Leading the Way with Personal Digital Device Best Practices: the Example of West Vancouver Schools 

With technology now an integral part of daily life, balancing its benefits with potential challenges is essential in education. The West Vancouver School District (WVSD) recently shared an infographic in schools to promote purposeful and responsible use of devices in K-12 settings. These Personal Digital Device (PDD) Best Practice Guidelines set a benchmark for managing technology in education. Here’s more about it.

What Are PDD Best Practice Guidelines?

Personal Digital Devices include cell phones, laptops, tablets, and other portable technologies. WVSD’s guidelines offer a framework for managing these devices to enhance learning while prioritizing student well-being. Key highlights from it include:

1. Plans and Routines

• Teachers are encouraged to develop clear plans for device use.
• Classrooms should have designated spaces for storing devices when not in use.
• Procedures for addressing misuse are essential to maintain consistency.

2. Classroom Environment

• Devices should only be used for instructional purposes.
• Teachers are advised to begin class with devices turned off and to monitor their use actively.
• Students should not use devices in unsupervised areas like hallways.

3. Communication

• Clear expectations should be taught and visibly posted.
• Teachers must communicate rules and consequences to students and their families.
• Revisiting policies after breaks helps maintain consistency.

The policy differentiates between elementary and secondary schools:

• Elementary: Cell phones are prohibited, emphasizing laptops as the preferred tool.
• Secondary: Cell phones may only be used when required for learning tasks.

Superintendent’s Perspective

In a recent personal blog post, Chris Kennedy, Superintendent of WVSD, emphasized the importance of balance:

“We’ve set limits on cell phone usage in schools, not because we are anti-technology, but because we believe in purposeful use… These boundaries ensure our students’ well-being and physical literacy remain priorities.”

Kennedy highlighted how technology like laptops fosters collaboration and creativity in activities such as digital portfolios and group projects, all while leaving space for physical activity and hands-on learning.

Infographic Summary

The WVSD infographic further details these recommended best practices, focusing on the proper integration of digital devices into learning. Key takeaways include:

• Modelling appropriate device use by teachers.
• Engaging students in setting classroom expectations.
• Ensuring all staff are aware of and uphold device guidelines.

Why These Guidelines Matter

WVSD’s initiative addresses a growing need for schools to navigate the complexities of digital device use. By fostering a culture of purposeful technology integration, they’re not only enhancing education, but also preparing students to use devices responsibly in an increasingly digital world.

Here are other key considerations and best practices:

1. Establish Clear Usage Policies:

To maintain an environment conducive to learning, it’s crucial to define when and how personal digital devices (PDDs) can be used during school hours. For instance, some districts restrict PDD use during instructional time unless permitted by the teacher for educational purposes. Additionally, specifying restricted areas, such as restrooms and locker rooms, where privacy is expected, helps uphold student privacy and reduces potential misuse.

2. Promote Digital Citizenship:

Educating students on responsible technology use is vital. Implementing programs that teach online safety, privacy, and the ethical use of technology fosters responsible digital citizens. Encouraging critical thinking enables students to evaluate online content critically and understand the implications of their digital footprint. Resources like Common Sense Media offer comprehensive curricula to support these initiatives.

3. Implement Consistent Enforcement:

Consistency in enforcing PDD policies ensures clarity and fairness. All staff members should uniformly apply the rules to prevent mixed messages. Developing a tiered approach to address policy violations, starting with warnings and escalating consequences for repeated infractions, helps maintain order and accountability.

4. Involve Stakeholders:

Engaging the broader school community enhances the effectiveness of PDD policies. Collaborating with parents by communicating policies and encouraging reinforcement at home creates a unified approach. Seeking student input in discussions about PDD use provides valuable insights and fosters buy-in, making students more likely to adhere to the guidelines.

5. Regularly Review and Update Policies:

Technology evolves rapidly; therefore, regularly assessing and updating PDD policies is essential to address new devices and platforms. Gathering feedback from teachers, students, and parents helps identify areas for improvement and ensures the policies remain relevant and effective.

6. Address Equity and Accessibility:

Recognizing that not all students have access to PDDs is crucial to prevent disparities. Providing school-owned devices or alternative resources ensures inclusive access, allowing all students to benefit from digital learning opportunities.

7. Consider Health and Well-being:

Promoting students’ physical and mental health in relation to PDD use is important. Encouraging regular breaks from screen time helps protect against eye strain and mental fatigue. Educating students on proper device use and ergonomics prevents strain or injury, contributing to overall well-being.

By thoughtfully developing and implementing PDD guidelines, schools can harness the advantages of technology while maintaining an environment conducive to learning and personal development.

Sources:

1. Digital Citizenship in Education – ISTE
2. Hold the Phone: K-12 school electronic device policies must be carefully considered, say lawyers – ABA Journal
3. ED: All Schools Need Cellphone Policies – Government Technology
4. Education Department student cellphone policy resource – K-12 Dive
5. Digital Citizenship – Ed Tech Resources for Teachers – Greene County Schools
6. Developing Students’ Digital Citizenship Skills – Edutopia
7. School Cell Phone Policy Guide for K-12 Leaders – ThoughtExchange
8. Digital Citizenship – InfoHub – NYC Department of Education
9. BYOD and personal device policies in K12 and schools – AppsAnywhere
10. Digital Citizenship in K-12 Schools – Vector Solutions
11. U.S. Department of Education Calls on Schools to Adopt Policies for Student Use of Cell Phones and Personal Devices – New Jersey School Boards Association
12. 5 Awesome Resources for Learning About Digital Citizenship – ISTE
13. SD19: Developing an Approach to Personal Digital Devices – School District 19 Revelstoke
14. 5 Incredible Resources to Support Digital Citizenship – All4Ed
15. MediaSmarts – Wikipedia
16. Common Sense Media – Wikipedia
17. Mobile phone use in schools – Wikipedia
18. Children to be taught how to spot extremist content and fake news online – The Guardian