Technology Rules

The following items are guidelines to follow in order to be a good digital citizen. These guidelines pertain to using the Internet, computer networks, or software (including social media) that utilize the Internet or computer networks. How the Internet or computer networks are accessed does not matter in regards to these guidelines.

1. Always use the Internet in a way that will have a lasting positive impact on your life. Do not pursue, publish, or promote negative or inappropriate materials.
2. Use the THINK acronym before posting to website or social media. See the Netiquette page for more information on THINK.
3. Protect your identity and your privacy. Do not give out any personal information and set any privacy setting to the highest level of protection. Use best practices when creating a password.
4. Protect your emotional and mental health. Do not engage in cyberbullying or respond to cyberbullies. Do accept "friend" requests and not engage in conversations with people you have not met in person.
5. Inform a trusted adult if you access something that makes you uncomfortable or is inappropriate (Sanders, 2016).
6. Have conversations with your family to discuss digital citizenship and what is acceptable digital behavior within your family or culture.
7. Do not take pictures or videos of a person without his/her permission. Also, request permission before posting the pictures or videos to any social media or online platforms.
8. Use the Internet and Internet resources in an ethical manner, do not use these resources to cheat or plagiarize.
9. Do not use editing software to publish untrue or altered videos or pictures that are intended to be mean or harmful to another individual. Many believe anything they see or hear online as true or fact. Do not maliciously use software to produce or promote false statements or rumors.
10. Follow all copyright laws. Do not use, reproduce, or duplicate software, images, works of art, literature, music, or videos without permission.

The following items are guidelines to follow in order to be a good digital citizen. These guidelines pertain to using electronic devices including, but not limited to, desktop computers, laptops, tablets, cellphones, smart watches, and the software necessary to operation the device.

1. If you are using a public, school, or loaned device, treat it with care and respect, just as you would your own device(s). Also, do not remove any identification labels or barcodes.
2. Do not alter settings that are either restricted or provide device protection and security (Sanders, 2016).
3. Protect your physical health. Limit screen time, especially before bed. Take frequent breaks when you must use a device for an extend amount of time. Also, do not use a device in an unsafe environment, such as while driving or operating a vehicle.
4. Protect your devices through good handling practices and storage. Use protective shells and/or protective bags when transporting a device.
5. Do not maliciously damage another individual's device(s). In some instances, this could be considered a criminal act and lead to charges.
6. Set "no go zones" for devices to promote a balance between screen time and socializing time. Not allowing device use in the bedroom, kitchen table, and/or vehicles can promote good digital citizenship and develop good device use habits.
7. Ensure your device stays up-to-date. Check periodically to ensure all necessary software is operating on the latest verison.
8. Continue to learn and research how to operate the device(s) to ensure you are using it in the most efficient manner.
9. Use data backup resources in the event your device(s) become damaged or fail to operate. Do not lose years of work, pictures, or videos because there is no backup available.
10. When time to replace your device(s), recycle or dispose of the device(s) properly. Many devices have chemical batteries or components made of heavy metals. To protect the environment, do not throw the devices into the trash where they will end up in a landfill.

Technology Rules Resources

Edudemic, The Teacher's Guide to Keeping Students Safe Online (http://www.edudemic.com/guides/the-teachers-guide-to-keeping-students-safe-online/)

Gradelink, 6 Top Tips for Managing Technology in the Classroom (https://www.gradelink.com/blog/6-top-tips-for-managing-technology-in-the-classroom)

Typing.com article by Mike Gecawich, 10 Classroom Rules (https://blog.typing.com/10-classroom-rules-using-computers/)