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Online Learning Classroom Expectations for RCSS Families
Dear RCSS students and families,
The Richmond County School System would like to provide a list of expectations for online learning classroom behavior. To ensure a positive, productive and enjoyable learning experience for all participants, it is important that all students and caregivers adhere to the typical code of conduct and dress code for in-person educational activity while participating in online learning. All students should be courteous and respectful. Students are responsible for the same expectations in online class as in person.
Please read the bullets below regarding conduct in the online learning environment. For a complete list of behavioral expectations, please consult your student handbook. Click this link to access an electronic edition of your student Code of Conduct.
Online Learning Classroom Expectations for Students and Parents/Guardians
Behavioral Expectations for Students
- All school rules, regulations and conduct should be followed while in the online learning environment. All laws must also be followed.
- Students should always be respectful and courteous to authority, including teachers and administrators. They should not disrupt or distract the class and should not interfere with the teacher’s ability to instruct the class in any way.
- Students should also be respectful and courteous to other students. Inappropriate, offensive, discriminatory or threatening comments and/or disruptive behavior by any participants during Canvas/Microsoft Teams online class sessions will not be tolerated.
- Login credentials must not be shared. Sharing of login information violates other students’ and teachers’ rights to confidentiality and could allow class participation by unauthorized persons and/or lead to disruptive behaviors that detract from a productive and positive learning environment.
- Students should not misrepresent or falsify their identity. Nor should they refuse to identify themselves to their teacher.
- There should be no other onlookers that are not part of the class. Non-students should not login to a Canvas or Microsoft Teams Meeting without authorization. Students should not share classroom links. Other family members or non-students should not be visible, by webcam, during virtual class.
- While engaged in online classroom activities, students should not allow anything other than their face and their voice (at appropriate times) to be seen or heard in the Canvas or Microsoft Teams Meeting.
- It is typical online meeting courtesy to remain muted unless called upon by the teacher to speak (then the student should unmute).
- It is best for students to have a work station for online learning that is free from distractions and noises. However, muting while in online class gatherings, prevents unexpected distractions (crying baby, barking dog, music or TV) from distracting the entire class. There also should never be visual distractions visible in the background behind students.
- The best background for a virtual classroom is a solid color wall. We encourage students to use the background features in Microsoft Teams. The goal is to minimize distractions for other students. Things that would not be allowed in school should not be visible on camera such as weapons, offensive signage or artwork, alcoholic beverage bottles or other prohibited substances.
- The virtual environment should resemble the in-person environment as much as possible. Students should not have a virtual “show and tell” with toys, pets and any other item that would not be permitted in class.
- Showing pornography, exhibiting lewd behavior or making lewd comments is not permitted in the virtual classroom environment or in person. Such activity violates the code of conduct and will result in disciplinary action. Such behavior could also result in legal implications.
- Typical classroom dress code should be followed at all times and students should sit in an upright position similar to their posture in a school setting.
- Obscene, vulgar or discriminatory language is not permissible and students may not speak to students or teachers in a demeaning or derogatory manner.
Privacy Guidelines for Parents/Guardians
To maintain a positive, productive learning environment and assure confidentiality for students and teachers during online learning, all parents/guardians are asked to follow these privacy guidelines.
- Canvas/Microsoft Teams live lessons are designed for students. To prevent disruptions to the learning environment, parents/guardians should not actively participate in the live instructional sessions, although parents/guardians may assist their child with technology and/or remain nearby.
- Do not video record, audio record, photograph, live stream, or transmit in any other way any part of a Canvas/Microsoft Teams live virtual session and do not share on social media.
- Any confidential or personally identifiable information related to students participating in Canvas/Microsoft Teams online sessions should not be collected, discussed or shared. The Family Education Right to Privacy Act (FERPA) applies and should be followed with fidelity.
- Parents/guardians should not engage with students during Canvas/Microsoft Teams online sessions. If you need to speak with your child during a live session, first mute your child’s microphone.
- If a parent/guardian has a question, please contact your student’s teacher through email or Canvas rather than interrupting class.
Students, parents and caregivers, we appreciate you. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us ensure a positive and protective virtual learning experience.