Student Video Conferencing Code of Conduct for Remote Learning
While schools are closed your teachers may provide the opportunity for virtual classes via Teams or another online platform. Participating in video conferences is a great way to stay connected with your teachers and classmates, but it is important for you to follow these guidelines to help your video conferencing class run smoothly.
Follow the same classroom rules that you would follow in your school. Listen to the teacher. Take turns speaking. Be kind and considerate. Follow the same expectations as if you were sitting in a classroom. Even while at home, you are considered a student in your school and are expected to show the same level of courtesy and respect to your teacher and fellow students while in a video class.
Remember that you may be on camera and live. Your teacher and fellow students may see what you are wearing and your facial expression. Find a public and quiet place in your house and remind others in the house to not be a distraction. Dress appropriately, following school dress codes. Choose a plain background such as a solid colour wall or place a plain sheet in the background if necessary. Remove anything from the background to protect your privacy such as pictures, phone numbers, addresses, etc. that might accidentally be in the video. If need be, turn off your camera and mute your mic and only turn these on when you need to. Be aware of your teacher’s expectations with this so you are able to participate effectively and make adjustments for the class.
You are not anonymous. What you say and do matters. Be mindful of your expressions, speaking tones, and what you say. Your voice and video may be viewed by everyone participating in the conference and may be viewed in full screen. Other people in your house can hear what you and others in the video conference are saying. Keep your behaviour and language appropriate for class. It should not be a problem for anyone in your home or anyone in the class to hear what you have to say.
Think before you speak. Stay on topic. Make sure your comments are clear and appropriate to the conversation. Don’t say anything you wouldn't say in your actual classroom. Follow the methods and procedures outlined by the teacher to help you and the class stay on track.
Be a good listener. Take the time to listen to what people are saying. Don’t interrupt others. Wait for others to finish talking before you proceed or wait for your turn. The use of hands-up in a video conference is just as useful as it is in class to give a visual clue that you would like to speak without interrupting others.
Think before you type. If your teacher uses the Chat feature you may be able to participate by typing into a chat window. Choose your words carefully. Use appropriate spelling and grammar. Stay on topic. Don’t use sarcasm or humour that could be misunderstood. Don’t type in all caps.
Take it slow. Remote learning is probably a new experience for you. Resist the impulse to say or type the first thing that comes into your mind. Be patient and respectful of your teacher and classmates. Remember you are in class, take time to be thoughtful in your contributions to the discussion.
Video conferencing is a privilege. If you cannot use it responsibly your access to school managed video conferencing tools will be removed.
*In instances where the remote learning tools (TEAMs, Google Classroom, Flipgrid, email, etc.) are used inappropriately, we will apply our Acceptable
Technology Use procedure to address the concern.
Link to the Border Land School Division Technology Acceptable Use Policy