Month/Year completed: June 2013

Policy: Digital Citizenship & Acceptable Acceptable Use Policy

Code:

Developed by: Kimberly Leiske, Tony Potts, Digital Citizenship Committee, ratified by the Senior Leadership Team September 2013 Technology is an integral part of our lives and it is essential for students to learn how to safely and appropriately use technology as a tool to communicate, collaborate, create and present within a secure environment. Rationale & Vision To this end, GWA-Dubais vision is to support creativity and collaboration across the school in all subjects by providing access to technology that empowers students to be inquiring, knowledgeable, reflective and caring learners in our global and interconnected world, anytime and anywhere.

Aims

Teachers and students at GWA-Dubai use a variety of technology tools to support and promote learning. We aim to meaningfully use technology when we plan, teach, assess and reflect on the curriculum. In doing so, we focus on digital communication, information literacy, critical thinking skills and digital citizenship while emphasizing the balance between screen time and other activities.

As well as regular office applications, students have the opportunity to use additional advanced software and are able to complement these possibilities with the best and most recent online tools available. All classrooms at GWA-Dubai are equipped with Interactive Whiteboards and have computer access via a number of devices including laptops, desktops and tablets/iPads. Additional technology equipment includes a wide range of digital and video cameras, microscopes, etc. Our wireless network allows for mobile computing throughout the school. Implementation Other technology spaces around the school include high specification Design Technology Labs and a number of ICT Labs including Language Labs and a Music Technology Mac Lab. The Performing Arts facilities also include a music recording studio, green screen room and editing suite. The Bring Your Own Educational Device (BYOED) program in Grades 6 12 aims to have students learn how to use their own device appropriately; effectively managing their time and dealing with the challenge of balancing work and play. To truly integrate technology is a skill that is increasingly seen as a requirement in all workplaces.

GWA-Dubai facilitates the learning of appropriate digital citizenship and encourages responsible online and offline behaviour, in and out of school. Students will be made aware of the importance of managing and fostering a positive digital footprint which is their electronic representation in the online world. Students will be educated on the potential implications of social media, cyber bullying, online communication and overall digital netiquette. Digital Citizenship & Acceptable Use A digital footprint is influenced by the ongoing support of fellow students, teachers, school counselors, school administrators, parents, family and other relevant stakeholders. When a students online behaviour impacts student learning and/or the school community, cases will be reviewed and consequences could include the following: Involvement of Assistant Principals, Principals, Counselors, Head of School and/or parents Loss of school-based privileges Suspension or expulsion Involvement of the authorities As students, teachers and parents we agree that: Students must keep passwords and personal information private. Students need to understand the concepts of plagiarism and copyright guidelines and the important of academic honesty in citing sources. Students must immediately report any threatening or abusive communications to an adult. Students are not permitted to capture, transmit or post photographic images/videos of any person on campus without permission. Students should be aware that teachers have the right to monitor student devices and online activity to avoid viruses, misuse and other issues. Students and parents are required to complete a permission to activate student access privilege. Ultimately, classroom management including management of behaviour, expectations and electronic devices is the teachers responsibility. Students must immediately comply with teachers' requests to turn off devices or discontinue their use. All students will have access to a variety of devices around the school, including their own. Students are accountable for safe, appropriate and responsible use of all devices and must take full responsibility for the security, safety and upkeep including charging. Due to infrastructure limitations, students cannot access the schools internal network and/or print from personal devices.

It is understood that:

All students and parents are required to complete this permission form prior to activation of the students access privilege. I understand and will abide by the above policy and guidelines. I also understand that any violation may result in the loss of technology privileges or other consequences as appropriate. Student Name: ___________________________ Student Signature: ________________________ Date: _____________________________________ Parent Signature: ___________________________