EFFECTIVE: September 3, 2024
REVISED:
PURPOSE: The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and Anglophone North School District recognize that technology is a useful learning tool as part of a well-rounded education, including the development of skills and knowledge that will help students succeed beyond the school.
Some studies show that the use of cell phone devices in classrooms may have a negative impact on the learning environment for students and staff:
-They may contribute to the distraction and disruption of classroom
learning, which could lead to lower grades for students
-They may contribute to exposing students to cyberbullying
-They may contribute to compromising students’ privacy.
ASD-N strives to find balance between improving classroom learning focus, and students’ sense of connection.
REGULATION:
The District champions the use of technology in classrooms when it supports learning outcomes. Devices other than cell phones (laptops, tablets, calculators, etc.) should be used first to support learning outcomes, with cell phones used as a last resort and only with the express permission of the teacher. Teachers shall not allow the student use of cell phones for any reason other than to support learning outcomes.
Cell phones must be turned off before entering a classroom and must be stored in a school designated location within the classroom or kept in the student’s locker.
An allowance would be made when a student is directed to use the cell phone by the teacher for learning purposes.
Cell phones may be turned on upon leaving the classroom at the end of class, and during official breaks.
Schools with younger grade levels may add additional measures., such as requiring student cell phones to be turned off and stored in lockers for the duration of the school day.
Exceptions will be made for critical communication purposes, such as for medical monitoring, translation, and approved student plans.
Compliance is expected across all schools in ASD-N.
Non-compliance will be addressed by the school, and may include warnings, removal of the cell phone, contacting parents/guardians, or suspension.
This District Regulation is intended to support Policy 311 (6.13.). Policy 311 can be found at here