INTRODUCTION:
At TCSI we positively embrace the use of technology to uncap learning and equip our students in achieving academic excellence and 21st Century skills.
Students in our school use technology in a wide range of settings. Students from FS to Year 13 bring their own laptops/tablets. Many of our students are already using devices outside of school to communicate and learn. TCSI would like to make our school resources available so that the potential of those devices can be utilised to further enhance our student’s learning.
The procedures, information and policies within this document apply to all wireless devices used at TCSI, including any other device by the Administration to come under this policy. Leaders and teachers may set additional requirements for use of devices in the classroom.
TCSI has placed some clear guidelines on the introduction of BYOD.
● Students will be able to use their devices only at the invitation or with the permission of the teacher. A student does not have the right to use his/her device and is not permitted to use it against the wishes of his/her teacher. It is the teacher’s decision whether he/she uses technology in the classroom.
● Students are not permitted or allowed to bring their mobile phones in school.
● Mobile phones found in use will be confiscated and handed to the parents only.
● A student is fully responsible for the care of his/her own device.
● Devices can only be used in the classroom for work as directed by the teacher: if a device is misused in any way, a teacher has the right to confiscate it.
● Students are not allowed to use their devices to take videos or photos in or out of the classroom or within the school premises unless instructed or permitted by the teacher for a project or a presentation.
● We continue to provide access to computers at school for those students who do not have their own devices, and we certainly do not expect every student to bring their own device to school.
● The school is not responsible for the repairs, loss or theft or any damage resulting from their use on school property or during school related activities.
● Improper use of BYOD will lead to immediate confiscation and permanent denied access to the school Wi-Fi network. The devices will only be returned to the parents or legal guardians owning the device.
USING MOBILE AND BYOD DEVICES AT SCHOOL:
BYOD Devices and mobile devices are intended for use at school at each day. In addition to teacher expectations for Mobile Device and BYOD use, school messages, calendars and schedules may be accessed using the mobile device and BYOD. The mobile device cannot be used unless a teacher has given permission for its use.
NETWORK CONNECTIVITY:
TCSI makes no guarantee that their network will be up and running at 100% of the time. When the network is down in the rare case, TCSI will not be responsible for lost or missing data. TCSI uses Firewall to prevent students from inappropriate and prohibited websites and other social media that might risk their safety and privacy.
ACCEPTABLE USE OF DEVICES AT TCSI:
This policy is provided to make all users aware of the responsibilities associated with ethical, efficient, and lawful use of technology resources in school. If any student violates any of the User Terms and Conditions named in this policy, privileges will be terminated, access to the school’s technology resources will be denied, BYOD devices will be denied access to school’s network and Wi-Fi facilities and the appropriate disciplinary action shall be applied.
Disciplinary actions will be given to any student who violates the BYOD Policy which may include detention, suspension, or expulsions for students. When applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved after KHDA consultation.
WHAT TYPES OF DEVICES CAN BE BROUGHT?
The device must be internet capable and the ability to create and edit common documents such as word-processed documents, spreadsheets and presentations. It should also have the ability to read and open PDFs and eBooks.
TCSI would allow laptops, netbooks, a laptop or a tablet of 7-inch screen size or larger as required only by the teacher. Use of mobile phones are strictly prohibited during lessons in class or for any research activities. Some guidelines by our IT officer can be provided to parents and students if they wish to purchase devices so that they are compatible with the school requirements.
Some students in Year 9-13 may have tablets and these are adequate as a consumption device with some creation ability. A laptop with a full operating system such as Windows 7, 8, 10 or MacOS for a wide range of applications is more recommended as students move through the school. The type of device that parents consider will also relate to the subjects of their son/daughter’s studies particularly in the secondary. Device configurations change regularly, as do prices and there are a wide range of suitable devices.
HOW REGULARLY WILL THE STUDENT USE COMPUTER IN THEIR CLASSWORK?
The use of computer/laptop or other devices in class obviously differ based upon the requirement and lesson of a particular teacher. Teachers will be planning their lessons accordingly and intimating the students from time to time.
WILL THE SCHOOL BE OPERATING A PURCHASING PROGRAMME?
TCSI is not operating a purchasing programme for devices currently. If a parent is considering a device for purchase, TCSI recommends that the parent view the specification of the device that is appropriate for the student’s requirements.
SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Provide internet blocking of inappropriate materials where possible.
● Provide internet and email access to its students.
● Provide data storage areas. The school reserves the right to review, monitor and restrict information stored and transmitted via school owned equipment and BYOD Devices and to investigate inappropriate use of resources.
● Provide guidance to aid students in doing research and help assure compliance of this policy.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Obey general school rules concerning communication and behaviour that apply to Technology Equipment and Device Use.
● Use mobile and computers in a responsible and ethical manner.
● Help the school protect the device and computer system by contacting an administrator about any security problems they may encounter.
● Students should always turn off and secure mobile and BYOD Devices after working to protect their work and information.
● Monitor all activities in their account.
● If a student receives an abusive or inappropriate email or message or if the subject matter is questionable, he or she is asked to print a copy and turn it into the office.
● Ensure that their BYOD Device has the Apps/software installed as requested by the school and maintain software upgrades.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES THAT ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED AT TCSI:
● Student are not allowed to take pictures or videos of other students who have not given their permission to do so.
● Illegal installation or transmission of copyrighted materials.
● Sending, accessing, uploading, downloading, or distributing threatening, offensive, pornographic, obscene, religious or sexually explicit materials.
● Use of chatrooms or messengers, or other social media.
● Changing of school mobile device settings without permission
● Computer/Internet games without the school’s permission.
● Downloading apps at school when not supervised by the teacher or without any parental consent.
● Participation in any electronic forgery, credit card fraud or any other illegal online behaviour.
● Bypassing the School web filter through a web proxy.
● Use of VPN to access inappropriate and prohibited websites.
● Spamming-sending mass or inappropriate emails.
● Use of TCSI’s internet/email accounts for financial or commercial gain or for any illegal online activity.
● Gaining access to other students, teachers and staff accounts, files and data.
● Students are not allowed to give personal information over the internet.
● Use of anonymous and false communications such as social media Messengers.
● Any malicious intent or attempt to harm or destroy hardware, software or data including, the uploading or creation of computer viruses or computer programs that can infiltrate computer systems and damage software components.
STUDENT’S USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA:
Student data, products, documents, and information have the potential to reach audiences outside the classroom through the social media. Each student should have the responsibility and accountability for the use of devices. Below are the guidelines that students should follow when using the Internet in the classroom:
1) Always follow the school’s positive behaviour and code of conduct when online. Inappropriate and disrespectful comments or criticisms are not acceptable.
2) Be aware of what you post online through blogs, wikis, twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc.
3) Be safe online. Never give out personal information and do not share your password with anyone besides your teachers and parents.
4) Be aware that pictures may also be protected under copyright laws. Make sure you have the permission to use any image or if any image is under Creative Commons Attribution.
5) Do not misrepresent yourself by using someone else’s identity.
6) Follow writing conventions including proper grammar, capitalization, and punctuations when writing blogs or posts. If you edit someone’s work, make sure it is in the spirit of improving the writing.
STUDENT DEVICE CARE AND SECURITY:
It is imperative that students take responsibility for their own device/equipment, naming their device, handling it carefully and storing it securely when not in use.
Students will be held responsible for maintaining their own devices and keeping them in good working condition.
PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES:
Parents have the responsibility to explain to their children about the standards and values that their children should follow regarding the use of the internet as they would be in relation to the use of all social media information sources such as television, television, radio, social media and movies.
Parents may decide if they will allow their child to use the school mobile devices or not.
MOBILE DEVICE THEFT:
Mobile devices that are stolen must be reported immediately to SLT and may require further investigation or reporting to the local police.
INSPECTIONS:
Any teachers or Head of Section may conduct a surprise BYOD inspections on any selected students or at random to ensure that there are no violations to the BYOD policy of TCSI.
MISUSE OF BYOD IN SCHOOL
ACTION TAKEN:
VW – Verbal Warning –Teacher
DN – Diary Note – by Teacher and inform the coordinator
TT – Talk by Head of Section
IS-Incident Slip by Coordinator/Head of Section
TR-Temporary removal of device (by Head of Section)
PI-Parent informed (by Coordinator/ Head of Section)
PR – Permanent removal of device after informing parents
VS-Very severe incident-refer to principal
No. MISUSE ACTION CONSEQUENCE
1. 1.1 Unauthorised use of non-educational sites in school
1.2 Attempting/using the laptop in the school bus
1.3 Attempting or using the laptop in the class when not asked by the teacher
2. 2.1 Allowing others to access school network by sharing username and passwords
2.2 Unauthorised downloading or uploading of files
2.3 Recording or photographing
PI
VW-Verbal warning by teacher
DN- Diary Note- by teacher and inform the coordinator
TT-Talk by Head of Section
IS-Incident Slip by Coordinator/Head of Section
TR-Temporary removal of device (by Head of Section)
PI-Parent informed (by Coordinator/ Head of Section)
students/staff without prior permission
2.4 Playing downloaded and online games in class.
3. 3.1 Using Proxy sites as a means to subvert the school’s filtering system
3.2 Deliberately accessing or trying to access offensive or inappropriate material
3.3 Attempting to access or accessing network using another student’s account
removal of device after informing parents
VS-Very severe incident-refer to principal
BYOD AGREEMENT FORM
Please sign below to confirm that you have read and will abide by the acceptable use of TCSI BYOD Policy and that you are aware of the consequences of failure to do so:
I understand and agree to the BYOD User Pledge below and the guidelines set forth in the school Internet, Network, Technology Equipment and BYOD Policy.
BYOD User Pledge:
1) I will only access my account and make sure no one else has access to my account. I understand that I am responsible for all actions that take place on my user account.
2) I will not download, transfer, draw or write or view any inappropriate and unsuitable graphic, text or materials and it is my responsibility to immediately inform the teacher should I accidentally access anything inappropriate or unacceptable.
3) I will not download, transfer or install or use any applications, games, utilities, games, music or video file or software that are not approved by TCSI.
4) I will only use the school facilities, equipment and Internet when these are officially available or allowed for my use.
5) I will not participate or do any cyberbullying and I will report any forms of cyberbullying to my teachers and other staff member.
6) I will only go to acceptable websites list unless otherwise directed by my teacher.
7) I will only access the local server or wider network that is readily available to me.
8) I will only always use my school email address responsibly and appropriately.
9) I will only use email, chat or messaging during lesson if allowed.
10) If I know that someone is violating or misusing the BYOD device, I will report it to a member of staff anonymously.
11) I will not eat and drink whilst using the ICT equipment and facilities.
12) I will not attempt by any means to violate the restrictions placed upon the machine or the network I am connected to.
13) I will not interfere with the work of others.
14) I understand that trying to bypass Firewall or the blocking out in place, by the Telecommunications Regulation Authority is against the law of the UAE and will not attempt to do so.
15) I will never attempt to jailbreak the school mobile device or attempt any repairs.
16) Gaming sites, YouTube and social networking sites are forbidden unless authorised.
17) I will not use any of my BYOD Device when not given permission by my teacher.
The following applies to BYOD Devices:
18) Students will not use devices on school transport, in public areas of the school, during the school day unless permitted.
19) I will take good care of my BYOD Device.
20) I will never leave my BYOD Device unattended.
21) I will use the BYOD Device in ways that are appropriate, meeting the school standards and expectations.
22) Students understand that the BYOD device is subject to inspection at any time without notice.
23) I will ensure that antivirus and anti-malware is installed on my BYOD and is kept updated regularly and frequently.
24) I understand the my personal device is my responsibility and TCSI is not responsible for any breakages, theft, lost or any damage caused by malware on the network.
25) I will follow the policies outlines in TCSI BYOD Policy.
Student’s Name: ________________________ Class:
Student’s Signature: _____________________ Date:
PARENT / GUARDIAN:
As a parent/guardian of (Name of Child) ____________________, I have discussed the standards with my child and understand that misuse of the School’s network, Internet Access, Technology equipment and BYOD Policy will result in termination of all Internet privileges for my child and school sanctions that can possibly lead to exclusion from the school.
Parent’s Name: _________________________ Date:
Parent’s Signature: