Digital Citizenship at KHMS

How do we help instill a sense of global citizenship, of civic-mindedness, and respect on the internet?  What are some of the best strategies you have seen in practice in your school communities?

I am happy to continue journey of Top Global Teacher Bloggers 2017. 

This month's question is need of the hour. Digital citizenship, following netiquettes, being cyber safe are key points to be embedded in the school curriculum.

As a teacher working from past 22 years, I feel responsible to make our upcoming generation cyber safe. 
We have formed a Cyber Congress in our school which consist of School Leader, Teacher members, Student members and Parents as members. The objective is to keep a watch on online activities of students and create awareness about being cyber safe and maintain other's safety as well.

Here through this blog, I am sharing our school's IT Policy.

Kulachi Hansraj Model School is committed to provide best IT environment to students for enhancing 21st century skills. In this age of digital citizenship, we believe in enhancing the use of IT in its right way keeping in view the security and its ethical use in the school environment and otherwise. The use of internet and IT environment is the need of the hour for enhancing 21st century skills. Internet access will be provided to students for project based learning and its use as per the curriculum needs.

• As per school policy, the computers will remain under the control and supervision of school. Data shared or accessed by students will be under school’s privacy.
• While reasonable precautions will be taken to supervise students’ use of the Internet, the school obviously cannot ensure absolute screening of all inappropriate uses, including access to objectionable materials and communication with people outside the school. The school is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of information that students obtain from the Internet.
• Students are expected to use the resources in a manner consistent with the school IT policy and will be held responsible for its misuse in any manner. Additionally, parents should discuss with their children their own expectations for their child's Internet use. Home use of the Internet by students must be supervised and parents should be completely responsible for the student's use of the Internet resources at home. A daily time limit and an awareness of information retrieved from the Internet for home use is highly recommended.
• Internet bandwidth is a limited and valued resource. Any activity that places unnecessary strain on this valuable resource is prohibited. These activities include downloading or uploading of music/video/movie files, accessing file sharing websites, torrents and webcasting/webinars.
• It is a moral responsibility of each student and staff member to use IT infrastructure ethically and utilize these resources for growth of the education system and the community as a whole.
• Becoming a responsible digital netizen is one’s own responsibility.Computer and Internet use is a Privilege, NOT A RIGHT. Student use of the school computers, networks, and Internet services is a privilege, and not a right. Unacceptable use/activity may result in suspension or cancellation of privileges as well as additional disciplinary and/or legal action.
• Based upon the acceptable use guidelines as outlined in this document, the school will deem what is appropriate and inappropriate use of the system. In addition the school has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the material you access or post through the system.
• The user is responsible for his/ her actions and activities involving school computers, networks and Internet services and for his/her computer files, passwords, and accounts.
• Using the school  computers, networks, and Internet services for any illegal activity or activity that violates other school policies, procedures and/or school rules. Modifying/altering system settings, or installing software/applications or Copying files to/from any external device such as pen drive, external hard disk, CD/DVD, Mobile Phone, Memory Stick, MP3 Player without taking written permission from the respective computer teacher or hardware engineer is strictly prohibited;
• Copying or downloading copyrighted materials without the owner's permission is an offence.
• Mention Internet sources used in student work. Acknowledging other’s work is a must.
• Copying or downloading or using software without the authorization of the system administrator is not permissible.
• Using the school's computers, networks and Internet services for non-school-related purposes such as private financial gain is not permissible. Strict action can be taken.
• Limits will be enforced on students who access the school’s internet. A prior permission must be taken from the school Principal for the use of internet for the school activities.

     Using fb Official School Page

• Do not post any individual student picture with his/her name and other credentials like DOB.
• Take parent’s consent before posting pictures/videos of students online on school’s page/youtube.