Digital Devices at Plimmerton School
This page contains information about how digital devices are used and managed at Plimmerton school.
Overview:
Digital technologies provide many new and positive educational benefits for our students. To ensure we can make the most of these benefits, Plimmerton School provides a range of digital devices across the school. In our classroom programmes we guide students to use a balance of both digital devices and other resources, and help them make decisions about which is most effective for their learning.
Students in Motuhara and Mana Syndicates have access to chromebooks, and iPads for use at school. The students share the devices either working on them collaboratively with other students, or having turns using them.
Students in Mana, Hongoeka and TaupÅ Syndicates have their own school google apps accounts, to complete some school based activities in google docs and slides. All activity in google apps can be monitored by teachers.
Students in Hongoeka and Taupo Syndicates are encouraged to ‘bring your own chromebook’ (BYOC) to school for the purpose of learning. This enables students to manage their own learning more, both at school and at home, and develop their responsibility as a cyber-citizen, with both support and guidance of teachers and parents.
Information about digital device use and internet access in the school
Digital devices at Plimmerton School are used for educational purposes. Priority is given to the teaching and promotion of safe and responsible use of digital technologies (cyber-safety and cyber-citizenship), particularly in term 1 of each year. Students are also supported in their online searches to ensure appropriate, relevant and reliable Internet sites are being accessed. We guide students to balance their use and time on digital devices with non-digital resources and activities.
Students will be provided with personal password protected Google accounts for Internet, e-mail and cloud application access in Years 3 to 8. The students in Years 3 and 4 can only share email and google docs etc with other Plimmerton School account holders. Teachers can monitor all activity in each student’s gmail and google drive through an application called Teacher Dashboard.
The school maintains a secure computer and wireless network. This includes using the Ministry of Education “Network 4 Learning” filter for Internet and e-mail. Access to social media sites is not available on the school network. We also regularly monitor students on-line usage, and review their emails and activities in the school google apps domain.
Students will not have access to digital devices at intervals or lunchtimes unless permission for a specific purpose has been granted, and they are supervised by an adult. Digital technology equipment at Plimmerton school includes computers, storage devices, cameras, mobile phones, consoles, video/audio devices, and other digital devices (including smartwatches and tablets) whether owned by the school, or privately.
All chromebooks (school owned and personally owned), as well as other school digital equipment will be stored in locked cupboards or classrooms during break times. All other personal digital equipment must be stored in student’s bags for the duration of school time with the exception of smartwatches which must be kept on offline mode.
Our expectations for all students when using digital devices
Devices are only used at school under adult supervision.
Students are not to willfully access inappropriate, dangerous, illegal or objectionable material or activities using the Plimmerton School computer system (this includes personally owned and school owned mobile computers and devices).
Students will use all digital devices or applications (eg. email, google apps and Seesaw accounts) in a way that reflects the values of the school.
Students will not play any non-educational games, at any time, on any device while at school, unless given permission to do so by their teacher.
Devices are not to be used at morning break or lunchtimes while at school (unless given permission to do so by their teacher with the teacher present). Devices will be stored in a secure location during these times.
No software may be downloaded or installed by students without the permission of the teacher.
All safety threats, cyber-bullying or incidents should be reported to the teacher or Principal as soon as possible;
Only the internet gateway provided by the school may be accessed while at school. Personal internet connected devices eg. cell phones, smart watches should not be used to access outside internet sources at any time at school.
Our expectations for all students as Digital citizens
We expect all students to aim for the following attributes of digital citizenship as defined by NetSafe NZ. The student:
is a confident and capable user of ICT.
uses technologies to participate in educational, cultural, and economic activities.
uses and develops critical thinking skills in cyberspace.
is literate in the language, symbols, and texts of digital technologies.
is aware of ICT challenges and can manage them effectively.
uses ICT to relate to others in positive, meaningful ways.
demonstrates honesty and integrity and ethical behaviour in their use of digital technology.
respects the concepts of privacy and freedom of speech in a digital world.
contributes and actively promotes the values of digital citizenship.
Misuse of equipment or digital resources may lead to exclusion of access and/or disciplinary action.
Bring Your Own Chromebook (BYOC) Agreement at Plimmerton School (Years 4-8 only):
This agreement applies only to those parents who are providing a Chromebook for their child to use at school. Parental permission required. Please read the section below & complete the consent in the Plimmerton School Digital User agreement online form.
All devices brought to school are my child’s responsibility and the insurance for the chromebook is my responsibility. Responsibility to keep the device secure rests with the individual owner. The Plimmerton School BOT, staff and employees, are not liable for any device stolen or damaged either at, or on the way to or from school. If a device is stolen or damaged, it will be handled through the administrative office like other personal belongings.
All chromebooks should arrive at school each day fully charged and that my child may bring a charger for use during the day if required.
Chromebooks brought to school are for the use of my child. The school adheres to a ‘sharing screen’ concept, whereby my child may share his/her screen with others. In collaborative group work there may be 2-3 children working together, however my child is in charge of his/her device.
The school retains the right to collect and examine any device that is suspected of causing problems (eg a virus), or being in breach of the digital device guidelines and/or cyber safety policy;
Rules and guidelines including the cyber-safety policies governing the use of any school-owned digital device, will apply to student-owned devices while they are at school, including adherence to the Copyright Act.
Downloading and updating apps is to take place at home only, unless directed by the teacher.
The school will install any software required to connect the device to Plimmerton School’s wireless network.
If the school finds viruses, or other issues that make the device unsuitable for school use, then the device will be returned home to get fixed. Once fixed, the school will need to recheck the device
Online publication of student images and work at Plimmerton School
Parental permission is required.
Please read the section below & complete the consent in the Plimmerton School Digital User agreement online form.
Plimmerton School publishes student material online for the following purposes:
to provide authentic learning experiences and develop students’ digital fluency;
to encourage students to be part of and participate in and beyond the school community;
to promote the school in the wider community.
Images and recordings of students and/or their work may be posted on the school’s website, or other websites or blog sites with the approval of the staff member responsible. Staff will only use student’s first names and Year level on the school’s website or other publicly accessible websites/blog sites or apps. The School will not publish material online that shows students in a bad light, is defamatory, or is objectionable. As part of our Cyber-Safety programme students will be taught to protect their identity, and their digital footprint. Students are expected to seek permission before publishing anything on-line. As noted above staff monitor students’ on-line activity.
In relation to use of photos, videos or audio recordings, you will be given the option on our Online Digital User agreement form to select the option you consent to:
Give permission for the school to ‘post’ photographs/videos/audio clips of your child, AND ‘post’ his or her work, where he or she may be identifiable and shown in a positive light.
NOT give permission for the school to ‘post’ photographs/videos/audio clips of your child or his or her work.
Please note: The first option is our preferred option as this allows us to promote safe and sensible use of digital resources in learning programmes and celebrate your child’s successes.
If you select the second option:
we will not be contacting you on a case by case basis to seek permission to ‘post’ recognisable photographs/videos/audio clips of your child or his or her work; and
we may have to ask your child to step aside during photo/video/recording opportunities.