January 20, 2017

Dear Families, 
This year our class is using a variety of Web 2.0 tools to enhance our learning.  These Web 2.0 sites may include, but are not limited to:  Kidblog, VoiceThread, Weebly, and Padlet.  These tools are allowing students to create a message, collaborate with other learners, share their work with a larger audience, and extend their learning. These tools give students a voice in their learning,  improve engagement, motivate learners, and provide opportunity to communicate in different ways.  

Today, we learned how to login into to Kidblog! We are beginning to blog. I encourage you to log on at home with your child and explore the possibilities of KidBlog. I am moderating all post so you won't need to worry about the safety of your child on KidBlog. 

New tools have been introduced through shared experiences in the classroom.  We are moving toward independent use of these tools as students develop an understanding of the tool’s functionality and purpose.  Thinking of your message and typing on the computer can be a lot of work for young children.  This work is authentic and honors individual development of the child.  Attempted spelling is normal for these beginning stages of writing and shows the risk-taking needed to become conventional spellers.  

Students are able to share their thinking through written response, photographs, video clips, and other multimedia formats with a real audience.  For this reason, time is spent learning to be responsible digital citizens, interact safely in this environment, the difference between social and academic commenting, and leaving a responsible digital footprint.  
We’ve included the sections from the Hilliard City Schools Elementary Handbook that explain the acceptable use policy for technology in the classroom. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher.

 The First Grade Team
Please refer to your handbook for these acceptable use policies.  
Technology Use and Misuse
Technology can greatly enhance the instructional program, as well as the efficiency of the District. The Board recognizes that careful planning is essential to ensure the successful, equitable and cost-effective implementation of technology-based materials, equipment, systems and networks. Computers and use
of the District network or online services support learning and enhance instruction, as well as assist the administration. Computer networks allow people to interact with many computers; the Internet allows people to interact with hundreds of thousands of networks. All computers are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner. Failure to adhere to this policy and the guidelines below will result in the revocation of the user’s access privilege. Unacceptable uses of the computer/network include but are not limited to:                     

• Violating the conditions of the Ohio Revised Code dealing with students’ and employees’ rights to privacy.
• Using profanity, obscenity or other language that may be offensive to another user.
• Reposting (forwarding) personal communication without the author’s prior consent.
• Copying commercial software in violation of copyright law.
• Using the network for financial gain, for commercial activity or for any illegal activity; and accessing and/or viewing inappropriate material.
• Using software or web sites intended to circumvent the district’s web filtering system.
• Because access to online services provides connections to other computer systems located all over the world, users (and parents of users who are under 18 years old) must understand that neither the school nor the District can control the content of the information available on these systems. Some of the information available is controversial and sometimes offensive.
• The Board does not condone the use of such materials. Employees, students and parents of students must be aware that the privileges to access online services are withdrawn from users who do not respect the rights of others or do not follow the rules and regulations established.
• Along with monitoring the online activities of minors, the District will educate minors about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyberbullying awareness and response. The Superintendent/designee will develop a program to educate students on these issues.
• Students engaging in any of the above behaviors are subject to severe penalties.

            
Using the computer correctly and responsibly is very important. I promise to follow these rules:

• I promise to use all computer equipment carefully and not damage, change or tamper with the hardware, software, settings or the network.
• I promise never to use any form of electronic communication* to harass, frighten, or bully anyone.
• I promise to use the computer and the Internet for schoolwork only.
• I promise not to share my passwords.
• I promise not to view, send or display inappropriate messages or pictures.
• I promise to tell an adult if I read or see something on the computer that is inappropriate or makes me feel uncomfortable.
• I promise to obey copyright laws.
• If I use a personal email account at school, I promise to use it only for educational purposes.
• I promise to only use my own files or my own folder on the student server and I will not purposefully attempt to destroy or modify other users’ data.
• I promise I will not download software without permission of an adult.
• I promise I will not attempt to access the district’s non-student systems, such as the Student Information System.                           

Photo Permission    
From time to time, Hilliard City School District staff take pictures or video of students in their learning environments. The photographs and videos can be used in a variety of publications to document programs. The images may appear in, but not limited to, staff newsletters, community newsletters, media releases and the District website. While we make every attempt to work with the media, they may also take incidental photos and/or videos of students in situations we cannot control.
                    
The district keeps a record of students who do not have permission to be photographed. Kindergartners and new enrollees receive the photo consent form in their registration packets. Parents/Guardians who wish to change their child’s record should contact the office of the school their child attends.