Technology Use Guidelines

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Technology Use Guidelines

Digital technologies represent an essential part of our everyday lives and when used appropriately, responsibly and intentionally, have the potential to be transformative tools for learning and engagement. In High School, we believe that technology should be used when it can enhance and transform experiences and put away when it’s not. With that in mind, the following guidelines and expectations should be followed:

Students will:

  • Be flexible problem solvers who are open to new technologies, who  understand that not all learning involves technology and who are prepared when it does.
  • Use technology with common sense, responsible decision making, critical thinking, honesty, and respect for others, acknowledging information overload, focus issues, and distractions as part of the digital experiences.
  • Students are expected to abide by the HKIS social media policy.
  • Store cell phones in bags or in a location of the teacher’s choosing during class time. 
  • Leave cell phones in their bag when they go to the restroom
  • Use cell phones in class only when the teacher gives permission.
  • Keep phones, earbuds, headphones etc in their bags during Community Gatherings and other performances 
  • Seek teacher permission to use headphones/ earbuds during class time. 
  • Put all devices—including cell phones, laptops, tablets, watches etc—on ‘Do not disturb’ mode during class time to reduce distractions from notifications.
  • Use devices to support the learning for the class they are in. Students will not game, engaging in learning for other classes, email, or send chat messages during class time.
  • Not walk and look at their screen or text while walking.
  • Prioritise ‘in person’ interactions with their peers and teachers.
  • Come to school every day with a fully charged laptop as their primary learning device.

In the event of a student's digital devices being a distraction to learning, consequences may include:

  • Devices taken away from the student until the end of the lesson
  • Devices turned into the HS office for collection at the end of the day
  • Parents informed
  • Repeated or established patterns of behavior may result in a parent conference and further actions being taken.

Faculty will:

  • Invest time throughout the school year to establish expectations for use of technology in their classroom, including emphasizing where they expect cell phones to be stored during class time, how laptops and tablets will be managed and used, as well as reviewing AI guidelines and key facets of the social media policy.
  • Guide students in the appropriate use of digital technologies for learning in their classroom.
  • Model appropriate technology use in their classroom and around the school building.
  • Address and support students who struggle to use technology in ways that are appropriate (i) for learning, and (ii) for their interpersonal relationships with others.

Parents will:

  • Support the HKIS technology guidelines and expectations, including the digital communication policy with their child
  • Refrain from texting or calling their child during class time
  • Contact the HS office if there is an emergency and they need to contact their child immediately 
  • Model appropriate use of technologies in the home, establishing family expectations for the use of an management of devices. 

Policies and Guidelines

All students should familiarise themselves with the following policies related to the digital learning at HKIS.