DIGITAL DEVICE POLICY
STUDENT AND PARENT
Senior School
AUGUST 2023
The policy and guideline is intended to promote and encourage Neev students to be responsible digital citizens and show productive use of devices
1. Overview
1.1 Purpose: Guided by our core values, we at Neev build a culture of learning be it in a physical or virtual setting. The purpose of this document is that all the students at Neev Academy understand the ways in which they can use their digital devices for effective learning. They understand their rights and responsibilities as Neev learners and use technology ethically and responsibly. Digital citizenship is a foundational skill for learning and life but without a firm grounding of responsibility and ethical use of technology students will not be able to build a safe environment for themselves and for the community they belong to Neev strives to provide an appropriate and adequate technology environment to support student collaboration, communication, research, creativity and critical thinking. We also aim to ensure that IT facilities and the internet are used effectively for the intended purpose, without infringing legal requirements or creating unnecessary risk
1.2 Scope and audience: This policy applies to students who use a personal electronic device including any accompanying software and hardware(referred to as a device in this policy) for learning purposes. It applies to use of the devices for academic purposes. All users and their parents are required to read and adhere to this agreement.
2. Roles
2.1 Role of parents: Parents play a key role in the child’s appropriate use of educational technology The school advises that the parents maintain standards for technology use at home that reflect school values. Parents are responsible for ensuring the device brought to school meets all the requirements necessary (section 4.2)
2.2 Role of students: As students of the Neev community, each student is expected to be a responsible, principled and safe user of technology Students are expected to keep their device up to date as per policy norms at all times
2.3 Role of school: Neev is providing access to the internet and educational software to enhance student learning The school will help students develop appropriate responsibilities they need to access and use the school network, online services and internet safely
3. Rights and responsibilities:
3 1 Rights: Neev student have the rights to
● Be accepted, respected and treated with dignity in online communication
● Be protected against cyber bullying
● Be emotionally and physically safe in online world
● Receive support from school in appropriate use of technology
● Identify the purpose of technology for learning
● Have access to internet for educational purposes
● Have privacy in the work they are sharing with their teachers
3.2 Responsibilities: Students are expected to be responsible as-
● Self directed learner: This means that
a. Students learn about themselves and develop the growing digital identity with the right attitudes, habits and they make the right choices
b Adjusts thinking processes based on feedback and past mistake
● Communicator- Digital citizenship: This means that
a Communicate and develop an identity in an interconnected world while engaging responsibly with knowledge, ideas, and virtual relationships.
b. Engage in positive, safe, legal and ethical behavior when using technology, including social interactions online or when using networked devices
c Manage their personal data to maintain digital privacy and security and are aware of data-collection technology used to track their navigation online
d Treat other Internet users with respect and avoid inappropriate behavior
● Community Builder - Balanced : This means that
a. Students learn to cultivate and thrive in environments (physical or virtual) and relationships that support well-being
4. Device details
4.1 Definition of device: Acceptable devices include Macbooks & Ipads without sim Chromebooks, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, or handheld game consoles and any other internet or SIM enabled devices are not acceptable devices. Any device that does not meet minimum requirements as mentioned below will not be able to connect to the Neev network.
4.2 Minimum requirement of acceptable devices - Specifications
The specifications for the device are based on the IB guidelines for MYP On screen examination.
Mac Operating System: MacOS 11 7 4 or higher (The three most recent operating system releases) Model: Macbook Air (No Touch Bar in the macbooks)
Display: Minimum 13.3” and above Processor: M1 and above RAM: At least 8GB or higher
Storage/HDD: 128 GB or higher
Add-Ons Recommended: Hardshell cover, Extended APP+ from apple & Wired headphones only
4.3 Lost, stolen or damaged
Students are solely responsible for their own personal devices. We will not accept any responsibility for devices that are misplaced, lost, stolen or damaged. In case a device is damaged or lost on campus, the incident should be reported to the school within 24 hours to ensure the team at school can take necessary disciplinary action In the event a personal device needs repair or lost or stolen, the school will provide a spare school owned device for a short period to allow repair or replacement Beyond this period students' accounts may be suspended
4.4 Insurance
The Parents are advised to add their devices to the insurance policy of their choice The school will not be liable if a device is lost or damaged on the campus but will assist in finding a device lost on campus.
4.5. Training
The school would train the students on how to use the devices and the school's teaching and learning applications using online tools as well as through sessions conducted by their teachers.
4.6 Device Ownership, maintenance
- Students are responsible for taking care of their own devices on the campus.
- For a device to be configured on campus, the admin control of the device will need to be submitted with the school IT team
- In case a device fails to work properly, the students can seek assistance from the IT office at school and the IT team can guide the students wherever possible on ways to resolve their issues.
4.7 General precaution
- No food or drink is allowed next to your device while it is in use.
- Cords, cables and removable storage devices must be plugged in and plugged out carefully
- Devices should be shut down when not in use to conserve battery life
- Do not expose your device to extreme temperature or direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
- Extreme heat or cold may cause damage to the device
4.8 Taking care of device
- Don’t leave the device charging all day and night This shortens the battery life Let the battery run down to minimum and then plug in the device to charge
- Don’t use window cleaners, household cleaners, etc. on the screen. Only use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the device.
- Don’t use the device under extreme temperatures Excessive heat or cold can have a significant impact on the device
- Power down your device regularly Every day shutdown is not necessary, but once a week you should give it a rest.
4.9 Using your device
At School: The device is intended for use at school each and every day Students are advised to bring their devices to school every day unless specially asked not to do so by the teachers.
- In addition to the classroom connect, the students are expected to access the school emails, homework, announcements, calendars and participate in classroom forums on the device.
- Sound - The sound must be muted at all times unless permission is obtained from the teacher for instructional purposes
- Printing- With the approval from teachers students can print necessary documents at school. Whenever printing documents students are expected to:
- Always print responsibly Print double sided and b/w whenever possible
- Not use the school’s printer to print non academic related documents
At Home: The students are advised to bring their devices fully charged to school so that they need minimal or no charging during school hours
In the Bus : The use of any kind of device in the school bus is strictly prohibited
4.10 Saving your data
Students are advised to securely save their data on cloud storage (on google drive/ one drive). Saving it to a cloud storage will make the files accessible from anywhere. School is not responsible for any loss of data stored in the user’s drive The management of files, folders and documents are the user's responsibility
4.11 Personalizing the device
- Devices must remain free of any decorative writing, drawing, stickers, paint, tape or labels Spot checks for compliance will be done by administration or IT support at any time
- Students are encouraged to use wired headphones only for their devices when asked by their teachers.
5. Software on device
5.1 Originally installed software
- The students should only install original and licensed software. The school’s IT team during an in person for software cracks will have the rights to remove them without consulting the student or the parent Depending on the school's judgment, the device can be confiscated
- School would also add software applications as deemed necessary for academic purposes- Applications that are no longer needed or not used for academic purposes will also be removed by the school using the same process. This will include apps like music and other non academic related. The same process will be followed for patch management of these devices for activities such as OS and other security upgrades
5.2 Virus protection and up to date OS
Before connection to the school’s network, users' devices must be up to date with the latest OS security patches They also must have current antivirus software installed and must continue to maintain the latest antivirus updates
It is also strongly recommended that the firewall service on the personal device is enabled. The school reserves the right to refuse connection to its network to a non compliant machine
5.3 Additional software
The school would from time to time monitor/prevent/block students from installing additional apps or using certain installed apps depending upon their nature and relevance Students who need use of additional software for their educational purpose must follow the policy attached to that particular software.
Google workspace for Education- Google workspace for Education is a subscription service that provides students with productivity tools from Google such as classroom as well as cloud storage It is
available at home, or anywhere with internet access and is monitored by ITS Parents are responsible for monitoring students' use of Google workspace at home. All users are required to read and adhere to:
● Google’s Privacy Policy
● Google’s terms of service
Other educational Software: Users if needed can use other educational software with the permission of their subject teachers e.g. Autodesk, Canva, Adobe etc. They are required to read and adhere to the policy that comes with it
5.4 Inspection
Students may be selected at random to provide their device for inspection The purpose of this inspection is to check for proper care and maintenance as well as to check inappropriate material or usage in the school.
6. Protecting and storing your device
6.1 Device identification
The students are encouraged to add labels highlighting their name and class for the ease of device identification especially if they are kept at the charging station.The school will also be able to identify a device using the Apple ID on the device.
6.2 Storing device
When students are not monitoring their device, they should be stored in their lockers with the lock securely fastened Devices should never be left unattended or left in a bus
6.3 Device theft
Under no circumstances should the devices be left in unsupervised areas which includes the school grounds, cafeteria, unlocked classrooms, library, hallways, bus, washrooms, or any other area which is not securely locked or in which there is no supervision. Unsupervised devices will be confiscated by the staff and will be taken to HOS’s office. Disciplinary actions will be taken for leaving the device in an unsupervised location.
7. General Guidelines
7.1 Use account and logging on
The user accounts will be created and the user will be signed in to the device using school credentials This means that students can use their Neev credentials (email address/ password) to access the services This will be revoked once a student graduates or discontinues schooling
7.2 Password policy:
A single sign on (SSO) and Neev credentials will be used for the services like
● Network access
● School Learning and Teaching system
● Google workspace
● Any other additional educational software (with permission of teachers )
- The end users will be assigned with an initial password that will permit the user to sign in to the education network.
- Passwords must contain a minimum of 8 characters and at least 1 complex character.
- Passwords must be unique and changed every 3 months
- It is a violation to disclose any password to any other person, except to an IT staff for problem resolution purposes
- Passwords must be changed upon resolution if the password was given to an IT staff.
- Under no circumstances shall passwords be posted or kept in a place that is publicly accessible or shared with anyone except your own parents
7.3 Reporting loss/ theft of data and device
- In the event a device is lost or stolen, the theft and data loss should be reported immediately to your teacher and the IT department In the event, any device containing confidential data is lost, the loss or theft should also be reported to your teacher and the IT department
7.4 Monitoring
Use of Network and Internet access is monitored carefully by the school’s IT department to ensure the ongoing confidentiality, integrity and availability of education services. Neev uses web content filtering for students' security and safety.
7.5 Hacking
Hacking is the interference with or unauthorized access to any computer or computer network. This may or may not reflect malicious intent. Specific examples of hacking, include but are not limited to -
● Any attempt to gain root or administrative privileges on any device
● Any attempt to gain unauthorized access to files, equipment or accounts
● Any attempt that may lead to interruption of any service to Neev Academy users
● Any use of ChatBots
● Any attempted use of password cracking tools/software.
● Circumventing Neev’s Firewalls and content filters.
● Any unauthorized attempt to store user files outside their predefined areas
● Any attempt to perform above mentioned items through schools’ networks Hacking may compromise system availability, data integrity or both Neev academy will have the fullest extent allowed by law, seek legal action against individual(s) and/or organization(s) or that directly or indirectly utilize Neev school’s network for any practice that is considered to be hacking.
7.7 Cyber bullying
Just as bullying occurs in school hallways or on school grounds, it can also happen online and through texting It can range from full-blown cyberbullying to subtle jabs in online comments and everything in between Cyberbullying is the use of digital devices, sites, and apps to intimidate, harm, and upset someone. Students will have to learn to connect positively, treat others respectfully, and create a culture of kindness in a virtual setting at all times. See the next part (7.8) for communication norms.
7.8 Communication
It is a responsibility of the student to follow norms of communication during online education
● Be Respectful – While it is easier to say hurtful or disrespectful things, it is important to remember that your classmates and teachers are real people who are affected by words that you say and write It is essential to keep in mind feelings and opinions of others, even if they differ from your own This ensures that the message you intent to convey is received correctly
● Be aware of strong language, all caps, and exclamation points – It is easy for a written text to be misread and misunderstood. By being cognizant of strong language, you can identify potential confusions before sending messages.
● Be careful with humor and sarcasm – Certainly you shouldn't avoid being funny We would love to see your personality shine in the online classes too But like mentioned previously, make sure it is clear that you’re being funny and not rude Emoticons and smileys can be helpful when conveying humor or sarcasm so that it is read correctly. Just remember to keep smileys away from academic papers.
● Yes, Grammar and spelling matter – While texting, “textspeak cn b gr8 4 ur frnds”. But for the school communication, keep it formal Your written communication should be professional and should reflect proper writing style
● Cite your sources – Whenever you are sharing an idea that originated from someone else (even if it is not word for word), it is a good practice to cite that source. This applies to discussion forums too. If you read a great thought, share it, but be sure that your audience knows where you saw it first.
● Don’t post or share (even privately) in appropriate text or material - The school will take strict disciplinary action for sharing any inappropriate text or material The school reserves the right to classify text or material as inappropriate on a case to case basis as and when new incidents are reported.
● Be forgiving – Try to be understanding of others when they struggle with written communication. It is very different from simply talking face to face.
8. Technology Responsible Use
8.1 Privacy , Confidentiality and safety
- Students must not take photos or make videos or audio recordings of any individual or group without the permission of each individual being recorded and from a teacher
- Students must not publish material of any individual or group to the internet including any social media. Neev does not accept liability for material published.
- Never publish or disclose personal information of a student or staff member without the person’s explicit permission. Personal information includes but is not limited to names, addresses, photographs, credit card details and telephone numbers, social media handles of themselves and others
- Users should ensure privacy and confidentiality is maintained by not disclosing or using any information in a way that is contrary to any individuals interest
- Since any filtering is not foolproof, If you inadvertently access a website that contains obscene, pornographic, or otherwise offensive material, notify the tech support, or the principal immediately so that such sites can be blocked from further access This is not merely a request, it is a responsibility
- Plagiarism is a violation of the Schools discipline code Give credit to all the sources used, weather quoted or summarized. This includes all forms of media on the Internet, such as graphics, movies, music and text.
8.2 Expected behavior
- Students are responsible for ethical and educational use of Technology Resources.
- While in school, the user's devices should only be used for education purposes and to support student learning. Devices may only be used to access applications, files, internet sites that are relevant to classroom curriculum Devices may not be used for non instructional purposes, such as making personal emails, voice calls, text/ instant messages, play non educational games, viewing non educational videos, or to cheat on assignments or tasks
- School’s wireless network access is offered as a convenience and privilege to Neev students to provide them with the opportunity to work independently, it is designed for schoolwork and school related use only.
- Users must follow their teachers directions as to appropriate use of their devices in class
- School’s network filters will be applied to personal devices connected to the school’s internet gateway Attempts to bypass the filter may result in disciplinary actions as mentioned in the Community Standards policy at Neev.
8.3 Disruptive online behavior includes, but is not limited to-
- Disrupt the work of others
- Corrupt or destroy others users data
- Distribute spam or unsolicited mail
- Violate the privacy of other users data
Neev’s Response will be -
● Be appropriate to the students age and unique needs
● Reflect the severity of the misbehavior and take into account frequency, duration and intent
● Abide by the “innocent until proven otherwise” principle
● Give student opportunity to generate appropriate response and solutions of their own
8.4 Severely disruptive online behavior
- Store inappropriate content on any device that is brought to school
- Harass or bully any other person Any such activity will be treated in the same way as physical bullying and will be subject to NEEV community standards policy
- Create, transmit, re-transmit or participate in the circulation of content on their devices that attempts to undermine, hack or bypass any hardware or software security mechanisms of the school
- Copy, transmit or retransmit any material that is protected by copyright without permission from the copyright owner
- Plagiarism, not giving credit to all the sources used, weather quoted or summarized This includes all forms of media on the Internet, such as graphics, movies, music and text
- The use of a network for downloading bit-torrent software, peer to peer file sharing is strictly prohibited.
- Any attempt to alter data, configuration of computers, files of other users without the consent of the individual or school administration will be considered as an act of vandalism and will be subject to disciplinary action as per school’s community standard policy
Neev’s Response will be -
● Interview with all the stakeholders
● Counseling, mentoring or mediation
● Online Account suspension and warning for school suspension
● Inform the IBO and universities about the misconduct
● Implementation of behavioral or performance contract
8.5 Zero tolerance
Seek out, access, or send, any material of offensive, obscene, pornographic, threatening, abusive,VPN,Proxy servers or defamatory nature Transmission of any material that is in violation of law ( State/Central) is strictly prohibited This includes but is not limited to: confidential information, copyright material, threatening or obscene material and computer viruses
Neev’s Response will be-
● Suspension without academic continuity (Rustication)
● Suspension with academic continuity
● Expulsion: the decision is subject to approval by Board of Directors
9. Student Pledge
• I will never leave my device unattended in an unsecured or unsupervised location.
• I will never loan my device to other individuals.
• I will know where my device is at all times
• I will charge my device to full capacity each night.
• I will keep food & beverages away from devices since they may cause them damages
• I will not dis-semble any part of my device or attempt any repairs
• I will always protect my device by carrying it in a secure manner to avoid any damage.
• I will use my device in ways that are appropriate for education.
• I will not place decorations (Stickers, Markers, Writing, etc ) on the device
• I understand that my device is subject to inspection at any time.
• I will follow the policies and responsible use guidelines both inside and outside the school.
• I will be responsible for all damage or loss caused by neglect or abuse
10. References
● Neev’s Community standards and Neev’s Academic honesty policy
● IB :MYP on-screen examinations:IT requirements and school responsibilities
● IB :Assessment Principles and practices -Quality assessments in a digital age
● IB :Learning, teaching and leading with technologies
● IB : Academic Integrity
● Teaching digital technologies in today’s world
● ISL BYOD policy
● Shiv nadar school, BYOd handbook
● “GCSB-IT-Policies-and-Procedures” – Gulf County Schools
● “Achieve Virtual – 7 rules for online etiquette”