With the rise of artificial intelligence and discussions around academic integrity, it has never been more important than it is today for our students to use technology safely and responsibly. But how do we help our students become confident in their ability to navigate complex social and academic issues when they go online or use digital tools?
At The Langley School, an independent preschool to grade 8 day school in McLean, VA, we have attempted to answer this question by integrating our core values into our acceptable use of technology policy (AUP). This helps to create a common language for our students, and allows us to frame our discussions on appropriate technology use around our shared values.
Langley’s five core values are an integral part of our students’ success whether they are online or offline. They are: belonging, respect, integrity, citizenship, and kindness. And they each play a critical role in digital leadership. Our goal is to use these core values to help students become responsible digital leaders who will learn how to safely participate in the norms of appropriate and respectful technology use.
Belonging
We prioritize each individual’s sense of belonging as an essential condition for growth and development and a cornerstone of a strong, dynamic community. When we feel known, accepted, and valued, we thrive as learners, colleagues, and friends.
We intentionally include and invite others in online communication and digital activities. We also help others to feel accepted by contributing to a safe learning environment where all ideas, experiences, and opinions are welcome. This empowers ourselves and others to take creative social risks, and encourages individuals to showcase their authenticity and personality on academic tasks.
Respect
We treat others with dignity and act with consideration in all our endeavors and relationships, holding firm that our diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives strengthen our community. We demonstrate our commitment to listen, learn, and lead with open minds and hearts.
We respect ourselves and others online. We only post positive information about ourselves and others. We also show respect to other people online. This can include respecting other people’s personal information by not sharing anything about them without their permission. We give respect to creators of copyrighted material by asking to use their work for projects and assignments, and include attribution to the creator or source when using their work.
Integrity
We are true to ourselves and one another. We are honest and trustworthy in our personal conduct and in our work. We take responsibility for our words and actions and make amends when we make a mistake.
We are honest with ourselves and other community members online. If something makes us feel uncomfortable, we tell a trusted adult. If someone hurts our feelings online, we let them know that our feelings were hurt in a respectful manner. And if we make a mistake using technology, we are honest about it.
Citizenship
We work together to care for each other, our school environment, our local community, and the greater world. We seek to understand and serve. We act in accordance with all applicable laws and school policies.
We are citizens both offline and online. This includes using our rights and responsibilities as digital leaders. We have the right to keep our information private, protected, and secured. We remember to update our privacy settings, and choose a safe and secure password for our online accounts. We also have the responsibility to report offensive or threatening content and behavior online. We look out for ourselves, but also look out for others who may need our help.
Kindness
We cultivate and protect a safe, welcoming, and affirming school environment for all by caring for one another with compassion and generosity.
We are kind to others online and treat people the way that we would like to be treated. We write constructive feedback when peer editing. We post positive comments on social media and online tools. We compliment others when we want to share something nice, and give kudos for important accomplishments and celebrations.
Consideration for Application
As you can see, by focusing on The Langley School’s five core values, we can reinforce the desired behaviors that we expect our students to use when they are online. And by using a common language, we can have meaningful conversations with our students to help them make productive decisions when using technology.
We need to teach our students to become independent, critical thinkers who use their moral judgment and good character when they are faced with difficult situations on the internet. At The Langley School, we believe that the key to building digital leaders is empowering them to make positive and healthy choices with the tools that we provide them. And when we empower our students with responsible use of technology, there is no limit to what they can accomplish.
How might you integrate your school’s core values into your acceptable use of technology policy? What other policies, programs, or pedagogy might you consider integrating your core values into? I hope that you consider ways to adopt or adapt this strategy to help meet the technology needs of your school, and ultimately, your students.