Technology & PolicyPolicy is paramount surrounding technology in schools across Ontario. It is crucial to follow policies put into place by OCT, school boards and schools to maintain appropriate use and safety. Implementing technologically based lessons and projects in the classroom means looking into such policies prior to the introduction of devices.
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OCT
"Electronic communication and social media create new options for extending and enhancing education. However, as the number of channels of communication in society increases rapidly, so does the rate of misuse. Professional boundaries can blur. Even the most experienced members may be susceptible to unintentional mistakes... Members must be aware of the numerous challenges and the ramifications associated with the use of electronic communication and social media."
Board Policy (TVDSB & LDCSB)
It is important to know the board policies associated with electronics / technology prior to introducing them into the classroom. This may also include a board-wide homework policy (see below) or cell phone policy, and may require special attention by the teacher.
For example:
For example:
School Policy
Schools will either have their own policy or follow board policies regarding electronic communication and personal electronic devices. If there are board policies or school policies in place regarding personal electronic devices, then a teacher must seek permission from the principal to allow such devices in the classroom.
For example Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School states in their student handbook that "all personal communication devices shall be powered off and stored out-of-sight and not used on school premises or during school sanctioned events, unless otherwise authorized by the principal," (HCC Student Handbook). The handbook claims that this is a board policy called "London District Catholic School Board' - Use of Personal Electronic Devices and Online Social Networking" and gives a policy code: "J 3.7". However there is no online version of the policy available.
St. Thomas Aquinas also has policies surrounding personal electronic devices and their use. They also outline consequences for misuse, to read more, please click here.
For example Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School states in their student handbook that "all personal communication devices shall be powered off and stored out-of-sight and not used on school premises or during school sanctioned events, unless otherwise authorized by the principal," (HCC Student Handbook). The handbook claims that this is a board policy called "London District Catholic School Board' - Use of Personal Electronic Devices and Online Social Networking" and gives a policy code: "J 3.7". However there is no online version of the policy available.
St. Thomas Aquinas also has policies surrounding personal electronic devices and their use. They also outline consequences for misuse, to read more, please click here.
Classroom Policy
George Engel and Tim Green studied the use of technology in the classroom. In the article "Cell Phones in the Classroom: Are we Dialing up Disaster?" they address the proper implementation of personal electronic devices in the classroom. It is important first to check for school and board policies to receive permission to use devices in the classroom. They suggest getting parents involved by sending home a letter indicating what cell phones are being used for in the classroom and host a informational session for parents with concerns. Engle and Green also recommend talking to students about about appropriate and inappropriate use prior to allowing devices in the classroom. In the study, they allowed students to come up with their own rules, and they were as followed: "(a) students should only use SMS texts for class work, (b) texts should be respectful and relevant to the discussion, and (c) cell phones should only be visible when needed to complete classroom activities." Students also came up with appropriate consequences for breaking the rules they agreed upon.
Engle and Green also stress the importance of:
Awareness and Knowledge: Before starting, teachers must have a clear understanding of cell phones in general, and safety and security issues (and technical difficulties they might encounter), and have a specific role that cell phones will have in their courses. (Engle & Green, 2011)
Student Education and Understanding: Students need to understand what is expected of them and the use of the devices, understand the policies/rules, and should be made aware of any issues they might encounter (technical difficulties, cyber-bullying, privacy issues). Mediasmarts.ca outlines both media issues and digital issues surrounding youth and technology, as well as teacher resources and ideas about technology in the classroom.
Engle and Green also stress the importance of:
Awareness and Knowledge: Before starting, teachers must have a clear understanding of cell phones in general, and safety and security issues (and technical difficulties they might encounter), and have a specific role that cell phones will have in their courses. (Engle & Green, 2011)
Student Education and Understanding: Students need to understand what is expected of them and the use of the devices, understand the policies/rules, and should be made aware of any issues they might encounter (technical difficulties, cyber-bullying, privacy issues). Mediasmarts.ca outlines both media issues and digital issues surrounding youth and technology, as well as teacher resources and ideas about technology in the classroom.
H.L.