Glastonbury Public Schools is committed to fostering responsible, innovative, and purposeful technology use to support student learning. These guidelines reflect the district’s strategic plan by promoting active learning, digital citizenship, and student creation and innovation. They also ensure student well-being and balance in the use of instructional technology.
School-issued device use will be purposeful, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with instructional goals.
In grades 6-12, iPads are essential for completing assignments, accessing educational resources, enhancing collaboration, and fostering independent learning and research.
Access and/or complete assignments.
Conduct research and analyze credible sources for projects and inquiry-based learning.
Practice skills through interactive platforms. (e.g. complete formative assessments)
Create content and share thinking using multimedia tools.
Communicate and collaborate with peers and teachers in structured ways.
Develop digital and media literacy skills. (e.g. managing the digital footprint, evaluating online content, etc.)
Learning, skill practice and assessment: Formative, EdPuzzle, and Actively Learn
Collaboration: Google Classroom, Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets
Creation: iMovie, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite
Research: Gale Database
Using technology ethically and responsibly, including the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI).
Protecting personal data and staying safe online.
Evaluating sources for credibility and recognizing misinformation.
Developing a digital identity and media literacy skills.
To support student well-being and learning, Glastonbury Public Schools encourages balanced use of technology, both in school and at home.
Establish clear expectations for when and how technology is to be used within the scope of their course(s).
Provide explicit instruction about the organization of their Google Classroom and explain how it can/will be used to support learning.
Design lessons and learning experiences that balance screen-based and offline learning.
Reinforce digital citizenship concepts, including privacy, online safety, credibility of online content, and acceptable use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI).
Make thoughtful choices about how best to complete learning tasks (e.g., digital vs. paper)
Organize resources and manage time effectively
In grades 6–8, students will be encouraged to use a paper agenda planner.
In grades 9–12, students may choose a system (digital or paper) to manage assignments and responsibilities.
Use school-issued devices for academic tasks, avoiding passive or off-task use.
Limit at-home iPad use to approximately 1–2 hours/day in grades 6–8 and 2–3 hours/day in grades 9–12, recognizing that exceptions may occur based on assignments, individual needs, or the nature of the block schedule at GHS.
Bring a fully charged iPad to school each day. At home, students are encouraged to charge devices in a shared family space to reduce distractions.