At JIS our aim is to create the best environment for learning. The High School's position on technology is that usage must support learning and high-quality teaching.
We believe that students learn best when they are fully focused on what is happening in the classroom environment; whether it be a presentation by teachers or peers, classroom discussions, working in groups, working on one’s own work etc. Evidence suggests multi-tasking is ineffective for learning and memory (The myth of multi-tasking).
Therefore in order to facilitate high-quality learning in our classrooms, mobile phones must be turned off (or notifications disabled) and placed in the designated area in front of the classroom upon entering. Unless they are a requirement for certain learning tasks in particular classes, mobile phones will stay in that area for the duration of the class.
Similarly, computers must be used for the educational task given by the teacher. All other tabs, windows, desktops, apps, etc. should be closed to avoid distraction (ie. Whatsapp should not be open on laptops).
Phones may only be used to make purchases at Wantilan 1 & 2 during lunch. If students wish to use phones during free time, that should be done outside of Wantilan 1 & 2 during lunch.
In the case that mobile phones are used outside the parameters above, the following actions will be taken:
The phone will be taken by the teacher and returned at the end of class.
The incident will be logged in the student's behavior log. This will be the student's opportunity to raise their awareness to the policy.
Additional incidents will also result in:
2nd instance: detention
3rd instance: Saturday detention
additional: family meeting to discuss possible support and brainstorm long-term solutions