Online Learning Safety and Etiquette

Below is important information about online learning, including policies and guidelines to protect the privacy of our students and families. Please take a moment to review this information and share it with your student.  

Protecting Student’s Privacy

Similar to in-person instruction, online instruction is provided exclusively for educational purposes for IUSD students. Parents, students, and/or others are not authorized to audio or video record, stream, or share in any way, distance learning instruction or services without the express consent of all participants. This includes instruction or services provided via telephone or a video conferencing platform.

Online instruction and educational activities that occur via District-approved web/video conferencing platforms may be recorded by the District for educational purposes. The recordings may be shared with other students enrolled in the class and/or their parents/guardians, and/or with district personnel or other school officials with a legitimate educational interest in reviewing such recordings. Students and parents are not to record, photograph, or share any online instructional activities without the consent of all of the participants, or unless prior District approval for such recording has been granted.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) and all applicable federal and state student data privacy laws applies to online learning. Students participating in classes or group services at schools typically work together. The same will occur when students receive instruction virtually, (i.e., they typically will be able to view the other students participating in group instruction/services). We ask parents to respect confidentiality as they would during the in-person school instruction.

Guidelines for Student Participation in Online Instruction

The following guidelines are intended to promote a safe and secure learning environment for all students.

  • Students should not share their login information, meeting or Zoom links, or passwords with others.  Students should use their first and last names, not false or made up names.
  • School and classroom rules apply to the virtual instruction environment.
  • It is recommended that students review the District Technology Acceptable/Responsible Use Policy and agreement form regarding expectations for behavior while conducting themselves online and on District devices.
  • Students are expected to engage and participate in all Digital Citizenship lessons taught by their classroom teacher. Teachers may use the District provided curriculum and tailor it to the developmental needs of their students.
  • Students who use inappropriate language, share inappropriate images, or in any way behave inappropriately on a video conference may be subject to appropriate discipline.
  • Students should not conduct audio or video recordings or take screenshots of virtual class meetings or activities unless they have received prior permission to do so from a teacher or authorized District official.
  • To the extent possible, students should participate in virtual instruction from a quiet and neutral area that is free of distractions.
  • Students should dress appropriately for virtual instruction sessions.
  • Once the virtual instruction session or meeting is over, students should be sure to close out of the meeting platform entirely. Students should also ensure that cameras are covered and that microphones are turned off to avoid inadvertent transmission following the meeting.