IJNDB - Use of Technology in Instruction

Emery County School District

Policy: IJNDB - Use of Technology in Instruction

Date Adopted: 3 February 1993

Current Review / Revision: 11 August 2004

The Board of Education recognizes that modern technology in media provides a valuable asset for the instructional program. Teachers are encouraged to use media appropriately to enhance instruction. The use of educational, movies and videos can bring a new dimension into the classroom and should be used judiciously as appropriate for content. Therefore, it is the Board's purpose to have a policy that promotes the appropriate educational use of movies and videos in schools by maximizing classroom instructional time, encouraging parental participation in the educational process and fostering community values.

The following guidelines represent Board policy regarding how and when movies and videos may be used as an instructional strategy to supplement approved course curriculum:

  1. All movies or videos are to be free of offensive language, nudity, and violence, and are to be age appropriate.

  2. Content of the movie or video should be relevant to the curriculum and objectives for the lesson. Professional educators bear responsibility to ensure that educational activities and support materials are relevant to the curriculum, appropriate for the age and maturity of students, and consistent with specific educational objectives.

  3. All District employees must comply with federal copyright laws, as well as publisher licensing agreements. A rented or privately owned movie or video, particularly if it bears a "For Home Use Only" label, may only be shown in the classroom provided that the video's producer or distributor has granted a "fair use" exception and that all "fair use" requirements are satisfied.

  4. Movies or videos rated as P.G.-13, R, N.C.-17, TV-M or X are not to be used in the classrooms for entertainment or educational purposes. A movie or video with a PG or TV-PG rating may be shown in grades K-12 with school administrative approval and parent notification as outlined in this policy. A movie or video with a G, TV-Y, or TV-G rating may be shown to any grade (K-12) with teacher discretion.

  5. Non-rated movies and videos must be previewed prior to use and if used are to be free of offensive language, nudity, and violence, and are to be age appropriate.

  6. Administrative approval for use of full-length movies and videos is required prior to use in the classroom.

  7. Full-length movies are not appropriate as the sole lesson plan designed for substitute teachers.

  8. Occasionally a full-length movie may be appropriate as a reward. However, teachers are encouraged to be creative in developing other rewards for students.

  9. To make films more meaningful to students, it is appropriate that certain movies or videos may be reserved for specific classes or grades.

Parental Notification:

For all movies, videos, and clips thereof carrying a PG or TV-PG rating, or television warning of parental discretion, parents shall receive written notification of the proposed showing at least five (5) school days prior to the movie or video's showing.

If a parent objects to a student's viewing of a movie or video and personally communicates such objection to the teacher or administrator, the teacher shall not allow the student to view the movie or video. The teacher shall provide the student alternate assignments or course work similar to that done by students who view the movie or video.

Parents who do not object within the five (5) school day notice period shall be deemed to grant consent for their child's viewing of a movie or video.