Ensuring a safe and healthy online learning environment is essential for fostering positive learning experiences in this class. Below, I’ve outlined a policy that specifically addresses the concerns I have with Internet Safety, Privacy, Cybersecurity, Netiquette, Academic Integrity, and my expectations for AI use. Please read it carefully. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask. 

Internet Safety  

Privacy Awareness:  Students should be aware of the importance of safeguarding their personal information online.  Avoid sharing sensitive details such as full names, addresses, phone numbers, or passwords.

Cybersecurity Practices:  Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts. Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading files from unknown sources. Report any suspicious or inappropriate content encountered online.

Respectful Online Behavior:  Treat others with kindness and respect in digital interactions.  Avoid cyberbullying, harassment, or harmful behavior.

                                                                    Netiquette (Online Etiquette)

Professional Communication:  Use appropriate language and tone in discussions, emails, and chats.  Avoid using all caps (which can be perceived as shouting) and offensive language.

Timely Responses:  Respond to messages and emails promptly.  Acknowledge receipt of messages even if a detailed response is pending.

Active Listening:  Engage in discussions actively by listening to others and providing thoughtful responses.

      Avoid interrupting or dominating conversations. 

                                                                               Academic Integrity

Plagiarism Awareness:  Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s work, words, or ideas without proper attribution or permission, and presenting them as one’s own. It is considered a serious academic offense and a breach of ethical conduct.  Students who choose to plagiarize will receive an automatic Fail grade, be subject to academic probation, expulsion or both.  I encourage the use of proper citation and referencing.  Students will learn to use citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA) correctly.

Original Work:  Academic integrity is underpinned by honesty, trust, and respect. When students engage in honest academic work, they contribute to a culture of trust within the academic community.  Therefore, students should submit their own work, avoiding unauthorized collaboration or copying.  When students copy someone else’s work without understanding it, they miss out on the opportunity to learn. Academic honesty encourages active engagement with the material, leading to deeper understanding and growth.

Technology Use in Assessments: All tests are closed book and there is a time limit of 45 minutes. Cameras must be turned on. For online quizzes, you have multiple attempts and they are timed for only 20 minutes. In submitting assignments, you can upload or re-upload in Microsoft Word, or PDF format only.  

Expectations for AI Use

Transparency:  AI tools may only be used for assistance. There are limitations to AI and I want to emphasize that it does not replace human interaction.

Ethical Use: I encourage all students to use AI tools ethically and responsibly.

I expect you to avoid relying solely on AI-generated content for critical tasks.

Feedback and Improvement:  I encourage all students to provide feedback on AI tools to enhance their effectiveness and to use AI as a supplementary resource, not a substitute for teacher-student interactions.