Digital Policy White Paper: Acceptable Use Agreement and Digital Equity

Lissa Layman

EDL 665

May 5, 2015

Background

        Since the adoption of the current Acceptable Use Agreements (AUA) (see appendix), AIS has moved to a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environment for students.  In addition to supplying personal devices, students must pay a yearly fee to gain access to the school’s wireless internet.  While there were slight changes to the wording at the beginning of the 2014-15 school year to reflect this shift, the agreements have not been reviewed in whole since their initial adoption.  AIS’s status as a private school in Kuwait may lead people to believe that all students can afford the yearly internet fee and cost of a personal device, however it remains important that the AUAs and AIS practices are digitally equitable for all students.

Analysis

        In recent years BYOD initiatives have been widely adopted accompanied by both positive and negative press.  A widely discussed topic for BYOD programs has been the issue of digital equity.  Solomon, Allen, and Resta (2003) define this as “ensuring that every student, regardless of socioeconomic status, language, race, geography, physical restrictions, cultural background, gender, or other attribute historically associated with inequities, has equitable access to advanced technologies, communication and information resources, and the learning experiences they provide” (p. xiii).  Becker (2006) adds

digital equity in education is a statistical condition where access to technology is randomly distributed between schools according to educationally irrelevant school  variables (e.g. racial composition and urbanicity), and use of educational technology is randomly  distributed within schools according to educationally irrelevant student variables (e.g. sex, race, SES,  and geography)” (p. 4).  

Most of the research and discussion around BYOD programs has emerged from public schools in the United States.  As a private school in Kuwait, AIS is in both a very different and similar situation.  The assumption may be made that because our students pay to attend our school they can also afford their own devices.  However even within a private school there still exist socioeconomic inequities.  Hall (2006) warns “You will never be able to deal with the fact that we live in a society where the wealth is not distributed equally and probably never will be” (p. 18).  No matter the situation, we must follow the advice of Sheninger (2014): “It is our duty to do everything in our power to provide our students with the best learning opportunities possible.  In many cases, allowing students to bring their own devices to school assists in meeting this lofty goal” (p. 152).  It has been determined that at AIS it is in the best interest of the majority of students to adopt a BYOD program.  Thus we must review policies and procedures in order to make our learning environment as equitable as possible in both technology access and use.

Adoption of a BYOD program means rethinking current acceptable use policies (Harris,

2012).  In regards to policy development, Sheninger (2015, January 11) states,

It is important that the resulting artifacts are not too overbearing and afford students the opportunity to be trusted and empowered to take ownership of their learning.  A sound policy addresses Wi-Fi login procedures, a focus on learning, acceptable use, and absolving the school of any liability for lost, stolen, or broken devices.”  

The most important amendments for AIS policy center around 1) parent agreement for the elementary AUAs, 2) what happens if devices are damaged, lost or stolen, 3) how students are educated about acceptable use, 4) what happens if students do not abide by the AUA, and 5) what happens if students are not able to provide their own devices.  To address these issues, educators must make decisions about curriculum, instruction and discipline and involve IT staff in decisions about devices.  Parents, students, and teachers must be informed of and educated about these changes (Ackerman & Krupp, 2012).  

BYOD programs have implications for the culture of a school (Harris, 2012).  Beyond the scope of this brief are the issues of shared vision, strategic plan, and professional development that must be in place (Sheninger, 2015, January 11).  However it should be noted that “Any successful BYOD initiative should focus squarely on how students can use mobile devices to support their learning” (Sheninger, 2015, February 15).  The purpose and learning outcomes of school technology initiatives must be clearly defined and shared for successful implementation.

Recommended Changes

        There are five major areas where current AIS AUAs must be changed.  The changes below focus primarily on the grades 6-12 AUA.  In addition, it is recommended that a BYOD FAQ be included (similar to these - http://goo.gl/zLLd7C, http://goo.gl/b7G5x3).

  1. Both elementary AUAs require a parent agreement.  The grades 6-12 parent agreement section will be used for both elementary agreements.
  1. Parent Agreement

I/we have read the Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement and share these understandings.

Teachers will give guidance on responsible citizenship while using IT at school.

Parents will model and reinforce acceptable use of IT at home and abide by these principles when interacting with the school community.

Parents will supervise student academic and social use of IT activities at home.

The school will monitor Internet traffic at school and it will be filtered to the extent possible.

I/we agree to the rules as stated in this agreement.

Parent Name(s) _____________________________________________

Parent Signature(s) & Date _____________________________________________

  1. What happens if student devices are damaged, lost, or stolen?
  1. Students bring electronic devices to school at their own risk, just like any other personal item. AIS will not be held responsible if an electronic device or other item is lost, stolen, or misplaced. Students can file a report with AIS administration if a device is stolen. [Adapted from http://goo.gl/zLLd7C]
  1. How are students educated about acceptable use of technology?
  1. An important component of the AIS BYOD program will be education about appropriate online behaviors.  It is the responsibility of all teachers and subject areas to educate students about the acceptable use of technology.  We will review cyber-safety and digital citizenship with students frequently throughout the course of the school year and will offer reminders and reinforcement about safe online behaviors.  In addition to the rules outlined in this AUA, students will be expected to comply with all class and school rules while using personal devices. [Adapted from http://goo.gl/jcg8j]
  1. What happens if students do not abide by the AUA?
  1. The grade 6-12 AUA states “Information sent or received electronically or electronic devices used at school are subject to inspection at all times.”  As stated, this has the potential to be a privacy violation.  Language should be changed to “Students and parents should be aware that devices are subject to search by school administrators if there is reasonable suspicion that a violation of the acceptable use agreement occurred.  If the device is locked or password protected the student will be required to unlock the device at the request of a school administrator.  Any search of personal devices will be reasonable in scope.” [Adapted from http://goo.gl/jcg8j]
  2. If technology is an integral part of the daily teaching and learning, it is important that consequences for violating the AUAs do not hinder student learning.  Changes must be made in the language of all three AIS AUAs to reflect digital equity for learning.  In order to facilitate this change, it is recommended that a Student Technology Advisory Board be created (Hall, 2006).
  1. What happens if students are not able to provide their own devices?
  1. Hall (2006), Harris (2012), and Sheninger (2015, February 15) suggest that when a school chooses to adopt a BYOD program, procedures must be put in place to ensure student equity of access to technology.  “If a learning activity calls for every student to have a device then it is imperative that supports are put in place … A successful BYOD initiative has ample technology on hand to make sure all students have access to tools” (Sheninger, 2015, February 15).  Hall (2006) created a grant program for students who could not afford personal devices.
  2. AIS should adopt a check-out system for devices.  Families must show financial need in order to be eligible to use school devices.  Chromebooks should be investigated for this purpose because of their low cost.
  3. Students who forget their devices may also check out school owned devices.  However this issue should be brought to the Student Technology Advisory Board to determine procedures.  There must be deterrents to ensure that students do not ‘forget’ their devices on a daily basis.
  4. Scholarships for internet fees (25 Kuwaiti Dinar per year) should be implemented for students who demonstrate financial need.  AIS administration will determine eligibility.

These changes are simply band-aids for current AUAs.  Alternatively, AIS may choose to start from scratch and adopt new AUAs that are more student friendly and positive (examples: http://goo.gl/uVHc5).

Executive Summary

        Digital equity must be taken into consideration at all schools, regardless of location or status.  As a private school in Kuwait with a BYOD program, AIS must examine current policies and procedures to ensure that student learning is our priority and all students have equitable access to and use of technology.  It is recommended that the current AUAs be replaced with agreements that are more student friendly and positive.  A BYOD FAQ should also be created.  Alternatively, the below changes are recommended:

  1. Add parent agreement sections to both elementary AUAs.
  2. The school is not responsible for damage, loss or theft of student devices.
  3. All students, K-12, will be educated on the appropriate use of technology and digital citizenship.  This curriculum will be an integral part of all subject areas.
  4. If there is a reasonable suspicion that students have violated the AUA their devices will be subject to a search of reasonable scope.  A Student Technology Advisory Board will be created to assist administration in the creation of discipline procedures that are equitable.
  5. Students who demonstrate financial need will be able to check out school devices and be eligible for scholarships to cover technology fees.  Students who forget their devices will also be able to check out school devices.  However the Student Technology Advisory Board will help brainstorm ways to deter students from continually forgetting their devices.

Appendix

Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement

Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 3

These expectations for electronics include student devices, AIS computers, Internet and all other technology resources at AIS.

  1. I will use electronics responsibly and for schoolwork only.
  2. I will ask for help if I don’t know what to do.
  3. I will only work on the programs and apps that my teacher tells me to use. I will only print if my teacher tells me to.
  4. I will not share personal information about myself or anyone else on the Internet (like my name or a picture of me).
  5. I will always login as myself and only share my passwords with my teacher and parents.
  6. I will never use electronics to bully, hurt or frighten others.
  7. I will tell an adult if I read or see something inappropriate when using electronics.
  8. I understand that I can’t copy words or pictures and hand it as my own work.

I understand that if I do not follow these agreements I might not be able to use my device, the Internet or other technology resources at AIS.

I will be informed of these guidelines by my teacher and staff at the school to help make sure I follow them.

Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement

Grades 4 and 5

These expectations for electronics include student devices, AIS computers, Internet and all other technology resources at AIS.

  1.  I will use electronics responsibly and for school work only.  I will be careful not to damage, change or tamper with the hardware, software, settings or the network.
  2. I will ask for help if I don’t know what to do.
  3. I will only work on the programs and apps that my teacher has approved. I will only print if my teacher tells me to.
  4. I will not share personal information about myself or anyone else on the Internet.
  5.  I will always log in as myself and only share my passwords with my teacher and parents.
  6. I will never use electronics to bully, harass or frighten others.
  7. I will tell an adult if I read or see something inappropriate when using electronics.
  8. I will obey copyright laws. This means that I can’t copy words or pictures and hand it as my own work and that I must give credit for the sources that I use.

I understand that if I do not follow these agreements I might not be able to use my device, the Internet or other technology resources at AIS.

 

I will sign my name to show that I understand these expectations and that I will follow them.

 

Student’s Name ___________________________________

Student’s Signature ________________________________

Teacher’s Name ___________________________________

Grade _______  

Date Signed _________________________

 

Acceptable Use of Information Technology (IT) Agreement

Grades 6 - 12

General understanding:

I understand that using the AIS wi-fi network is a privilege and not a right. Internet, email, and network use will be monitored. Information sent or received electronically or electronic devices used at school are subject to inspection at all times.

General use:

I am responsible for the safety and security of my own internet capable device (laptop or tablet).

I will have access to the network and the internet on campus for school purposes only.

I will use my internet capable device (laptop or tablet) in classrooms, under the supervision of a teacher. I will not use my device during lunch.

If I come across something that I feel is inappropriate while on the school network, I will advise a teacher so that effective filtering of such materials can take place.

I will keep my passwords private in order to protect myself and my information.

Use in class:

I will report to school each day with a fully charged internet capable device (laptop or tablet).

I will use technology in each class as instructed by the classroom teacher.

I will use my internet capable device (laptop or tablet) for class-related learning only.

Online behavior:

I will respect myself.

I will select online names that are appropriate.

I will protect passwords, accounts and resources.

I will ensure that the information, images, and materials I post online are appropriated and will not put me at risk.

I will be positive and respectful with all online contributions.

I will not publish my personal details, contact details, or a schedule of my activities.

I understand that information (writing, photos, etc.) posted will possibly be online, available, and searchable forever.

I will report any attacks or inappropriate behavior directed at me.

I will respect others.

I will not use electronic mediums to bully, harass, or stalk other people.

I will show respect for other people in my choice of websites: I will not visit sites that are degrading, pornographic, racist or inappropriate.

I will not abuse my rights of access and I will not enter other people's private spaces or areas.

While on campus I will use the school network and systems in a responsible and educationally appropriate manner. This also includes respecting each of my teachers and not using devices to do activities that they would deem to be inappropriate when in their classrooms.

I will protect others by reporting abuse; not forwarding inappropriate materials or communications.

I will protect others by ensuring that the information, images, and materials I post online are appropriate and will not put others at risk.

I will respect intellectual property.

I will suitably cite any and all use of websites, books, media, photos, etc. in an appropriate way.

I will honor and appreciate license laws.

I will use and abide by the fair use rules.

I will not download or use materials that violate copyright on school devices.

I will request to use the software and media others produce.

I will act with integrity.

I will maintain and respect the school IT system.

I will act in such a way as to not damage, disrupt, or vandalize the school IT systems. This includes both hardware and software.

By signing below I undertake to abide by this agreement which I have read and understood. I share these understandings:

If I am participating in an inappropriate activity (that is not deemed to be grave misconduct), my consequences will be:

1st offense – Device is taken away and returned at the end of the school day.

2nd offense – Device is taken away and a parent must pick it up from the office.

3rd offense – Privilege of having a device and internet access are taken away.

The school has the right to immediately terminate internet service to any student involved in an event or activity it deems to be inappropriate or in breach of the spirit of this document. Grave misconduct will also include additional behavioral consequences.

I will be a good citizen by following the Charter of Student’s Rights and Responsibilities that is in my handbook.

I understand that the Charter of Student’s Rights and Responsibilities applies to all aspects of my schooling including activities that use digital or electronic media whether at home or at school.

I understand that I need to use digital electronic media skillfully so as to ensure I uphold the Charter of Student’s Rights and Responsibilities and that I must learn those skills.

Student’s Name ___________________________________

Student’s Signature ________________________________

Grade _______  

Date Signed _________________________

Parent Agreement

I/we have read the Acceptable Use of Information Technology (IT) Agreement and share these understandings.

Teachers will give guidance on responsible citizenship while using IT at school.

Parents will model and reinforce acceptable use of IT at home and abide by these principles when interacting with the school community.

Parents will supervise student academic and social use of IT activities at home.

The school will monitor Internet traffic at school and it will be filtered to the extent possible.

I/we agree to the rules as stated in this agreement.

Parent Name(s) _____________________________________________

Parent Signature(s) & Date _____________________________________________

References

Ackerman, A. S., & Krupp, M. L. (2012). Five Components to Consider for BYOT/BYOD.

International Association For Development Of The Information Society.

Becker, J. D. (2006). Digital Equity in Education: A Multilevel Examination of Differences in

and Relationships between Computer Access, Computer Use and State-Level Technology

Policies. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 15(3), 1-38.

Hall, D. (2006). Bridging the Gap: Strategies for Creating Equitable Learning Opportunities.

Learning & Leading With Technology, 33(7), 15-18.

Harris, C. i. (2012). Going Mobile. School Library Journal, 58(1), 14.

Sheninger, E. (2014). Digital leadership: Changing paradigms for changing times. Thousand

Oaks, CA, US: Corwin Press.

Sheninger, E. (2015, January 11). The drivers of a successful BYOD initiative [Web log post].

Retrieved from http://esheninger.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-drivers-of-successful-byod.html.

Sheninger, E. (2015, February 15). Tips for BYOD equity [Web log post].

Retrieved from http://esheninger.blogspot.com/2015/02/tips-for-byod-equity.html.

Solomon, G., Allen, N.J., & Resta, P. (Eds.). (2003). Toward digital equity: Bridging the divide

in education. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.