework that requires use of the internet should identify a list of suitable educational sites appropriate to the topics.

•        We advise students that sites are monitored and machines are checked. Use of the internet can be logged and recorded. Inappropriate use of the internet may result in disciplinary action.

General Advice to Parents - ICT

•         Take an active role in your child’s use of technology. The Family Media Agreements in Appendix A of this Handbook are there to help. Parents are requested to regularly check the content of their child’s iPad/laptop and to also monitor the Apps that are downloaded.

•         Download our Technology for Learning document from the ISPH website.

•        Set rules about when and where technology can be used.

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

•        Net filters and device management applications are available and offer a degree of protection, but are not infallible. ‘OurPact’ (ourpact.com) is one such piece of software that ISPH parents have found useful. OpenDNS also offer a web-filtering system for families (opendns.com)

•        Be aware that iPad apps are rated by Apple for suitably of age. Also, many websites, including Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, state that it is a violation of their policies for children under the age of 13 to be account holders.

•        Check out some of the internet sites that offer advice to parents (for example safekids.com and commonsensemedia.org).

•        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.