Orientation
Policies
Alright, let's get down to the fine print. That's right, it's time to talk about the rules, rights and responsibilities that you have as an Idaho Digital Learning student. The policies that outline your rights and responsibilities are in place to guide and protect you and your classmates as you work through your course and interact with your class, your teacher, other Idaho Digital Learning members, and the resources that come with your course. Let's get to it!
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to
Helpful hint: There are a total of 8 pages in this lesson, so make sure that you read them all.
We've all heard the phrase, "Honesty is the best policy" and know what that means. When applied to your Idaho Digital Learning class, this basically means that you must do your own work, respect the work of others, and give credit to anyone who's ideas and materials you use when working through your Idaho Digital Learning class. And, if you choose not to follow these policies there are consequences. Here's Mrs. H to explain a little more about this policy.
So, to follow up on what Mrs. H has told us, the Academic Honesty Contract basically says that you will do your own work and won't:
You can read about this in more detail on the Idaho Digital Learning Academic Honesty Contract. Please be aware that in each of the Idaho Digital Learning classes that you take, one of your first assignments will be to read, sign and turn in this contract.
Acceptable Use means that you will use your time and Idaho Digital Learning resources the right way. This entails things like working on your class when you are supposed to and not wandering around the Internet doing other things, being respectful to your classmates, and using appropriate language. Mrs. H has some tips to share with you about using your time and resources wisely. Check it out.
Let's re-cap: So to use your time and resources wisely ...
Like the Academic Honesty Policy, if you choose not to follow the Acceptable Use Policy there are disciplinary consequences. If you want to know more of details about acceptable use, you can read the Idaho Digital Learning Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). This document can also be found on the Idaho Digital Learning website under the Students/Parents tab, on the Resources & Manuals page.
In addition to the rights and responsibilities that the Acceptable Use and Academic Honesty policies outline, you do have a right to know what information about you is protected and private. You also have the right to know who can see your information and why. The Idaho Digital Learning Student Data Privacy Policy explains all of this and more. This document can also be found on the Idaho Digital Learning website under the Students/Parents tab, on the Resources & Manuals page.
It is also important (and part of acceptable use), to keep your login information private. This means that you should not give your username or password to anyone, should never let someone else log in as you, and should never log in to or use anyone else's account.
Wait, what? There's a Final Exam in my online class? Let's see what Mrs. H has to say on this topic:
So, as Mrs. H explained, you are required to take a proctored Final Exam in order to pass your class. This means that you cannot take your Final Exam at home or whenever you want to, but will need to make arrangements for a date, time, and place to take your Final Exam with the Idaho Digital Learning Site Coordinator at your school.
For more about Final Exam policies, you can read the Idaho Digital Learning Final Exam Policy. This document can also be found on the Idaho Digital Learning website under the Students/Parents tab, on the Resources & Manuals page.
In the video, Mrs. H talked a little bit about extensions in the rare case that you might need a little more time to finish up your course or take the Final Exam. This may or may not be allowed depending on your school policies and your progress in the course. If you need an extension, talk to the Site Coordinator at your school to see what the rules are, and then follow up with your teacher to request an extension if it's allowed.
Complete this sorting activity to make sure you understand what is and is not Acceptable Use in your online class.
Wait, what? There's a Final Exam in my online class? Let's see what Mrs. H has to say on this topic:
So, as Mrs. H explained, you are required to take a proctored Final Exam in order to pass your class. This means that you cannot take your Final Exam at home or whenever you want to, but will need to make arrangements for a date, time, and place to take your Final Exam with the Idaho Digital Learning Site Coordinator at your school.
For more about Final Exam policies, you can read the Idaho Digital Learning Final Exam Policy. This document can also be found on the Idaho Digital Learning website under the Students/Parents tab, on the Resources & Manuals page.
In the video, Mrs. H talked a little bit about extensions in the rare case that you might need a little more time to finish up your course or take the Final Exam. This may or may not be allowed depending on your school policies and your progress in the course. If you need an extension, talk to the Site Coordinator at your school to see what the rules are, and then follow up with your teacher to request an extension if it's allowed.
Complete this quick True/False activity to make sure you are clear about Final Exams and Extensions.
Final Exam & Extensions Check-in