Mobile phones (with cameras, internet connection and recording mechanisms) and other electronic devices are an integral part of modern living. They have become a convenient and useful mode of communication and entertainment. They serve an important role in enhancing contact with the world, providing immediate access to information, giving families a sense of security and providing individuals with hours of entertainment.
Acknowledging the above, the number of mobile phones and other electronic devices at the college has sharply increased in recent years. If students bring a mobile phone or electronic device to school then they must comply with the college policy. Students will be able to listen to and play with devices before class and during breaks however they must be turned off and out of sight on entry to classrooms. An exception to this rule exists only if an individual classroom teacher gives discretionary approval for use as an aid to enhancing the learning of that class. Therefore mobiles and other electronic devices may be used in the classroom for educational purposes.
These rules exist because
undisciplined mobile phone and electronic device use during lessons disturbs the process of teaching, learning and assessment;
undisciplined use of devices before school and during breaks can cause physical damage (hearing loss), emotional stress, and anti-social behaviour and therefore requires supervision of use;
visibility of new mobile phone technology and electronic devices encourages theft from school bags, causing stress, conflict and financial hardship when items go missing.
Mobile phones are not necessary for school as students have access the blue telephone in the office if they need to contact their home. If family members need to contact their student, they may ring the college office and staff will see that the message is received by the individual in question.
Policy statement
Coorparoo Secondary
College has established the following policy for mobile phones and electronic
devices that provides teachers, students and parents guidelines and
instructions for the appropriate use of mobile phones and electronic devices
when at school.
The policy reflects the
importance the school places on students displaying the schoolwide expectations:
I
am safe
I
am responsible
I
am respectful
In line with these expectations, we aim to reinforce a culture within and
beyond the classroom that ensures students are using devices in classes as a
learning tool.
Key Points
In
class time
mobile phones and electronic devices may not be used except at the direction
of the teacher as part of the learning program. They must be switched off or turned to a
silent setting and kept out of sight.
In
break times
mobile phones and electronic devices may be used for personal reasons.
Security
of a personal device. Where the student elects to keep the phone
on them during the day, it is strongly recommended that it remains out of sight
in a pocket rather than in a bag unattended.
Safety
and Emergency Contact. Parents are reminded that in cases of
emergency, or in cases where a student becomes ill at school or any other
scenario where a student needs to leave school, the school office
remains the only point of contact. This
ensures your child is reached quickly, assisted in the appropriate way and
accounted for.
Where a student does not follow
this school policy, the following process will occur:
A Green container has been placed at the front of each classroom with the
poster on the side.
Student using a device in class or not for the intended purpose will be asked
to place the item into the “Green Box”. It is made clear to students that they
can collect it at the end of the lesson.
At the end of the lesson the teacher monitors the collection of the item to
ensure it is returned to the student. The teacher discusses with the student
regarding the reasons they were asked to use the “Green Box” in terms of the
schoolwide expectations.