Acceptable Use Policy for Educational Technology Resources

1. Purpose and Introduction

This Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) establishes guidelines for the responsible and effective use of Personal Learning Devices (PLDs) and educational technology resources at Loyang View Secondary School. Aligned with our purpose of empowering every individual to SHINE, this policy creates a safe, productive digital learning environment that enhances educational outcomes whilst protecting the privacy, safety, and wellbeing of all members of our school community.

Technology is an essential part of learning in today's world. As we nurture our students to become lifelong learners, future-ready leaders, and active citizens, this AUP helps you understand how to use EdTech resources safely and responsibly, in line with efforts to develop your digital literacies and growth as digitally responsible citizens.

Through responsible use of technology, we cultivate our school culture of Learn, Value, Shine - where students learn effectively through digital tools, value respectful online behaviour, and shine as responsible digital citizens in our vibrant and caring school community.

For additional resources, please refer to: Student Kit on Cyber Wellness and Learning with a Personal Learning Device (Secondary) – https://go.gov.sg/cw-studentkit

2. Scope and Application

This policy applies to all students, teachers, staff, and visitors using school technology resources, including but not limited to:

Personal Learning Devices (iPads) provided by or used within the school
ICT system accounts (e.g. Singapore Student Learning Space (SLS), iCON, Google Classroom, Microsoft 365)
School internet networks
All educational technology platforms and applications accessible through school systems
Use of school technology resources both on and off campus during school-related activities

3. General Guidelines

You should not attempt to access data, systems and information that you are not authorised to access. You are reminded that the use of learning devices and school's EdTech resources should solely be for the purpose of learning.

4. Core Requirements and Technical Standards

4.1 Device Management Application (DMA) Requirement

All Personal Learning Devices must have the Device Management Application (DMA) installed and active before they can be used in school for lessons. All PLDs are installed with a DMA to support a safe and conducive learning environment. You should not attempt to bypass the DMA.

Devices without DMA will be treated according to existing school smartphone policies, including immediate confiscation and storage in the Student Welfare room. Further consequences may apply, up to and including withholding devices until parents collect them personally.

4.2 Using Your PLD - Responsibilities and Care

Device Responsibility: You are responsible for your PLD. In the event of loss or theft of the device, you must make a police report and report the matter to the school immediately.

Charging and Maintenance: In order to have a positive learning experience, you should ensure that your PLD is fully charged before bringing it to school. Should you need to charge your PLD in school, you should only do so at the school's designated charging stations, during recess and/or after-school hours.

System Updates: You are reminded to keep your PLD updated by installing the relevant patches and updates when being prompted by the system.

Data Backup: You are responsible for regularly backing up your learning materials in your PLD to prevent data loss using the 200GB complimentary iCloud storage provided through your school-managed Apple ID.

4.3 Apple ID and Account Management

Students must use only school-managed Apple IDs provided by Loyang View Secondary School. Personal Apple IDs are not permitted on school devices to ensure security, appropriate content access, and compliance with educational data protection requirements.

4.4 Application Installation and Management

All applications must be installed through the JAMF Student app using the school's approved whitelist. You may only download applications that appear in your JAMF Student app catalogue that have been vetted and approved by the school.

4.5 Camera and Recording Policy

The camera and recording functions on PLDs may only be used with explicit approval from the subject teacher to protect student and staff privacy rights and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

5. Being a Responsible Digital Citizen

As members of the Loyang View Secondary School community, students are expected to demonstrate our school values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, and Compassion in all digital interactions:

Respectful Communication: You should interact with others in a respectful and responsible way. You should not post online remarks that are racially and/or religiously insensitive, vulgar and/or offensive, or hurtful to others.

Appropriate Content: You should not use any devices to store, modify, create or share content (e.g. documents, presentations, pictures and videos) that is inappropriate (e.g. indecent, pornographic, defamatory, hurtful to self or others), or make threats, cause harassment or embarrassment, impersonate or intimidate others.

Educational Purpose: You should not use MOE/school-deployed ICT system accounts for any commercial activities (e.g. buying and selling of goods and services).

Data and Privacy Protection: Students are expected to protect both their own and others' personal information by maintaining confidentiality of login credentials, respecting privacy settings on school platforms, and reporting any suspected security breaches immediately.

6. Respecting Copyright

Permission and Attribution: You are reminded to obtain explicit permission from the content owner(s) before downloading, copying or sharing any copyrighted materials (e.g. pictures, videos, music). You must properly cite sources and references in all academic work.

Legal Compliance: You should not use, copy, edit or share digital files in an unauthorised or illegal manner. This includes avoiding plagiarism and respecting intellectual property rights of content creators.

7. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Age Requirements: You must ensure that you meet the minimum age requirement specified in each AI tool's age restrictions before using it.

Academic Integrity: If the use of AI is permitted, you should acknowledge the use of AI in weighted assessments and homework as required. You are to practice academic integrity and be responsible for your own learning when using AI. Understand that you are ultimately short-changing yourself if you pass off other's work as your own.

Critical Evaluation: You should exercise caution regarding the limitations of AI tools, including potential inaccuracies/fabricated responses, inherent biases and outdated information.

8. Staying Safe and Secure Online

Incident Reporting: You should report any incidents (e.g. unusual device behaviour or inappropriate use of devices) to your Form Teacher or the school ICT team immediately.

Online Safety Habits: You are reminded to develop online safety habits, including:

Not disclosing personal access credentials (e.g. MIMS password, PLD passcode, etc.) or sensitive personal data (e.g. home address, passwords) online or on AI platforms
Verifying credibility of online content before sharing
Avoiding clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files
Being cautious when interacting with others online (e.g. on social media) by not engaging with strangers

Information Literacy: Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate online sources for credibility and bias, and recognise the importance of fact-checking and verification.

9. Digital Wellbeing and Balance

Balanced Technology Use: You are reminded to balance screentime with other activities including physical exercise and face-to-face social interactions. You should avoid excessive use of your devices outside learning hours.

Health Considerations: You should take regular breaks to rest your eyes and mind during extended technology use.

Sleep Hygiene: You are reminded to practice good sleep hygiene by not using your devices one hour before bedtime.

10. Prohibited Activities

The following activities are strictly forbidden:

Bypassing security measures, including content filters, firewalls, or the DMA system
Accessing inappropriate material that is violent, sexually explicit, discriminatory, or illegal
Engaging in cyberbullying, harassment, or threatening behaviour
Unauthorised access to other users' accounts or personal information
Commercial activities or profit-making activities unrelated to education
Unauthorised recording without proper teacher approval
Identity misrepresentation or creating fake accounts

11. Consequences and Enforcement

11.1 Progressive Discipline Framework

Non-compliance with this AUP will lead to disciplinary action in accordance with the school's discipline policy. Loyang View Secondary School employs a progressive discipline approach that emphasises learning from mistakes while maintaining clear boundaries. Consequences are determined based on the severity of the violation, frequency of incidents, and the student's response to corrective guidance.

11.2 Consequence Levels

Level 1 - Minor Violations First-time minor infractions such as inappropriate use during class time or accessing non-educational content may result in:

Verbal warnings and counselling on appropriate use
Temporary restriction of device privileges during specific lessons
Reflection activities focused on digital citizenship
Additional supervision during technology use
Review of this AUP with Form Teacher

Level 2 - Moderate Violations Repeated minor violations or moderate infractions such as attempting to bypass security measures, inappropriate online communication, or misuse of school platforms may result in:

Temporary suspension of PLD privileges for one to several days
Parent notification and conference
Completion of digital citizenship education modules
Written reflection on the impact of actions on the learning community
Formal documentation in student records

Level 3 - Serious Violations Serious infractions such as cyberbullying, accessing highly inappropriate content, unauthorised recording, or attempting to compromise system security may result in:

Extended suspension of technology privileges
Formal disciplinary action according to school policies
Mandatory counselling or intervention programmes
Involvement of external authorities where appropriate
Potential suspension from school activities

11.3 Device Management Violations

Non-Compliance with DMA Requirements: Devices without proper DMA installation will be immediately confiscated and stored in the Student Welfare room. Students will face progressive consequences that may include:

Device confiscation until parents collect personally
Temporary suspension from technology-enhanced lessons
Additional digital citizenship education requirements
Loss of PLD privileges for extended periods

11.4 Restoration and Learning Focus

All disciplinary actions emphasise restoration and learning rather than purely punitive measures. Students will have opportunities to:

Demonstrate understanding of appropriate technology use through reflection and education
Contribute positively to the digital learning community through peer mentoring or presentations
Rebuild trust through consistent responsible behaviour over time
Participate in restorative conversations with affected parties where appropriate

12. Monitoring and Privacy Considerations

The school maintains appropriate monitoring systems to ensure student safety, network security, and policy compliance whilst respecting student privacy rights. All student data is protected according to established data protection protocols and accessed only by authorised personnel.

13. Parental and Guardian Involvement

The successful implementation of this policy requires collaboration between school, students, and families. Parents are encouraged to establish home technology rules that align with school expectations and maintain open dialogue about online experiences.

14. Policy Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains current with technological developments and educational best practices. Updates will be communicated through official school channels.

15. Acknowledgement and Agreement

By using Loyang View Secondary School's educational technology resources, students acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy. This policy supports our school's mission to create a vibrant and caring environment where students are nurtured to strive towards their full potential, empowering every individual to SHINE as responsible digital citizens and future-ready leaders.