Technology Contract: School and Home

Use both the "At School Contract" and "At Home Contract" that inlcudes clear language to help children and families use technology in the healthiest way possible.

What:
This editable product includes two contracts. There is one to send home for parents to use with their child and one for teachers to use in the classroom. The "School" contract can be required and the "Home" contract can be used as an optional tool for parents.

How:
I have found it extremely beneficial to have clear terminology when referring to device usage. I use the terms, "Academic" and the other, "Gaming". They each serve very different purposes. "Academic" usage is comparable to going to the library to conduct research, study, or investigate. "Gaming" usage can be thought about as engaging in a relaxing activity at home. In fact, I encourage parents to create different users titled "Academics" "Gaming" when logging on to their personal laptops. By making the language clear, it enables the user to understand his or her limitations and the usage expectations.

Why:
I have found that many students, while at home, can often get off task or distracted while on the device. Rather than asking what program/app the child is working on, the adult can refer to the agreed language. In addition, the language makes it easier to allow their children to earn "Gaming" time versus having a term like "Screen Time". This may be confusing in the event that they are conducting research or working on developing an essay etc.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask me.

NOTE: I also like to refer parents to a website called "Common Sense Media" for further guidance in choosing appropriate apps, books, video games, and movies.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

This is also great to have at Back to School Night!