School District #19 (Revelstoke): Developing an Approach to Personal Digital Devices
Draft Personal Digital Device Feedback Accepted Until Monday, October 28/2024 @ Noon
Background
The Revelstoke School District is developing policy and revising existing school codes of conduct to meet the Ministry requirement outlined in the guide because the Ministry of Education in British Columbia mandates the establishment of guidelines and protocols to manage the use of personal digital devices (PDDs) in schools. The key reasons for this requirement include:
- Educational Focus: The policy ensures that the use of PDDs in classrooms supports and enhances learning rather than distracts from it. By creating structured guidelines, the school district can align the use of technology with educational goals.
- Digital Citizenship: A formal policy promotes responsible and ethical use of technology among students. It helps in teaching students about digital citizenship, which includes understanding online safety, privacy, and appropriate online behavior.
- Equity and Access: The policy can address issues of equity, ensuring that all students have fair access to digital resources and that no student is disadvantaged by their lack of personal devices.
- Health and Well-being: Guidelines can mitigate the negative impacts of excessive screen time on students’ physical and mental health. The policy can recommend balanced use of digital devices, encouraging breaks and offline activities.
- Safety and Security: A policy helps protect students’ personal information and privacy. It sets standards for cybersecurity and guides the safe use of digital devices within the school environment.
- Consistency and Clarity: Having a district-wide policy ensures consistency in how PDDs are used and managed across all schools. It provides clear expectations for students, teachers, and parents, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts.
- Legal Compliance: Developing and implementing this policy ensures that the school district complies with provincial regulations and standards. This can protect the district from potential legal issues related to misuse of digital devices.
Guiding Tenets
Some of the guiding tenets of the development of district policy and related school codes of conduct includes:
- Equity and Access: A clear policy ensures equitable access to digital devices for all students, helping bridge the digital divide and providing equal opportunities for learning and participation regardless of socioeconomic status.
- Digital Citizenship and Safety: A well-defined policy can educate students on responsible digital citizenship, promoting safe and appropriate use of technology while safeguarding them from potential online risks and distractions.
- Learning Environment Guidance: Establishing a policy provides clear guidelines for parents and teachers, fostering a collaborative environment where the expectations for digital device use are understood and supported by the entire school community.
- Structured Learning Environment: A digital device use policy can create a structured learning environment by setting clear guidelines on when and how devices should be used, minimizing distractions, and enhancing focus on educational activities.
- Promoting Responsible Use: Such a policy can teach students the principles of responsible and ethical use of technology, helping them understand the importance of digital etiquette and the implications of their online behaviour.
- Aligning with Educational Goals: The policy can align the use of digital devices with the district’s educational goals, ensuring that technology is used to support and enhance learning objectives rather than detract from them.
Revelstoke Board of Education Process
In reply to a letter submitted to the Revelstoke Board of Education on May 8/2024, as a reminder of the action steps that are being taken to address the Restriction of Personal Devices in our learning environments.
“In response to your input, the Revelstoke Board of Education, in conjunction with feedback from our broader community, has outlined a series of steps and timelines:
Comprised of trustees, the Superintendent of Schools, the President of CUPE, the President of the Revelstoke Teachers’ Association, and administrative staff, the Policy Committee is committed to crafting a comprehensive and inclusive policy reflective of our collective aspirations for student well-being.” |
Current Revised Elementary and RSS Codes of Conduct Related to Personal Digital Devices
The following information is the Restriction of Personal Digital Devices section in Schools Codes of Conduct for the upcoming school year.
Elementary
| The use of personal digital devices at school is restricted to promote online safety and a focused learning environment. Restrictions of personal digital devices are appropriate for the age and developmental stage of our students. As such, student’s personal electronic devices are not to be brought to school. If it is required for a student to bring a cell phone to school for afterschool activities, any cell phone brought to school must be placed in “Airplane Mode” in a designated area for the day (usually the teacher’s desk).
Students have equitable access to learning technologies at the school (student iPads and laptops). This promotes digital literacy education as well as ensuring that these devices are used for curricular instruction only. Personal digital device use for learning adaptations is acceptable as outlined in an Individual Educational Plan (IEP), and for health reasons as outlined in a Medical Plan Please call the school (xxx-xxx-xxxx) should there be an urgent need to contact your child. We also have a student phone available for use at the office. |
RSS
| Personal digital devices, such as tablets, laptops, smartwatches, cell phones, etc. are restricted in school for the purpose of promoting online safety and focused learning environments.
These personal digital devices may only be used during class time for instructional purposes and digital literacy. Prior to entering a classroom, these devices must be put away and silenced, and the teacher may direct students to place these devices in an area/container in the classroom. The teacher will direct when personal digital devices may be used. Further, restrictions of personal digital devices will be appropriate for students’ age and developmental stage. As well, the school will endeavour to ensure equitable access to digital devices for educational purposes. Exceptions to restrictions include:
Please use personal digital devices in a manner that promotes respect for your and other’s learning environment, safety, and success. |
Timeline
| The District and School Codes of Conduct will be amended to include statements addressing the restriction of personal digital devices. | Before July 1/2024 |
| Online survey will be available on the school district website for further input from families, staff, and community. | June |
| The Policy Committee will develop a preliminary draft of the Restriction of Personal Digital Devices in Schools/Classrooms Policy. | September |
| The initial draft will be presented to the Board of Education and circulated for community feedback afterwards. | October |
| Dedicated session will be convened to gather additional input from parents, caregivers, students, and community. | October – November |
| The Policy Committee will carefully review and incorporate necessary modifications based on the feedback received. | November |
| The final adoption of the Policy. | December |
Personal Digital Device Approach Survey
We want to hear from you! We invite all student, parents and caregivers, and staff to take a few moments to complete our web-based survey on the future of the school district’s strategic plan. Your valuable feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our educational initiatives and ensuring a collaborative and effective learning environment for our students.
