Here at MacDonald Drive Elementary we have a responsibility to teach our students to responsibly use the technology and devices that they will potentially access outside of the school setting and may utilize in their future careers. This includes how to safely use the technology, how to critically analyze and use the information found online, and teaching them appropriate uses for these digital technologies. The Internet and Social Media Safety (ISMS) Committee of the NLESD has compiled resources to help our teachers better inform our students about the best uses of technology and the potential harmful implications of misuse. The categories for these lessons have been derived from the Department of Education Safe and Caring Schools Policy, 2013 and the elements of digital citizenship. These include, Digital Communication: electronic exchange of information; Digital Literacy: process of teaching and learning about technology and the use of technology, Digital Etiquette: electronic standards of conduct and procedure; and Digital Law: electronic responsibility for actions and deeds. These sections discuss the need to develop appropriate rules around communication, the need to teach learners how to learn in a digital society, the need to develop a high degree of information literacy skills, and that we must teach everyone to become responsible digital citizens within society.
Frequently Asked Questions when schools introduce a Digital Citizenship/BYOD policy:
What is BYOD?
BYOD is a program which allows students to bring personal electronic devices to school to use for educational purposes and learning experiences.
Does having a policy where students can bring their own devices mean than we have done away with pencil and paper in the classroom?
We value the use of a variety of methods in the classroom and we have not gotten rid of other, valuable, methods of teaching previously used. Instead, we are introducing and integrating new technologies and using various tools to assist all learners within our classrooms. Also, digital technologies are not used all day, every day. We are working to help students foster positive digital citizenship and develop an understanding of the rights and responsibilities that are expected when navigating the digital world.
Does my child have to bring an electronic device to school?
It is not the expectation that every child come to school with their own device. Our policy states that "students are not compelled to bring their own device and that all students will have equal access to school resources". The Safe and Caring Schools Policy of the Department of Education includes a section on "Digital access: full electronic participation in society", which states: "Working toward equal digital rights and supporting electronic access is the starting point of Digital Citizenship. Digital exclusion makes it difficult to grow as a society increasingly using these tools. Helping to provide and expand access to technology should be the goal of all digital citizens." It also states "to become productive citizens, we need to be committed to make sure that no one is denied digital access." Therefore, no student at MacDonald Drive Elementary who has parental permission is denied access to school electronics (Eg. Computers, iPads, etc) when it is being used for learning.
Can my child use their electronic device whenever they want?
Students have very specific guidelines to follow as to when devices are permitted to be used. Our policy, as well as the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District (NLESD) User Agreement for students and Parents/Guardians, states that students use these devices only under the direction of the teacher and not during unstructured times, such as recess and lunch. If students do not follow those guidelines then the school will limit or terminate the privileges associated with use of the technology.
What are some examples of ways my child will use their device in school?
Electronic devices will be used for a variety of activities and they may include, but are not limited to: completing in-class activities, collaborating on assigned work, researching projects, accessing curriculum related websites/content.
Click the following link to view our policy:
Digital Citizenship Policy
*This information and policy can always be found by clicking MDE Digital Citizenship Policy under Pages on the right hand side of our webpage