Adoption Date: 06/22/2021

History: 4/26/22 (reviewed), 3/28/23 (reviewed), 3/26/24 (updated)

It is important to embrace technology that can foster a creative, interactive learning environment for students, and facilitate employee professional development and collaboration. The use of online platforms to host remote interaction between students and employees and to facilitate learning is encouraged in the district. To safeguard the educational experience and well-being of both district staff
and students, the district requires a thorough evaluation of each online learning platform, encompassing its educational merit, commitment to safety measures, and robust data privacy and cybersecurity controls, before platform adoption.

While student and employee instruction and communication using virtual and online platforms provides a wide array of learning opportunities, employees and students recognize that the use of such platforms is a privilege. Training related to the use of online learning platforms and emerging technologies will be provided to employees and students.

The district shall carefully safeguard the right of students and employees to learn and teach in a respectful environment, regardless of the method. All instruction and communication through online learning platforms should be appropriate to the age and ability of the participants. Students and employees should be aware that online platforms may be monitored by the district. Verbal and written communication occurring on these platforms may be recorded and stored by the district in accordance with applicable laws.

Any verbal or written communication on these platforms deemed to be inappropriate will subject the student and/or employee to the same disciplinary measures that would exist if the interaction took place through traditional in-person learning. Students and employees who have concerns about the proper use of these platforms are encouraged to speak with their teachers or building principal. The superintendent will make administrative regulations necessary to enforce this policy.

 

Policy References:

20 U.S.C. §1232g;

34 C.F.R. Part 99

47 U.S.C. §254

20 U.S.C. §6777

Iowa Code §§ 715C