West Ranch High School
Personal Learning Device (PLD) Policy in Mr. Ippolito’s Class 

Mr. Ippolito allows his students the option of using a cell phone as a personal learning device (PLD) as a means to enhance their education.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that students recognize, to quote from Spiderman, “with great power comes great responsibility.” The power to use technology in the classroom caries with it a responsibility to use it appropriately.  During the course of the year, additional rules regarding the use of PLDs may become part of this policy. Every student is expected to follow all guidelines, written or orally given, and to demonstrate responsible and ethical behavior.

General Usage

1. Student use of a PLD must at all times support instructional activities in the classroom.  Students are expected to use their PLD in a professional manner, in a way that supports the educational mission of our classroom and of the school.
2. Games, music, or other entertainment on a PLD is prohibited in the classroom.
3. The use of of any electronic device for photography, audio recording, or video recording is prohibited unless such activity is explicitly approved in each instance of use by Mr. Ippolito.
4. Personal communications via a PLD are prohibited unless explicitly approved by Mr. Ippolito for educational purposes.
5. All audio must be muted and headphones are prohibited during instructional time unless such activity is explicitly approved in each instance of use by Mr. Ippolito for educational purposes.
6. There are times when use of PLDs during class time will be permitted, and other times when it is not.  If Mr. Ippolito asks a student to put his/her PLD away, the student must comply immediately.
7. Use of a cell phone as a PLD is completely optional and all students in Mr. Ippolito’s class can complete all assignments with or without a PLD.  Students who choose to use their cell phones as a PLD in the classroom assume all liability for its use.  Standard text message and data rates apply.  Neither Mr. Ippolito, West Ranch High School, nor the William S. Hart Union High School District shall be held responsible for cell phone charges, or if the device is lost or damaged.
8. PLD use shall be permitted only when Mr. Ippolito is in the classroom.  When there is another teacher or substitute teaching the class, no electronic devices of any kind are permitted.

Consequences of Misuse of Personal Learning Device

If a student fails to comply with these guidelines, the privilege of using a PLD may be suspended for the remainder of the grading period or permanently. A loss of Social Capital points may also result. See “Classroom Norms and Social Capital Points” for more information.