I’ve presented this today to the management and I’m glad to say that we’re all optimistic we can get this done. The next step for me is to present this to the faculty and solicit final comments before I deliver the final version for management’s approval. Thus it is my sincerest hope that by July we have better, more sensible rules governing the use of today’s generation of electronic devices in school.
Here are the three things the Fair Use Policy will put in place:
- A new mindset in regulating electronic devices where we regulate them according to their use and not their nature. This is to address the ambiguity of the current generation convergent devices where it is possible for a mobile phone to function similar to a camera, music player, and small handheld computer.
- A flexible policy where students can freely use their devices for academic purposes, use their devices for personal entertainment during specific times, and teachers are empowered to set their own device usage rules in class.
- A sensible penalty system that emphasizes personal responsibility that comes with the privilege of getting to use the devices freely in campus.
I am opening up this draft to accomplish several things:
- Solicit feedback that can improve and further enhance the policy,
- Solicit questions that may help me address something the policy fails to, and
- Acknowledge all those who wrote in about electronic devices; your feedback has definitely not gone unheard.
Without further ado, here is the concept paper and policy draft in its entirety.
UPDATE: I also want to get your opinion on something. Simply cast your vote in the poll below.
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Sir, what if we have to text or call someone to spread an announcement like our next class is in a different classroom?
That’s being done now and should be easily considered an emergency text or call. This is understood and there should be no problem with this.
Sir, I really like the new policies. They seem pretty rational, and I think we can handle the responsibilities and whatnot.
I have some clarifications though. About the device registration limit (of two). Does that mean that when we register two particular devices, we would only be allowed to use those devices for the whole year? Like for example, if I registered an iPod and a Smartphone, would I be able to bring a laptop at all?
Another thing about cameras being considered as personal use. What if the camera was to be used to film/shoot a project (Such as for Health subjects)? Could we use them at all times that we’re in a public place or will we have to wait till the designated times? Oh and to add to that, do the devices requiring object permit forms also have to be registered?
Sir, does it mean that if you have a break not specified in 1.a. or a half day, you can’t use your cellphone for personal use?
Thanks, JJ! Now to get cracking at your questions.
In setting the maximum of two devices for the registry, I’m really thinking of a smartphone and laptop combo. You really wouldn’t need more than that since if you want music, the smartphone should suffice. I also have to draw the line somewhere and make it clear that this privilege isn’t absolute.
That said, you can file for one other device using the object permit form but no more than that. These are the sort of devices which you’ll need in a more limited capacity, let’s say for a class presentation or project. As we move forward, I’ll make the contrasts between these categories even more clear. Basic principle is that the ‘permission method’ varies for each type of device. You won’t need to use more than one method for any one device (this answers your last question).
With regard to your camera question, I assume you’re talking about point-and-shoots or cybershot-type cameras. You guys will have to stick to the designated times. Alternatively, your teacher can allow you to use it freely during class (if you shoot during class). The tighter schedule will make managing this easier later on.
Let’s step back a bit, Kalel. Once you’re dismissed, your phone is yours to use. If you’re on an unscheduled break during your official class hours, it will tolerable to make some messages and calls but not more than that. Thanks for bringing this up. I really can’t wait to talk about this in campus because this blog post fails to convey a tiny yet critical detail: that I’ll trust you guys to know when is when and where is where. The lifeless text here on screen really does bring out the rules a bit more; I can’t wait to communicate the principles.
Sir, about the use of portable music players (except the IPod Touch), may we use them during our free periods (when the teacher is not around, and his/her period becomes a free period) as well?
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