General Administration AP 145: Use of Personal Communication Devices (PCDS)

Background

Openness to new and future technologies and their educated use create opportunities for many constructive and positive uses that can aid the instructional process. Further, regulated use of some personal communication devices in the school and community may contribute to the safety and security of students and staff. However, unregulated use of such devices may pose a risk to personal safety; may disrupt instruction; may invade personal privacy; and may compromise academic integrity.

Procedures

1. Personal Communication/Electronic Devices (PCDs) are not to be operated by students during regularly scheduled instructional time, or during any school sponsored activity, such as an assembly or talk by a guest speaker, unless such use is approved by the Prinicipal or if the Principal directs the classroom teacher to facilitate learning activities.
   1. Normally, PCDs are to be stored in silent mode during instructional and school sponsored activities.
2. PCDs are not to be taken into test or examination settings, unless students have been given permission to do so.
3. PCDs are not to be used in settings such as change rooms, washrooms, private counseling rooms, that have the potential to violate a person’s reasonable expectation of privacy.
4. Students who bring PCDs to the school are expected to comply with all parts of Administrative Procedure 350 - Student Conduct. Students who consistently refuse to comply with the Division’s procedures for use of PCDs in the school setting may be subject to disciplinary measures detailed in the school’s rules, as well as the steps outlined in Administrative Procedure 355 - Student Discipline.
5. Staff who bring PCDs to school shall comply with Administrative Procedure 140 - Acceptable Use of Information and Communication Technology and Administrative Procedure 141 - Portable Technology Security.
6. The Superintendent requires Principals, in consultation with appropriate stakeholders (including the School Councils), to formulate and implement procedures at the school site consistent with the Division Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and process-based instructional requirements.
7. The Principal or designate may authorize a specific use of a PCD during the school day under the guidelines of the process-based instructional requirements.
8. In the event of an emergency, such as a lockdown or an evacuation, the Principal will develop and inform the school community of the acceptable use of PCDs in that emergency situation.
9. PCDs are valuable electronic devices. The security and storage of these items is the sole responsibility of the owner/user. The Division assumes no responsibility for the safety, security, loss, repair or replacement of PCDs.
   1. PCDs which are surrendered temporarily by students to teachers must be stored in a manner that allows the students to identify their devices, such as a cell phone hotel, or number pocket organizer.