Acceptable Use of Technology

Purpose

This policy governs the use of technology — including computers, tablets, internet access, school devices and personal devices on school premises — by all students, staff and visitors at NOVATECH A.I American College.

Technology is a powerful tool for learning. NOVATECH is committed to ensuring it is used purposefully, responsibly and safely by every member of our school community. This policy is reviewed annually.

Student Responsibilities

Students must:

• Use school technology for educational purposes and teacher-assigned tasks
• Treat all devices with care and report damage or faults immediately
• Never share passwords or access other students' or staff accounts
• Avoid accessing inappropriate, harmful or age-restricted content
• Report any online behaviour or content that makes them feel uncomfortable to a teacher immediately
• Use school technology honestly — work submitted must represent the student's own effort

Prohibited Activities

The following are strictly prohibited for all users — students, staff and visitors:

• Accessing, downloading or sharing offensive, illegal or age-inappropriate content
• Cyberbullying, harassment or threatening behaviour directed at any person
• Unauthorised access to school systems, accounts or another person's device
• Downloading or installing unauthorised software or applications on school devices
• Using AI tools to misrepresent, plagiarise or falsify academic work
• Recording or photographing staff, students or school activities without permission

Social Media

Students may not access personal social media accounts on school devices or during school hours without explicit staff permission. Sharing images, videos or personal information about other students on any platform without their consent — or the consent of their parents — is strictly prohibited.

Staff use of social media in relation to school business must reflect the school's professional standards and safeguarding obligations at all times.

AI Tools & Responsible Use

NOVATECH integrates age-appropriate AI tools into learning as part of our commitment to future-ready education. Students are taught responsible, transparent and ethical use of AI, including:

• When AI assistance is appropriate and when it is not
• How to attribute AI-assisted work correctly
• Critical evaluation of AI-generated content
• Understanding data privacy when using AI tools

Using AI to complete assessed work without disclosure or teacher permission is considered academic dishonesty and will be treated accordingly.

Consequences of Violations

Violations of this policy are taken seriously. Consequences may include:

• Temporary or permanent loss of device access privileges
• Disciplinary measures in accordance with the school's Code of Conduct
• Parental or guardian notification
• In serious cases, referral to relevant statutory authorities

Severity of consequence will reflect the nature and seriousness of the violation.

Device Care

Students are responsible for the care of any school device allocated to them for personal or shared use. Devices must be:

• Stored safely when not in use
• Kept clean and free from physical damage
• Returned promptly when requested
• Never taken off school premises without explicit permission

Damage caused by negligence or misuse may result in a repair or replacement charge, subject to assessment by school leadership.

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually by school leadership and updated to reflect changes in technology, best practice and legal obligations. It applies to all students, staff, volunteers and visitors from the date of issue.

Current version: August 2025. Next review: August 2026.

For questions about this policy, contact the school office.