Policy 604.11: Appropriate Use of Online Learning Platforms

Status: ADOPTED
Original Adopted Date: 03/10/2022 | Last Reviewed Date: 9/18/2023

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

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. §1232g; 34 C.F.R. Part 99
47 U.S.C. §254
20 U.S.C. §6777
Iowa Code §§ 715C

 

I.C. Iowa Code Description
Iowa Code  § 715C Personal Information Security – Breach
U.S.C. – United States Code Description
20 U.S.C. § 1232g Education – FERPA
20 U.S.C. §6777 Education – Internet Safety
47 U.S.C. §254 Telecommunications – Common Carries

Cross References

Code Description
104 Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy
104-R(1) Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy – Investigation Procedures
104-E(1) Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy – Complaint Form
104-E(2) Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy – Witness Disclosure Form
104-E(3) Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy – Disposition of Complaint Form
401.13 Staff Technology Use/Social Networking
401.13-R(1) Staff Technology Use/Social Networking – Regulation
501.06 Student Transfers In
506.01 Education Records Access
506.01-R(1) Education Records Access – Regulation
506.01-E(1) Education Records Access – Request of Nonparent for Examination or Copies of Education Records
506.01-E(2) Education Records Access – Authorization for Release of Education Records
506.01-E(3) Education Records Access – Request for Hearing on Correction of Education Records
506.01-E(4) Education Records Access – Request for Examination of Education Records
506.01-E(5) Education Records Access – Notification of Transfer of Education Records
506.01-E(6) Education Records Access – Letter to Parent Regarding Receipt of a Subpoena
506.01-E(7) Education Records Access – Juvenile Justice Agency Information Sharing Agreement
506.01-E(8) Education Records Access – Annual Notice
605.04 Technology and Instructional Materials
605.06 Internet – Appropriate Use
605.06-R(1) Internet – Appropriate Use – Regulation
605.06-E(1) Internet – Appropriate Use – Internet Access Permission Letter to Parents
605.06-E(2) Internet – Appropriate Use – Violation Notice