Policy 24

PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES

The Board recognizes that there is an appropriate educational purpose for the use of technology in the classroom provided that it is used responsibly to achieve the learner outcomes in the Alberta Programs of Study and allows students to participate in learner activities chosen by the teacher.

We are committed to preparing our students to thrive in the 21st century. Digital citizenship is key to helping EIPS students learn to use available technology responsibly to enable them to reach their full potential as learners.

Definitions

1. Digital Citizenship (DC):
   Refers to the knowledge, skills and attitudes in our schools needed to demonstrate responsible and respectful behavior when using technology or participating in digital environments.
2. Educational Purpose refers to:
   1. the use of the device to enable the student to achieve the learner outcomes in the Alberta Program of Study and/or participate in learner activities chosen by the teacher;
   2. a diagnosed medical need of the student;
   3. an inclusive education need identified in the student’s instructional support plan (ISP).
3. Personal Communication Device (PCD):
   Refers to personal digital devices that connect to the internet through WiFi, cellular network or other mobile devices. 

Procedures

1. Division employees shall:
   1. serve as role models and as such must only use PCDs as outlined in Board Policy and Administrative Procedures;
   2. understand and promote a welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe working and learning environment.
2. Schools shall:
   1. ensure Administrative Procedure 145, Use of Personal Communication Devices is communicated to all staff and students at the beginning of each school year and ensure its adherence;
   2. develop a plan detailing the specific curricular circumstances that a PCD can be used in class;
   3. establish how PCDs will be stored at the school.
3. Students of Divisions 1 and 2 (Grades K-6):
   1. shall not access a PCD at school, unless required for:
   2. diagnosed medical conditions; or
   3. an identified inclusive educational need.
4. When not required, PCDs brought to school for a diagnosed medical condition or an identified inclusive educational need shall be stored according to the school PCD plan;
   1. shall store a PCD according to the school PCD plan;
   2. shall not access a PCD during break periods (recess, lunch break, etc.).
5. Students of Division 3 (Grades 7-9):
   1. shall not have a PCD on them and shall store a PCD according to the school PCD plan (locker/classroom pouches), unless required for:
      1. diagnosed medical conditions; or
      2. an identified inclusive educational need.
   2. may access a PCD when given permission by the teacher for a specific educational task or purpose;
   3. shall have access to a PCD during identified break periods only (recess, class break, lunch break, etc.).
6. Students of Division 4 (Grades 10-12):
   1. shall not have a PCD on them and shall store a PCD according to the school PCD plan (locker/classroom pouches), unless required for:
      1. diagnosed medical conditions; or
      2. an identified inclusive educational need.
   2. may access a PCD when given permission by the teacher for a specific educational task or purpose;
   3. shall have access to a PCD during identified break periods only (class break, lunch break, spare, etc.).

References

Policy 19, Welcoming, Caring, Respectful and Safe Learning and Working Environments