At ISNS (International School of Nanshan Shenzhen) 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 (Primary Years Programme) can use iPads (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 academic year. The student’s homeroom teacher will keep a record of which device is assigned to each student. iPad and MacBook 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 a special subject classroom like 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 MacBook 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 assigned to a specific student goes missing, the student to whom it is assigned will be held responsible unless it can be proven that another individual is guilty of theft. The teacher and principal will investigate 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 (Middle Years Programme) and DP students need to bring their own laptop (MacBook) for use daily.

Teachers will provide access to innovative applications and software designed to support each specific subject area.

Acceptable Use 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) daily.

· 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 to play areas as they may become damaged.

· While in class, students should 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.

Expectations and Guidelines for Artificial Intelligence in School

ISNS recognizes the benefits and challenges that artificial intelligence (AI) presents to schools. AI can empower teaching and learning but has also caused alarm about academic honesty and appropriate usage. While we cannot predict what AI will look like in the future, we embrace the IB learner profile attribute of being 'open minded' when establishing guidelines for use of AI. We are committed to continuous review and adaptation of our policies as AI evolves. We have created a series of guiding statements for teachers and students not tied to specific technologies and focused on improving the quality of teaching and learning.

Teacher use of AI:

· Teachers are expected to stay informed about current AI technologies and integrate them into their teaching practices when they can enhance the learning experience.

· Teachers are encouraged to provide age-appropriate AI information and guidance to students, fostering safe and informed use of these technologies.

· Teachers are required to set clear expectations for AI use by students.\

· Teachers are required to understand and uphold the AI academic integrity policy, ensuring students do the same.

· Teachers are encouraged to use AI to assist with differentiating for student achievement.

· Teachers are encouraged to use AI when designing and revising curriculum, producing class resources, and planning lessons.

· Teachers are encouraged to share successful strategies for using AI to differentiate instruction among their peers.

Student use of AI:

· Students must adhere to teacher guidelines on the appropriate use of AI for assessments, ensuring clarity on when AI assistance is permitted.

· Students are required to cite any AI-generated material used in their work, following established citation standards.

· Students must uphold academic honesty by transparently acknowledging AI use in their work.

· Students are encouraged to learn how to effectively use AI to enhance their personal learning experiences and outcomes.

· Students are encouraged to explore emerging AI technologies and share their insights and findings with peers and teachers, fostering a collaborative learning environment

Acceptable use expectations are 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 inappropriate 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 the 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 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 on them by the IT (Information Technology) Office due to disciplinary action. It is considered a severe offense to remove or block school personnel's ability 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 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 for 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 to prepare them for future careers and life. If a user is unsure about whether a particular use is acceptable or appropriate, they 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 distribution 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 period.

· 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 eighteen should only access ISNS school and teacher websites outside of school if a parent or legal guardian supervises their usage. 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 people. For example, students should not reveal their name, home address, telephone number, or display photographs that can be deemed 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 teacher or parents if anyone on the Internet asks personal questions about themselves or sees 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 extra charges a user accrues from the school’s network are to be borne by them. 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 (whether used 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 damage 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.

· Students 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 keep 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:

· Physically altering or dissembling a computer in any way.

· Altering software or applications that are installed by the school.

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

Personal Information Protection Law of the People

General Data Protection Regulation - GDPR