Issue 4: Appropriate Use
Acceptable use policies have been in place in schools with computers for years. However, access to digital and mobile technology through a BYOD program brings with it a loss of control or oversight by teachers and administrators, which means that educating students on how, when, and why to use their devices is vital. Fortunately, Digital Citizenship curriculum, if fully implemented, will prepare the students to successfully participate in a BYOD environment.
The nine elements of Digital Citizenship, developed by Mike Ribble, which outline the norms of appropriate, responsible behaviour with technology, are:
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Image courtesy of Sylvia Duckworth. https://twitter.com/sylviaduckworth/status/590262107842617344
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Common areas of student misuse of mobile technology: |
Teachers and administrators, since the widespread adoption of mobile technology, have encountered several common issues when students have access to mobile technology at school. These include:
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Dealing with misuse of personal devices |
As educators, we know that you can teach, publish, and preach appropriate use, but ultimately, it is up to the students to follow the policies. Instances of misuse can range from distracting, to inappropriate, to hurtful, to criminal. As part of the School Readiness for BYOD planning, consequences for misuse should be developed and communicated to students before the program begins. In addition, the use of visual reminders posted throughout the school is recommended, as students sometimes "forget" policies. There are excellent posters available online, such as on those on the Pinterest board below.
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References
Duckworth, S. (2015) Sketchnote: The 9 elements of digital citizenship. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/sylviaduckworth/status/590262107842617344
Ribble, M. (2011) Digital Citizenship in schools (2nd ed.). International Society for Technology in Education. Retrieved from https://www.iste.org/docs/excerpts/DIGCI2-excerpt.pdf
Ribble, M. (2011) Digital Citizenship in schools (2nd ed.). International Society for Technology in Education. Retrieved from https://www.iste.org/docs/excerpts/DIGCI2-excerpt.pdf