Concordia Technology & Information Use Code

Note: This is an overarching Concordia Tech Code. A simplified version with more age-appropriate terminology is available for ES students in the ES Student Handbook and more division-focused versions are included in the MS & HS Student Handbooks.

The Concordia Technology & Information Use Code (Concordia Tech Code or Tech Code) is a guide to help ensure that use of technology and information, both at school and at home, is a positive and productive part of the learning experience. The Tech Code also highlights the fact that technology and information use at Concordia is a privilege, not a right, and that this privilege comes with responsibilities. Each student and his/her parent/guardian must agree to the Tech Code each year.

Definition of Technology & Information

Technology covered under this Tech Code includes, but is not limited to, computers, networks, & applications (computer or internet-based programs, etc.); cameras, phones, tablets (e.g., iPads), lab equipment; touch-screen displays, projectors, visualizers; microphones, sound systems; and any physical infrastructure (classroom facilities, buildings, and grounds) related to the above. Information includes information/data (digital and non-digital files of any kind including text, audio, imagery, video, etc.). The Tech Code applies to all devices used at Concordia whether they are personal or school-owned.

Summary

The Concordia Tech Code can be summed up in a few key points.

I commit myself to think before I act, to learn the implications of my actions, and to willingly take responsibility for my actions, including making appropriate apologies and restorations
I commit myself to the Golden Rule, that is, to treat other persons as I would have them treat me
I commit myself to acting harmoniously within the Concordia community, by which I voluntarily place certain restrictions on my own behavior for the benefit of the group

Details

The Concordia Tech Code seeks to help ensure respect for self, other persons, and Concordia. The Tech Code also explicitly provides for Concordia Administrative control over student devices while on campus or school-related trips.

Respect for Myself: I will have respect for myself. I will not visit objectionable Internet sites (e.g., pornographic, hate-based, or offensive to our host country China). I will be vigilant when using the Internet because I understand that the Internet is neither private nor secure (e.g., websites or applications that appear harmless may, in fact, collect information that compromises my privacy and/or might install software that compromises the security or integrity of digital devices or the school network). I will regularly make a backup copy of my data. I will not waste time by playing computer games during times set aside for schoolwork.
Respect for Other Persons: I will be respectful, encouraging, and helpful to each person. I will only use technology and information for purposes that are beneficial, that are not harmful (emotionally, physically, financially or otherwise) to another person or their property, and that are within the law. I will respect the right to privacy of each person (individual, organization, or company). I will not access (look at, copy, transfer, share, post, use, alter, or delete) applications or information that belong to another person unless that person gives me permission. I will respect the physical property of each person. I will not damage or take another person’s property or prevent them from using it. I will respect the electronic property of each person. I will not access, attempt to access, make changes to, block, or delete applications or information belonging to another unless that person gives me permission. I will respect the intellectual property of each person. I will obey Copyright law, including giving proper payment and attribution. [Note: one may not simply share “ripped” software, music, or video with another; each person requires a legitimate license.]
Respect for Concordia: I will only participate in activities and access, display, or divulge materials that do not compromise the integrity of School technology, information, community, or reputation. I will not attempt to circumvent school network security or system/software access policies and will not attempt to access or tamper with the Concordia Administrative account on School or student devices, including my own, if any. I will not add, upgrade, or modify software on School or student devices, including my own, if any, without permission of the Director of Technology. I will not waste school resources (e.g., use school bandwidth to download/play non-school related materials such as network games, music, or video). I will properly maintain and use School facilities and School and personal technology and information. I will not eat or drink in Tech facilities or near School or personal equipment. I will avoid technology-related distractions while at School. I will only use school technology & information when authorized and will not modify these unless given permission to do so by the Director of Technology. I will exercise good judgment in selecting and changing passwords and will never disclose my password(s) to anyone other than my parent or a teacher or administrator. I will not use Concordia technology or information for personal financial profit. I will not hide my activities or act in secret.
Respect for the Concordia Laptop Program: If I am in Grade 6 through Grade 12, I will follow all the requirements of the Laptop Program. I will only purchase a laptop model and configuration that is approved by the School, register my laptop with the School, not use a non-registered laptop while at School, and not add or alter software or configurations on the laptop without permission from the Director of Technology. I will submit my laptop to administrative control of the School. I will bring my laptop to the Tech Hub to delete School-supplied software from my laptop when I no longer use it as my primary computer at Concordia or when directed to do so by a School administrator.
Administrative Control: Administrative control means in part that teachers and administrators may, when deemed necessary, search the data on any personal device or account of a student (such as files, browser and chat history, etc. on a phone, iPad, and/or laptop) and on Concordia systems (such as email, photo/video galleries, MS Teams, etc.) and/or temporarily impound a personal device pending a discussion with parents. I agree to Concordia administrative control of my personal devices when I am on campus or school-related trips.

Consequences of Violating the Tech Code

Violation of the Tech Code will result in appropriate consequences that might include:

apology to injured parties
monetary payment to repair/replace lost/damaged equipment/systems/data/facilities
deletion of software, videos, etc. if there is sufficient doubt that these were legally obtained
loss of privileges, e.g., email, network, system account, iPad/laptop/computer/camera use
suspension or expulsion from Concordia (for severe violations)

In any specific instance, the School administration makes the final determination as to what is and is not a violation of the Tech Code and also decides the consequences of a violation.