Technology Guidelines

Technology and Middle Grades

Welcome to the middle grades 5-8 at Lipscomb Academy! These four years are exciting as students grow and change in many ways. Students will become more independent and begin thinking in more complex ways.

Students in grades 5-8 use an iPad as an instructional tool for educational purposes. Students are introduced to technology in the middle grades through a course in digital citizenship at the beginning of 5th grade. Using technology appropriately to accelerate learning is only part of the focus. The responsible use of technology as a digital citizen is paramount, and we work to make this an essential part of technology integration, understanding , and appreciation.

As with most anything, balance is vital. We want the opportunities that technology affords and also want our students prepared when technology is not available. We believe technology and traditional methods of teaching and learning both have a place in our environment. Technology is a piece of 21st-century learning for our students.

Consider the following:

1. Why do students in 5th - 8th have iPads?

• iPads and other tablets/devices can enhance learning by keeping students engaged and motivated. Technology can encourage learning in a way that is exciting through activities designed by their teachers.

• An online learning management system keeps students organized in a way through which parents have access to support their students. We have fewer issues with student organization due to this system.

• With the iPad, we use fewer textbooks, and students feel they have more ownership of learning because the discussions that occur online are exceptional. The teacher can comment and enhance the conversation. Online discussion gives all students (even those reluctant to speak up in class) a chance to improve the quality of the conversation.

2. What about the research that says our students are on a device too much - isn’t 5th grade too early?

At Lipscomb Academy, the iPad is an instructional tool used to further accelerate learning and engage the student. Technology integrates all aspects of our world, and it advances quickly. Our goal in integrating technology is to instill in students the ability to utilize resources responsibly and to critically think through problems in order to be successful in a variety of environments.

By making technology a part of education, it becomes almost second nature to advance with future technologies. The best way to prevent problems with technology is to prepare the student for navigating and interacting with the device and the online world while in a safely guided environment. Teachers select materials that enhance the classroom instructions and activities, and the materials could be creating a video presentation on their iPad and building prototypes out of cardboard, construction paper, markers, and glue.

3. What about cell phones?

Our recommendation is to wait until at least 8th grade before allowing your child to have a cell phone. To date, cell phones are the most significant source of problems in school due to the inability to cope with the pressures of texting, Instagram and Snapchat - among others. Middle grades students are not usually developmentally prepared for 24/7 social media contact. It is not just a distraction but can cause issues due to conflict among students. Parents are encouraged to think through the challenges that come from allowing their child to have a phone and social media accounts.

Keep in mind, your child may not have their own cell phone, but they still have the ability to interact with cell phones, whether it be yours or someone else's device. We recommend having a conversation now of your expectations for appropriate cell phone use, even before purchasing.

4. What about the misuse of technology?

Examples of misuse would include a student texting, taking a picture of a classmate without permission, etc. Fifth graders rarely misuse technology, and if for some reason they do, then the teacher will partner with parents to work on a solution that is best for the student.

As students enter 5th grade, teachers are intentional about the appropriate use of technology. Teachers keep careful watch over the students in addition to having high expectations for proper use.

Lipscomb Academy employs multiple strategies to prepare students for the online world and to practice responsible digital citizenship. We are intentional at limiting each student's digital footprint and helping them understand the ramifications of it.

• Students will use single sign-on for apps such as Schoology, Flipgrid, and other educational applications to limit the times a student has to create their own account.

• Teachers will limit the number of sites/apps requiring students to create a log-in.

5. It is our understanding that 5th grade does require iPad use at home for homework.

Students in 5th grade generally do not have a heavy homework load. If the iPad is needed, remember that parental controls and technology rules at home are incredibly important for the entire family. For example, one work area for homework time, a central charging location for all devices (phones, iPads), devices not allowed in rooms overnight, etc. It can become natural to be consistent with expectations. We have additional recommendations and information regarding this in our Technology Acceptable Use Policy found in the student handbook.

6. What about iMessage?

5th-grade teachers do not use or encourage iMessage as part of classroom instruction and collaboration. There will never be a need to enable iMessage inside Lipscomb Academy, so disabling iMessage is a requirement during school hours for middle grades. Each family makes the decision how this is monitored outside of school hours.

7. What can technology do?

• Expand the number of resources available to students

• Create products and content in real-world contexts

• Facilitate communication between students, teachers, parents, and community partners

• Augment learning possibilities

• Help students research for the most up to date information

• Value every student’s voice in discussions in ways that may not be possible in the classroom.

• Increase critical thinking skills of more complex tasks On main home page

8. Do we require parents to place a monitoring system on their child's device?

No, there is no requirement for third party monitoring systems, but there are requirements for restrictions parents should use to help students have success in school. We have recommendations and resources to share with parents. Refer to the “Academy Technology for Students and Parents” link on the Lipscomb Academy website.

9. What if I’m still apprehensive about my child’s use of an iPad?

It makes sense in 2019 to be intentional and vigilant about all the decisions made surrounding technology and children. Every day we learn more about the use of technology in schools. When we first used iPads in school, we allowed students to use their iPads before school to watch YouTube or play games. We soon realized it was a distraction. Students were missing out on important face-to-face communication with peers, and we no longer allow students to use iPads before school in the hallways for entertainment.

For every article that discourages technology, there is another one that encourages the use and how it can enhance instruction at school. Beware of articles that are “all or nothing.” Balance and moderation in most everything are best.

As we continue on this journey, it is becoming more and more apparent there isn’t only one device that these conversations should be targeted toward. Your child has access to more technology than you may realize -for example, your cell phone, the smart TV in your home, a Google Home device, your car’s WiFi, a gaming system, etc. It is best to approach technology with a holistic view. When talking about expectations, guidelines and requirements, discuss in regards to ALL technology. Your expectations apply when using any device or any resource. It is essential for us to partner together to create responsible use of technology.

Responsible Use of Technology:

iPad and Cell Phone Rules and Guidelines

Lipscomb Academy Middle Grades

Lipscomb Academy uses technology for educational purposes. The iPad, as well as any technology device, is an instructional tool. We have specific guidelines, recommendations, and requirements in place for your child to be successful at Lipscomb Academy. Lipscomb Academy reserves the right to suspend technology from school if a student does not follow the rules as they are expressly written and set forth.

Students have iPads for educational purposes. Many students also have cell phones for communication purposes. These guidelines pertain to the use of iPads, cell phones, and other electronic mobile devices students possess and use.

Parent Guidelines

It is vital that parents partner with us in doing what is best. We require basic parental restrictions, only school approved apps on the device, and agreements to follow guidelines. School is not the place for playing games, texting, or using other forms of social media. Parents should take these guidelines seriously and support the philosophy of keeping all forms of inappropriate use out of the school day.

To that end, parents are strongly encouraged to wait until at least 8th grade before providing their child with a cell phone. Although cell phones are not allowed at school, because phones can be discreet, students break this rule, and it is usually because of a parent texting during the school day which is against school rules. Please understand that allowing your child to have a cell phone, access to certain apps, social media access, games, and other programs is setting up your child for complications and distractions during the school day. Parents are encouraged to be advocates of appropriate use and help limit temptations.

Cell Phones and Mobile Devices

To help our students manage their technology use, we will continue to provide, update and enhance our age-appropriate education regarding digital citizenship and healthy ways to use technology in daily life. Students in grades 5-8 are not allowed to use cell phones during the school day. Students are not allowed to send or receive texts or messages via cell phone, iMessage or any other app during the school day on any device.

1. Students are not allowed to use cell phones without teacher permission. Therefore, do not text your child during school hours (7:45-3:00) because cell phones use by students is prohibited. You may leave a message for your child by calling our office at 615-966-1785. Please know that if a student is caught checking messages on his or her phone during the school day, disciplinary action will be taken regardless of who the student is communicating with. Cell phones will be sent to the office, and only a parent may retrieve them after 3:00 if students are seen with their phone for any reason. Phones should be in a backpack or locker during the school day.

2. Students will be disciplined at school for inappropriate use of technology. Students are Lipscomb students 24 hours a day. The discipline ranges from demerits to suspension of the student, technology, or both.

3. Students using Social Media platforms (including but not limited to Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, etc.), gaming apps, or anything not school approved during the school day will automatically receive consequences. Subsequent violations may result in punishment such as in-school suspension, out of school suspension, or expulsion.

Student Guidelines

Citizenship

Lipscomb Academy students receive instructions and guidance about the importance of digital citizenship. Parents are strongly encouraged to view this as an ongoing partnership between the school and home. iPads work well with the Family Sharing and Parental Controls options. Parents have control of the iPad, app downloads, etc. Please refer to the Lipscomb Academy Technology for Students and Parents link for more information.

Use of iPad as a Responsible Student

1. Read and follow the Technology Acceptable Use Policy found in the student handbook.

2. Use the iPad for teacher approved activities only.

3. Visit websites approved by the teacher or directly related to the topic assigned. Students are allowed to navigate to and use only those websites approved by the teacher.

4. Visit websites approved by the teacher or directly related to the topic assigned. If a student accidentally goes to a website with inappropriate content, navigate away from the website and let the teacher know immediately.

5. The iPad is the responsibility of the student. Students are not allowed to let others borrow their iPad without teacher awareness and approval.

6. Students should not use sound unless directed otherwise by the teacher.

7. Students are not allowed to use their iPad in the cafeteria before school (early morning drop-off), after school at pick-up or at extended day.

8. Students are not allowed to have any social media platforms or games enabled during the school day on their iPads.

9. Students are not allowed to play games at school at any time, including the extended day program.

10. iMessage must be disabled. Students are not allowed to send or receive texts or messages via iMessage or any other app during the school day on any device.

Daily Responsibilities

Make these part of your daily routine.

1. The iPad should arrive at school every day with a fully charged battery and a power adapter.

2. The iPad should always be in the case.

3. The iPad should always be placed on a stable and flat surface. Never place the iPad on the floor.

4. The iPad should never be left unattended.

5. Label the iPad with the student's name.

Unacceptable Behavior

1. Do not use the iPad camera to take, forward, or view inappropriate pictures or movies.

2. Do not use the iPad for capturing, forwarding, or viewing images of someone without his or her knowledge and permission. In other words, a student must ask for permission before taking a picture of another individual, even if they are friends.

3. Do not take a picture of anyone without the permission of a teacher.

4. Do not visit websites with inappropriate content.

5. Do not access or send information from another student’s email account, iMessage, text, or apps.

6. Do not impersonate another person online.

7. Do not delete history or intentionally try to cover up inappropriate use of the iPad.

8. Do not jailbreak the iPad.

9. Do not use earbuds or headsets in the hallways. They are only allowed in classrooms with teacher permission.

Academic Honesty

1. Do not copy information from an iPad’s Schoology account that belongs to someone else.

2. Do not ask another student for ID or user name and password

3. Do not copy your work, tests, quizzes, etc., and share with another student.