At ISNS we strive to provide our students with the opportunity to utilize the latest in information technology and hardware as they engage in the learning process.
Students in EY and PYP have the opportunity to use i-Pads (K4 to Grade 3) or MacBooks (Grades 4 and 5) provided by the school as a regular learning tool. Students will be assigned a specific ISNS-owned device, for use throughout the duration of the academic year. The student’s homeroom teacher will keep a record of which device is assigned to each student. IPads and Macbooks which are owned by ISNS are not to be taken home and should be kept in the homeroom where a locked storage cabinet with charging capabilities is available. The only occasion for which a device should be removed from the homeroom is for use in a special subject classroom such as music. Devices should always be accounted for and locked up in the correct storage cabinet in the homeroom at the end of each day. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure his or her device is put away properly.
Students are responsible for safeguarding devices such as iPads and Macbooks while using them. Students (or their parents) will be charged for repairs or replacement if they damage a device that is owned by ISNS, whether the damage is caused intentionally, by negligence or by accident. If a device that is assigned to a specific student goes missing, the student to whom the device is assigned will be held responsible unless it can be proven that another individual is guilty of theft. The teacher and principal will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of any damage or loss before determining who is to be held responsible. All classrooms are equipped with CCTV to which the principals have access.
MYP and DP students need to bring their own laptop (MacBook) for use daily.
Teachers will provide access to cutting edge applications and software that is designed to support each specific subject area.
Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for Technology
All students are expected to make appropriate choices regarding technology use. Students will be educated on the responsible use of technology in their lives, including topics such as: developing an understanding of and evaluating online resources, online safety, appropriate online behavior, effectively managing time spent on devices, plagiarism and respecting privacy.
Responsible Digital Citizenship
Student use of technology should be informed by the ideals of the IB Learner Profile and be in line with expectations set by teachers and the school.
Respect academic rules regarding proper documentation and plagiarism. Use only legally obtained software. When in doubt, consult a teacher or librarian.
Malfunctioning technology should not be used as an excuse for not meeting the expectations of a course.
Students should read all school and course communications (emails and website postings) on a daily basis.
MYP and DP students must come to class with their laptop prepared: necessary files and software backed up and accessible, anti-virus software up-to-date, and a charged battery. Students must plan their day so that they have adequate battery power for all academic requirements.
Students should learn and develop the technological skills required for participation in each of their courses.
Students should use the school’s network, computer systems and communication tools in constructive ways, for academic purposes only.
Do not let technology be disruptive to learning in any way. Online entertainment activities such as video game playing, video and audio streaming and instant messaging compete with academic work and are discouraged throughout the school day.
Do not bring electronic devices to the cafeteria or on to play areas as they may become damaged.
While in class, students should have open only the programs, windows, and tabs that are relevant to the class as permitted by the teacher.
Students should use the same discretion in online communication as with in any other form of communication.
Students are not permitted to use electronic devices in the cafeterias.
ISNS’s Acceptable Use Policy (“AUP”) is in place to protect students. It is our goal to prevent students from becoming victims of online misconduct, to prevent inappropriate or unlawful activities by students online, and to prevent unauthorized disclosure of or access to sensitive information and innapropriate materials. These policies, guidelines and rules refer to all computing devices including but not limited to computers, mobile web enabled devices, iPads, MP3 players, portable memory storage devices, calculators with interfacing capability, cell phones or electronic communication devices, digital cameras, etc., as well as technology infrastructure, associated peripheral devices and/or software that access the ISNS internet/computer network directly or indirectly; and all computers and devices owned by the ISNS. Only current ISNS students, teachers and staff are authorized to use the ISNS network and devices, unless specific access has been given by administration ahead of time.
These policies, guidelines and rules refer to all computing devices including but not limited to computers, mobile web enabled devices, iPads, MP3 players, portable memory storage devices, calculators with interfacing capability, cell phones or electronic communication devices, digital cameras, etc., as well as technology infrastructure, associated peripheral devices and/or software that access the ISNS internet/computer network directly or indirectly; and all computers and devices owned by the ISNS.
ISNS reserves the right to, and will, monitor all technology use on campus as well as any technology use that enters the school community (both physically and through online spaces and means). This includes, but is not limited to, personal devices such as tablets, mobile phones and personal computers. The leadership team, faculty and technology staff have the right to examine any student files or devices without warning. Computers may be remotely accessed and observed by ISNS staff without student or parent knowledge/consent. Computers may have restrictions placed upon them by the IT Office as a result of disciplinary action. It is considered a severe offense to remove and or block in any way the ability of school personnel to monitor technology use.
Illegal or inappropriate activities conducted utilizing the ISNS network such as: drug or alcohol related activities; threatening the safety of another; gambling; promoting a pyramid scheme; distributing obscenities; receiving, transmitting, or possessing pornography; infringing copyrights; making threats—are strictly prohibited and may be reported to the authorities. Use of the school network for commercial purposes, advertising, personal profit, unauthorized fundraising, or political lobbying/campaigning is prohibited.
ISNS will use technology protection measures to block or filter, to the extent practicable, access of visual depictions that are obscene, pornographic, and harmful to minors over the network. ISNS reserves the right to monitor users' online activities and to access, review, copy, and store or delete any electronic communication or files and disclose them to others as it deems necessary. Users should have no expectation of privacy regarding their use of school property, network and/or Internet access or files, including email.
Students using the ISNS computer network, internet access and devices agree to the terms of this policy. All users will be held accountable to this policy by the school. By using the ISNS network and or ISNS devices, users have agreed to this policy.
Acceptable Uses of the ISNS Computer Network or the Internet
Access to the ISNS computer network and internet access is provided for educational purposes and school business only. Technology is a powerful tool for learning and can enhance the learning experience greatly. At ISNS we want all students to become experienced users of technology in order to prepare them for future careers and life. If a user is uncertain about whether a particular use is acceptable or appropriate, he or she should consult a teacher or other appropriate ISNS personnel.
Unacceptable Uses of the Computer Network or Internet
Below are examples of inappropriate activities when using the ISNS network or devices. The school reserves the right to take immediate action regarding activities (1) that create security and/or safety issues for the school, students, employees, network or computer resources, or (2) that expend school resources on content that ISNS in its sole discretion determines lacks legitimate educational content/purpose, or (3) other activities as determined by ISNS as inappropriate. Any misuse of the network/internet in violation of this policy must be reported to a teacher or other appropriate ISNS personnel.
Violating any law or municipal ordinance, such as:
Accessing or transmitting pornography of any kind, obscene depictions, harmful materials, materials that encourage others to violate the law, confidential information or copyrighted materials;
Criminal activities that can be punished under law;
Selling or purchasing illegal items or substances;
Obtaining and/or using anonymous email sites; spamming; spreading viruses;
Causing harm to others or damage to their property, such as:
Using profane, abusive, or impolite language; threatening, harassing, or making damaging or false statements about others or accessing, transmitting, or downloading offensive, harassing, or disparaging materials;
Deleting, copying, modifying, or forging other users' names, emails, photographs, files, or data; disguising one's identity, impersonating other users, or sending anonymous email;
Damaging computer equipment, files, data or the network in any way, including intentionally accessing, transmitting or downloading computer viruses or other harmful files or programs, or disrupting any computer system performance;
Using any ISNS computer or device to pursue “hacking,” internal or external to ISNS, or attempting to access information protected by privacy laws; or
Accessing, transmitting or downloading large files, including 'chain letters', plagiarism or any type of 'pyramid schemes'.
Engaging in uses that jeopardize access or lead to unauthorized access into others’ accounts or other computer networks, such as:
Using another’s account password(s) or identifier(s);
Interfering with other users' ability to access their account(s); or
Disclosing anyone’s password to others or allowing them to use another’s account(s).
Using the network or internet for commercial purposes:
Using the Internet for personal financial gain;
Using the Internet for personal advertising, promotion, or financial gain; or
Conducting for-profit business activities and/or engaging in non-government related fundraising or public relations activities such as solicitation and distributed for religious purposes, lobbying for personal political purposes.
Consequences for Improper Use
The use of devices at ISNS and the ISNS network is a privilege, not a right, and misuse will result in consequences. Those consequences can include:
A device will be taken away or restricted access applied for a specified time frame.
The student will be asked to give a presentation to other students about internet safety or good digital citizenship.
Severe misuse may also lead to disciplinary and/or legal action, including suspension, expulsion, or criminal prosecution by government authorities. ISNS will attempt to tailor any disciplinary action to the specific issues related to each violation.
Student Internet Safety
Students under the age of eighteen should only access ISNS school and teacher websites outside of school if a parent or legal guardian supervises their usage at all times. The student’s parent or guardian is responsible for monitoring the minor’s use.
Students should not reveal on the Internet personal information about themselves or other persons. For example, students should not reveal their name, home address, telephone number, or display photographs that can be deemed as disreputable of themselves or others including family and friends.
Students should not meet in person anyone they have met only on the Internet.
Students must abide by all laws, this Acceptable Use Policy and all school security policies.
Students must tell a teachers or parents if anyone on the Internet asks personal questions about themselves or see anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.
Students will use only polite and appropriate language when using the Internet.
Students will not copy anything from the Internet and claim it is “my work.”
Students should keep their passwords secure and never share passwords with others, even a close friend.
Electronic Communications
The contents of any electronic communications, including email, instant messaging, blogs, wikis, and social networking sites should be composed with the utmost care. Information sent out through the internet can become permanent since recipients may forward information to locations where there is no control over future dissemination. The potential to bring harm to oneself, to others, and to ISNS is real and must be considered each time one communicates online.
The ISNS logo, school name, and branding tagline cannot be used in any electronic media or communication or otherwise without the prior written permission of ISNS’s department of communications.
Disclaimer
The International School of Nanshan Shenzhen makes no guarantees about the quality of the services provided and is not responsible for any claims, losses, damages, costs, or other obligations arising from use of the network or accounts. Any additional charges a user accrues due to the use of the school’s network are to be borne by the user. ISNS also denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through user access. Any statement, accessible on the computer network or the Internet, is understood to be the author's individual point of view and not that of ISNS its affiliates, or employees.
ISNS School-Owned Laptop Policy and Procedures for MYP
Laptops owned by ISNS (including the related accessories) will be distributed to Grade 6 students on a one-to-one basis at the beginning of the school year for school and home use. Students are responsible for bringing the laptop to school every day. Students, along with their parents, will sign acceptance of this policy and submit it to the IT department before the laptop is issued.
Precautions
Students are responsible for the general care of the laptop at all times (whether using at school or at home). General precautions for laptop use include but not limited to:
Food and beverages can damage the laptop. Students will be responsible for damages caused by food and beverage spills.
Cords, cables, and removable devices should be inserted carefully into the laptop. Only charge the laptop with the charger that is provided.
Student should never carry their laptop while the screen is open.
Laptops should remain free of any writing, drawing, stickers, or label that are not the property of ISNS.
Laptops should never be left in a vehicle or any unsupervised area.
Students should take proper care of the laptop screen by not touching, poking and scratching the screen.
Students should not allow anyone else, including family members, to use their assigned laptop. Students are responsible for any loss or damage that occurs when someone else is using the assigned laptop.
Intentional or Negligent Damage or Loss
Students are expected to maintain the school-owned laptop in good condition. Failure to do so will result in fines depending on the condition the laptop is in. Students will be responsible for the full cost of repair or replacement1 for the following:
Liquid/beverage spills on the laptop - eating or drinking near a laptop is not accidental.
Excessive scratches or wear on the laptop.
Damage caused by repairs made by an unauthorized source. School-owned laptops should be brought for repair to the ISNS IT department.
Deliberate damage, neglect or abuse caused by the student (and others if the student allows others to use their laptop). This includes intentionally marking, defacing, tampering with the laptop, and damaging the screen by compressing or dropping it.
Loss of laptop (e.g. leaving the laptop in an unlocked car, public transport and area or any other unknown reason).
In case of theft, vandalism and other criminal acts and fire, a police or fire report should be filed and provided to principals and IT department within 2 weeks. If no clear supporting evidence can be provided, students will be responsible for full replacement cost.
1: If a new laptop is assigned to the student, the replacement cost of the laptop will be the current market value of same or similar model; if a used laptop is assigned to the student, the replacement cost will be based on ISNS’s recorded net book value.
Suspension of Laptop Use
Students are expected to use their computer in accordance with the school Acceptable Use Policy and any applicable laws. The following actions are NOT permitted on school-owned laptops that assigned to students:
Responsible Digital Citizenship
Students are expected to follow the ISNS statement about digital citizenship (stated above).
Any violation of the rules stated above could lead to any of the combination of the following:
Removal of take-home privileges.
Permanent removal of school technology privileges.
Financial payment for damages as mentioned under “Intentional or Negligent Damage or Loss.”
Other consequences deemed necessary.
Return of Laptops to School
Students will return their original laptop at the end of each school year for maintenance, cleaning and software installations. The same laptop will be assigned to the student at the beginning of subsequent school years. Students must return the laptop and related accessories (including charger) to the school in case of withdrawal. Laptops may be collected at other times during the school year if maintenance or software installation is needed at any given time.
Laptop Technical Support Contacts
If the laptop is damaged, malfunctioning, stolen or lost, it must be reported to the ISNS IT department (T513) and MYP Principal immediately. Please bring the damaged or malfunctioning laptop to the IT department within 24 hours of noticing the damage and do not attempt to fix the damaged or malfunction yourself or through any unauthorized repair service.
Guidelines from the Chinese Government regarding the use of WeChat
WeChat Group Approval Form