Bethany Institutions Digital Classroom Code of Conduct

All Bethany Institution (BI) students who participate in a BI-conducted online instruction or digital curriculum (“Digital Classroom” or “DC”) shall abide by this Code of Conduct (CoC) in addition to the Discipline Code set out in the BI Student Handbook (“Handbook”), as applicable and/or as modified to the context of the Digital Classroom. The Safe Digital Policy in the Handbook is modified by this CoC.

This year BI is embarking on a new journey of online learning. In this journey we request students, parents, teachers and staff to support us in making the Digital Classroom a safe, efficient, enriching and happy experience for all of us. We especially appreciate partnering with parents to teach responsible online use and etiquette so that we make this fun and fulfilling.

In order to help achieve the BI decorum and standards of learning in the classroom, there are additional rules and expectations regarding online etiquette in place, in order to protect all students and all staff members.

Core rules and expectations

Please review carefully and adhere to the following core rules and expectations:

1
Be Punctual. Log in 2–5 minutes ahead of the commencement of the class/session. Check for internet outages and technical problems beforehand — it is just like attending school physically. Do not leave a commenced session without permission of the teacher. Repeated violations will be subject to disciplinary action.
2
Attendance is mandatory. In case the student is unable to attend a session, the reason for absence must be intimated via email from the parent prior to the session, to the HOD/Coordinator in charge. Parents' mobile numbers and email addresses must be sent in the mail.
3
Behave respectfully. Students are responsible for proper behaviour during Digital Classroom sessions and while using the BI online learning systems. Always use your digital access in a way that shows consideration and respect, and in conformance with the Discipline Code in the Handbook.
4
Dress appropriately. Attire should be appropriate. You must dress respectfully and modestly.
5
Security and Safety is a high priority. This is an individual responsibility, especially when the system involves many users. If you identify a security and/or safety problem in the school's computers and/or online platform, notify your teacher and the designated contact.
6
Protect your passwords. Keep them secret from anyone except your parents.
7
Do not compromise the Digital Classroom. It is illegal to compromise the security of the Digital Classroom or school online platform. Do not attempt or participate in any unauthorised access of a school online resource, share your access without authorisation, introduce any virus or harmful code, or use any gadget other than the authorised computer to attend a session.
8
Complete assignments on time. Complete homework and assignments and submit them within allocated deadlines. This will be graded and reported in your Report Cards.
9
Uphold integrity and authenticity. We take integrity and authenticity of student work very seriously. Do not cut, copy or plagiarise internet content or the work of your classmates. Copying, knowingly allowing others to copy from you, or misusing internet content will result in disciplinary action.
10
No bullying or harassment. Bullying and harassment will not be tolerated and will be subject to strict disciplinary action.

Instructions and Etiquette

Please be guided by the following instructions and etiquette to help in achieving an orderly and efficient Digital Classroom experience.

Be well prepared. Follow your timetable and keep all study material, textbooks, notebooks, rough books and stationery handy prior to each session. Make sure your gadgets and devices are charged, your camera is stable, and your audio and microphone work.
Choose a conducive learning space. Use a setting that is quiet and free from noise and disturbance. We advise using headphones to ensure audio clarity and avoid distractions.
Connect with the class. Once the session commences, ensure that the video is ON, or turned OFF at the teacher's request. Keep the microphone on mute until requested to unmute or when you are asked to interact.
Make it orderly. Use the Raise Hand icon to ask a question and clarify your doubts. Respect each other and maintain class decorum. Do not interrupt a speaker and speak clearly.
Learn with interest. Pay utmost attention and cooperate with your teachers.
Focus and be respectful. Breaks will be provided between sessions. Avoid eating food or snacks during a session. You are free to sip water during sessions — keep a water bottle handy.

Behaviour that would entail Disciplinary Action

Below are examples of poor behaviours that are prohibited, but are not limited to this list.

Sending or posting discriminatory, hate-speech, slanderous, disparaging, frivolous, harassing or threatening messages, emoticons, images, video/audio clips or any other electronic file/element.
Stealing, using, or disclosing someone else's code or password without authorisation.
Copying, pirating, or downloading software and electronic files without permission.
Sending or posting confidential material, or proprietary information.
Violating law or engaging in unauthorised transactions that may incur a cost to the school or initiate unwanted internet services and transmission outages.
Participating in the viewing or exchange of pornography or obscene materials.
Sending or posting messages that defame or slander other individuals.
Attempting to break into the computer system of BI, another organisation or person, or jeopardising/compromising the security of BI's systems.
Refusing to cooperate with a security investigation.
Using the BI Digital Classroom, computers or online education platform for any purpose other than online learning. Students should not use it for any political causes or activities.
Sending anonymous e-mail messages.
Disturbing the virtual learning environment of BI's Digital Classroom.
Engaging in any other illegal activities.
Refusing to follow the rules of the specific Virtual Learning Classroom.
Attendance and punctuality violations.
Unmuting yourself when your teacher has placed you on mute.
Recording any class session and transmitting it.
Recording your teacher and/or classmates.
Not dressed properly for class (e.g., dressed in revealing clothes or clothes with inappropriate sayings).
Participation in cyber bullying and/or harassment and any conduct that violates BI's Bullying and Harassment Policy.
Delayed submission or non-submission of assignments.
Cheating and/or plagiarism.

No Bullying and No Harassment Policy

BI is committed to maintaining a working and learning environment in which students, faculty and staff can develop intellectually, professionally, personally and socially. Such an atmosphere must be free of intimidation, fear, coercion and reprisal.

We are committed to protecting students and employees from bullying, harassment or inappropriate uses of computers or programs to participate in bullying or harassing behaviour.

Bullying and harassment is prohibited between members of the school community, including between students, parents, faculty and/or staff, directly or indirectly. BI follows a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying and harassment consistent with applicable law.

It is an expectation that all students and employees shall use all equipment and programs for the intended educational purpose alone. Bullying and harassment will not be tolerated and shall be just cause for disciplinary action.

Conduct that constitutes bullying or harassment, as defined herein, is prohibited. Bullying, harassment and cyber-stalking are defined as inflicting physical or psychological distress, and/or communicating words, images or language using electronic or other communication means that causes emotional distress and for which there is no legitimate purpose. Any action by a student or parent deemed inappropriate will be fully investigated by the appropriate BI school administrator and acted upon in accordance with the BI Discipline Code in the Handbook.

Parents, as partners in supporting student learning, you are encouraged to:

Monitor their progress periodically.
Ensure that your child's work is authentic, honest and original.
Report any suspicious activity, bullying and harassment.
Allow your ward to learn during the Digital Classroom session on their own. If you have suggestions, take them up in the PTA sessions.

As a parent/guardian, it is very important to understand the responsibilities associated with that role. With the many distractions students have today, it can be difficult for some students to set aside time to work on courses when not in school. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to encourage the student to manage their time in an effective way.

Teachers will keep the parent/guardian apprised of the student's progress and will initiate contact if they fall behind in their coursework. Parents are expected to supervise and monitor their student's progress throughout the duration of the course, just as you would in a regular learning setting.

Parents/guardians should support academic integrity. Please encourage original and honest work and do not assist them during tests or quizzes.

You may contact your child's teacher directly via email to answer questions about the course. When a parent/guardian has a concern about the child's performance or behaviour, the parent/guardian should set up a conference with the child's teacher.

Complete your Code of Conduct Acknowledgment

After reviewing this Code of Conduct, please complete your acknowledgment via the link below.

Open Acknowledgment Form →

Thank you.