Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish expectations for the use of technology in the educational program at the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf (ENCSD). Technology shall support instruction, accessibility, communication, student engagement, digital citizenship, and continuity of learning while ensuring compliance with student privacy protections, acceptable use standards, and applicable federal and state laws.
I. Policy Statement
Technology shall be used to enhance educational opportunities, support student achievement, promote digital citizenship, and provide equitable access to instruction for all students per NCDPI recommendations for each grade level.
Technology resources shall be integrated into the educational program in a manner that supports the school’s instructional goals, accessibility standards, student safety, and compliance with federal and state laws, including student privacy protections and acceptable use requirements.
The Superintendent shall ensure that technology use aligns with the school improvement plan, instructional priorities, accessibility needs, and applicable Board policies regarding student conduct, data privacy, remote learning, and acceptable use.
II. Definitions
For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:
- Educational Technology: Devices, software, platforms, applications, internet-based tools, assistive technology, communication systems, and digital resources used to support instruction, learning, accessibility, communication, assessment, and school operations.
- Assistive Technology: Any item, equipment, software, or system used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a student with a disability, including accessibility supports for Deaf or hard of hearing students.
- Digital Citizenship: The responsible, ethical, safe, and respectful use of technology and digital resources, including online behavior, privacy awareness, cyber safety, and academic integrity.
- Artificial Intelligence: Computer systems or software applications that perform tasks commonly associated with human intelligence, including content generation, language processing, automation, predictive analysis, and adaptive learning tools.
- School Technology Resources: Any ENCSD-owned, leased, licensed, or authorized technology resource, including devices, networks, internet access, software, applications, email systems, learning management systems, surveillance systems, and communication platforms.
III. Educational Purpose
Technology resources shall be used primarily to support:
- Instruction aligned with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study
- Accessibility and communication needs of students
- Individualized Education Program (IEP) implementation and related services
- Remote and blended learning opportunities
- Student engagement, collaboration, and assessment
- Career readiness and digital literacy development
- Professional learning for staff
- Safe and efficient school operations
Technology shall not replace effective teaching practices but shall be used to strengthen instruction, improve access, and expand learning opportunities.
IV. Accessibility and Communication Access
Because ENCSD serves students who are deaf and hard of hearing, technology planning shall prioritize accessibility and communication equity.
The school shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that instructional technology;
- Supports visual access to instruction
- Is compatible with interpreting, captioning, and transcription services where appropriate
- Supports assistive listening systems and communication devices when needed
- Provides equitable access for all students per NCDPI recommendations for each grade level
- Supports accessible remote learning environments
- Promotes language rich educational experiences in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English, as appropriate to student needs.
Technology adoption decisions should consider accessibility before implementation whenever possible.
V. Digital Citizenship and Instruction
Students shall receive age-appropriate instruction regarding responsible technology use, including:
- Internet safety
- Cyberbullying prevention
- Digital communication expectations
- Privacy and personal information protection
- Academic honesty and plagiarism prevention
- Responsible use of artificial intelligence tools
- Copyright and intellectual property awareness
- Respectful and lawful online behavior
Digital citizenship instruction shall be integrated into the educational program and reinforced through school expectations and student conduct standards.
VI. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use
Artificial Intelligence tools may be used to support teaching, learning, accessibility, and operational efficiency when such use is educationally appropriate, legally compliant, and aligned with school expectations.
Staff and students shall not use AI tools in ways that:
- Violate student privacy laws
- Replace required professional judgment
- Result in academic dishonesty or plagiarism
- Circumvent required accessibility supports
- Create discriminatory or biased outcomes
- Violate Board policy, law, or professional standards
Employees remain responsible for all instructional, grading, reporting, and professional decisions, regardless of whether AI tools are used.
Additional guidance regarding AI use may be established through administrative procedures.
VII. Student Use of Technology
Student access to school technology resources shall be governed by Board policies regarding acceptable use, student conduct, student privacy, and internet safety.
Students are expected to:
- Use technology for educational purposes
- Follow school rules for device care and responsible use
- Protect passwords and account security
- Respect the privacy and rights of others
- Refrain from unauthorized access, misuse, or damage to systems
- Report safety concerns, cyber threats, or inappropriate content
- Follow staff directions regarding instructional technology use
Violations may result in disciplinary action, restricted access, restitution, or other consequences consistent with Board policy.
VIII. Employee Responsibilities
Employees using school technology resources shall:
- Model appropriate and ethical technology use
- Protect confidential student and personnel information
- Follow all privacy and security requirements
- Use only approved platforms for instructional and professional purposes
- Maintain professional boundaries in electronic communication with students
- Support students in responsible technology use
- Participate in required training related to technology, cybersecurity, privacy, and acceptable use
Technology use must comply with policies regarding staff-student relations, student records, acceptable use, and confidentiality.
IX. Security and Privacy
The Superintendent or designee shall establish procedures to protect school technology systems and data from unauthorized access, misuse, cybersecurity threats, and privacy violations.
These procedures shall address:
- Data security and access controls
- Password management
- Cybersecurity awareness training
- Incident reporting and response
- Student records protection
- Vendor review and data privacy compliance
- Monitoring of school-owned systems consistent with law and policy
Users should have no expectation of privacy when using school-owned devices, networks, or systems except as otherwise provided by law.
X. Remote Learning and Continuity of Instruction
Technology resources shall support continuity of instruction during school closures, emergencies, residential disruptions, or other situations requiring remote access.
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure alignment with the school’s Remote Learning Plan and establish procedures for:
- Device access and distribution
- Accessible virtual instruction
- Communication with students and families
- Staff expectations during remote learning
- Student participation and engagement
- Continuity of related services and accommodations when feasible
XI. Procurement and Implementation
Technology purchases and implementation decisions shall consider:
- Educational value
- Accessibility requirements
- Student privacy protections
- Cybersecurity risks
- Long-term sustainability and support
- Compatibility with existing systems
- Staff training needs
- Compliance with state procurement requirements
No technology platform involving student data shall be adopted without appropriate administrative review.
Legal References
- Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232g
- Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), 47 U.S.C. § 254
- Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), 15 U.S.C. § 6501 et seq.
- Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232h
- S. 115C
- S. 143B
- State Board of Education Policies
This policy shall be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with evolving technology practices, legal requirements, accessibility standards, cybersecurity expectations, and the educational needs of students.