Mobile+Devices+and+Ministry+-+The+Church+is+Moving+Ahead

Assignment #2
Expected time to complete reading and the written assignment: 15 - 30 minutes

As we move ahead, Digital Etiquette and Student Permission and Agreement Guidelines are very important!



Your assignment for this segment is consider how you will encourage your participants to use good digital etiquette. In addition, if you are using cell phones with your participants (especially children), what guidelines will you share with them?

** Digital Etiquette: **


 * Please add how you will encourage good digital etiquette:

Susan Bellotti I did give some thought at our first RCIA class to announce a Twitter hash tag for the participants but I refrained since I did not wish to open that door. I do imagine some would be very eager for this type of engagement and some would nearly faint. A better question comes to mind: What will work next in my parish that will engage everyone? No one wants to be left out and yet engagement needs to cross age barriers. Hopefully I can find a way to be savvy in this regard. Perhaps with a short video with interviews from the upcoming Rite of Welcoming and ask for feedback via Twitter for those using that platform. Now this question was about etiquette, and my answer is traditional- be respectful at all times.

Pat Ruthemeyer - To date, we have not had issues with any adults in RCIA or Adult Faith Formation session regarding digital etiquette. In the past we have had an RCIA team member who was frequently on-call on the weekends, but he would always tell us when this was the case, set his phone to vibrate, and take the calls outside the room when necessary. The RCIA participants seemed to follow his example, but rarely took calls or texted during the sessions. It is good to note some of the policies that others in the DDBC group have implemented with their adult groups. I would like to implement more uses of digital media in adult faith formation, especially with RCIA catechumens/candidates in the areas of prayer, saints, 3 minute retreats and so on. This may necessitate the development of some basic guidelines for in-class digital etiquette as we encourage bringing phones and ipads to class.

Mary Pat Austing- I appreciate all the resources to develop guidelines to share with catechists, parents and students. This is definitely the wave of the future. Most of our students do not bring cell phones to class at this time. It would have to be a sharing opportunity if we did use them in a classroom. I always feel that it is good to ask the students to help come up with ideas on how to be safe and to be a good citizen and how to use good netiquette. I love that term! I prefer to discuss what they might do if someone sitting next to them is using a device inappropriately and talk about options and problem solving. With a combination of rules set by usccb and the local archdiocesan office with the class' sensibilities a policy is followed. Hoping for greater buy in of students and understanding.
 * Terri Kerley- Like anything, you give them guidelines and expect them to adhere to the rules and if not, you take the tools away. I have not used phones with my students yet but I hope to this fall. I think they will respect the device because they will be so excited that they do get to use them to learn more about our faith. Hopefully this will be incentive enough because presently they are banned from our program!
 * (Example) - I am involved with RCIA candidates. As I begin prayer, I invite the candidates to have their cell phones at hand, as they will be invited during prayer to "text a friend" or I may have another team member "text a Scripture Phrase" that is part of our prayer service. After they have used their phone, I simply remind them to put their phone on a quiet mode, so that we will not be disturbed with calls during our session. (Your Name)


 * Claire Hamilton--I have a copy of our diocesan guidelines and I've ordered your recommended book: //**Toys to Tools**//...by Liz Kolb. Using those sources I'll put together a "Students' Digital Etiquette Booklet" and appropriate, approved parental permission forms. After I've had a training session with our catechists, I'll invite the parents to an informational session to discuss our planned use of digital technology in the classroom and have them sign the permission slips for their students to participate. We'll then present the information to the students and have a discussion session to answer any questions they might have, emphasizing that it is not optional to follow the guidelines. The "doing" may prove me wrong, but I think the students will be so intrigued by having digital technology incorporated into their faith formation classes, they'll be diligent in following the guidelines.


 * ======Alison Smith-my current phone is a dinosaur-flip phone-not a smart phone! As of this weekend I have an ipad- and am learning how to use it. I have been at meetings where phones ring, people text, or======
 * or use their lap tops to take notes-key boards make lots of noise-I think we need set guidelines and use common sense and most of all be considerate of those around us. Using mobile devises particularly in a classroom setting the rules of use should be clearly defined and used in a respectful manner. I can truly see where using them especially with teens would promote an interest in learning.

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 * As part of a Confirmation retreat recently, I invited the candidates to bring their cell phones with them to use during the retreat. At one point I had them add and use QR Code app. I had cards with QR codes from St. Mary's Press to look up different Catholic facts. We also used them to pray the stations of the Cross and a Catholic Jeopardy game. They loved it. They had to put their cell phones on silent and out of sight while we did other activities. Elizabeth Girton
 * Ed Reising - Currently our parish does not have a huge use of online media.I bring in my laptop and use different Youtube videos and plan on making and using more Animoto style videos with RCIA and Ministry training.
 * Our RCIA team has used mobile devices during Scripture breaking to review reflections on the Scriptures for the Sunday. We emphasize conversation with each other is more important than finding another reflection to share, and to silence cell phones when not in use with the group. ME Singer
 * With adult learners digital etiquette does not seem to be a problem. We often "goggle" questions during Bible Study or look up words, at RCIA we've face timed absent people. With teens it is more of a problem, we ask them to put phones on silent, ask parents not to call them during class time and even consider leaving the phone with the parent for the class time. Texting is the biggest problem. Deanna Bartalini
 * While I do not use mobile devices in the classroom, students had an assignment that included interviewing people as they researched the history of our neighborhoods. Many asked if they could video and/or audio tape these conversations. Guidelines included: the student had to be proficient in the use of the devise (i.e. they had to practice), the devise had to be non-obtrusive, they had to receive written agreement from the person being recorded, the recording had to be deleted after the completion of the assignment, editing could not take place in school, and recording used in the final project had to be clear, whether visual or auditory. The guidelines were readily accepted by the students and we had brief discussions throughout the assignment, which was an education for me as well as the students. Barb SchwabKlaco
 * I often share apps that I use with RCIA candidates and Confirmation candidates - rosary, 3-minute retreat, prayers, etc. I usually use the apps myself so I know they are user-friendly and I almost always suggest free ones or very cheap ones. Sometimes I ask the Confirmation candidates to search and find free apps that they like and have a sharing session where they share what they found. I then "assign" them to use a new app for a week or two to get them in the habit of prayer and praying when and where they want. As to etiquette, I always ask that phones be kept on silent and out-of-sight and I model the same behavior. We can't ask them to do what we do not ourselves do. The exception, of course, is when we are using them. I think teens, especially, respect your request if you do the same and we show them how to use them for the subject at hand. (Michelle Tomshack)
 * Terri Moser: I see my colleagues in Catechesis utilizing YouTube, music, St. Mary's Press QR codes, texting, emails, with APP suggestions frequently. The Diocese of Austin has policy regarding social media which is solid and good. At Mass, we ask folks to silence phones - so embarassing when the priest's phone goes off during solemn parts of the Mass but happening less frequently now. I invite young parents to keep their phones out and available should a call from the caregivers come. I invite people to Google the commandments or other facts of the faith during presentations. I borrowed the Diocese of Austin's recommendations for etiquette on the Facebook Page Comments and so far it is working: “All posts and comments should be marked by Christian charity and respect for the truth. They should be on topic and presume the good will of others."
 * Karen Burford: The Diocese of Columbus has good policies and guidelines for the use of technology with children, which I am including in my family handbook for PSR. I’ve had more issues with adults than with children using poor digital etiquette, especially regarding texting during RCIA sessions, certification classes, and meetings. I now state (what should be) the obvious, asking adults to step out if they must send or receive a text or phone call. It is also helpful as a presenter to make it clear when the use of digital devices is welcome and encouraged. I’ll say, “I’m going to go over some dates now if you need to access your calendar,” or when referencing the Catechism or a scripture verse, “Those of you with mobile devices can look up…” I’ll also frequently share and have participants share helpful apps. I have found that when I make these types of statements, the group is aware that their fellow participants are using their devices appropriately, (no more adults tattling on one another J ), and as the presenter, I know that people are actively participating in our discussion. Frequently, people WILL read and reference Catholic documents from their mobile devices that they would not have read in a book, and accessing the information is what we want!
 * **Julie Scott:** In Bereavement Ministry, the use of digital media during a counseling session is welcomed and encouraged. To every session, I bring my Ipad and phone in addition to my briefcase of paper based resources. Through digital media, family members in the room and in remote locations can be part of the funeral planning process, talking/texting with one another; looking at photos of the deceased and assemble them into a slide show; reading suggested Scripture passages; listening to funeral appropriate songs on YouTube, etc. For those without digital access, I have paper resources with me as well. Participation is the first step for the Holy Spirit to heal those in mourning. It is my job as Bereavement Minister to be present as the hands of Christ, and to encourage rather than dictate how one responds. As for digital etiquette, there are times when people need people and not devices, and one has to be open and honest in asking people to put them aside for a moment and listen to he Voice within. But if using digital device helps a person focus on and deal with the reality of the situation in facing a death, that's awesome.
 * Joan Fye: I would inform those in those in the presentation to be respectful of the others present and silence their mobile devices, and if someone needs to use a cell phone or other device to leave the room. This seems to be a general practice; however, I am unsure about how I would proceed with youth, after making an announcement on respect of the learning environment and consideration of others. Need to read more advice.
 * My last CCD class was so small (5 students) that mobile devices weren't an issue. During diocesan youth ministry leader meetings, we allow youth ministers to use mobile devices to take notes. Our presenter usually gets distracted though when people get up and answer calls before they've made it all the way out of the room. I don't see mobile devices being an issue in my CCD class this year since I have 3rd-6th graders. If we do end up using mobile devices though I'm sure I'll need to remind them that they should be using them for the assignments and not playing games unrelated to class. (Sarah Pascual)
 * How will I encourage good digital etiquette? I've never had a last where I had students use their mobile devices...I would have always presumed that asking people to do something that even a few in the class can't do because they don't have a device is not a good idea,unless you can do it as more of a group project where as long as someone in the group has a device the whole group can partiicpate. I do use technology in class though. As far as etiquette goes, my policy is that I don't want to see your device. If I see it I take it away. If you are going to have a mobile device project in a class room, I like the idea of having everyone put them face down on the desk when not in use. (Bob Wurzelbacher)
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 1.5;">Digital etiquette is a very sticky wicket for adults in class. They are so used to checking their phones throughout the day and responding that they don't even realize they are doing it and/or that it is rude. The best solution to this is three-fold - be sure you have a clock in the room (as most use their cell phones to check the time), use their phones for some small part of the presentation/response, and address the need to store it at all other times. (Loretta Nazario)
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Patti Gehred: In my role as an online facilitator for online courses we often discuss netiquette. One of these best guidelines I've learned is to "assume good intent." If we read something that doesn't sound quite right, to assume the person is not being unkind, because in actuality, why would they do that? Assume good intent. Another great guideline is if you have to add an emoticon to make sure your comment is taken in good spirit, perhaps don't post the comment. As for cell phones, in the opening prayer a reminder that we are here to be present with each other would be nice. Encourage using cell phones for the group projects, but to avoid "surfing" or "texting" people who are not present for this particular function. There is a lot of trust involved here if we don't want to be the techno-police.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Jan Von Handorf: I have not used mobile devices in an adult learning environment yet. Mindful that not everyone has a mobile device, when I do begin using mobile devices they will be one among many different ways to participate. Again, good digital etiquette assumes good will on the part of all participants, respects the viewpoints of others, communicates in a truthful manner, and requires devices be kept on silent when not in use for class purposes. Since non-verbal, behavioral cues cannot be communicated digitally, be certain to post with all due clarity and avoid nuances that cannot be easily picked up through digital communications.
 * In the past we have not encouraged the use of mobile devices in our Religious Ed classes. We are obtaining a few iPads for class use and we will need to create guidelines for our catechists and students. We will compile guidelines from our diocese and collaborate with the rest of our staff to create guidelines that are specific for our parish. For this year we will distribute a handout to our teachers and families. Our catechists may need to verbally review the guidelines with our students. Going forward we will include the guidelines in our Religious Education parent handbook and our Catechist’s curriculum binders.**Laura Sams**
 * **Cara Stolarczyk:** To foster good digital etiquette, we'd need to set clear expectations & guidelines re: use of the technology, both in and out of the "classroom". These would need to be documented for quick reference, available at point of need and reinforced at time of use. Examples would include: general guidelines for responding to posts or generating posts on blogs in terms of length, tone, citing references if referring to someone else's work etc... For in session use, we'd need to create ground rules for use such as turning off volume, ringer, putting away during non-applicable segments of the session etc... We would use the USCCB Social Media Guidelines as the baseline standard and perhaps add elements or provide further details as applicable to the parish setting. In the school, we have technology guidelines from the Arch of Philly. These too could serve as a platform for parish use of technology. [] and
 * **Cara Stolarczyk:** To foster good digital etiquette, we'd need to set clear expectations & guidelines re: use of the technology, both in and out of the "classroom". These would need to be documented for quick reference, available at point of need and reinforced at time of use. Examples would include: general guidelines for responding to posts or generating posts on blogs in terms of length, tone, citing references if referring to someone else's work etc... For in session use, we'd need to create ground rules for use such as turning off volume, ringer, putting away during non-applicable segments of the session etc... We would use the USCCB Social Media Guidelines as the baseline standard and perhaps add elements or provide further details as applicable to the parish setting. In the school, we have technology guidelines from the Arch of Philly. These too could serve as a platform for parish use of technology. [] and
 * Fr. Joe Hannon: I am certainly a novice in my own use of mobile devices. Our school is taking this year to design the use of iPads in all classes next year. Part of that will be lessons on basic behavior expected of students in our educative community committed to Christian values and standards of behavior. Basic will be the avoidance or any use of devices to harm, put down, or embarrass another in any way. Our public culture does not model this behavior so we have a lot of work to do and example to set. We recently did a school wide day long program on bullying and our standards for vocal behavior will be the same for text behavior.
 * Teresa Phillips: I currently do not use mobile devices for ministry. But, it seems that etiquette is the same, regardless. Just as I would not allow people in a meeting or at an event to speak over another person, texting or using the device while others are activly engaging with the group would be discouraged.
 * **Susan McGurgan:** I do not use cell phones or mobile devices in classes, but students are free to bring them and have them in silent or vibrating mode. In our satellite locations, students are often in class all day on Saturday and away from their families, so to expect they will never check for messages or need to make a call is unrealistic. I've never had a problem with someone disrupting class. Surfing the internet in classrooms where there is wireless connectivity is another issue, unfortunately, but it's the rare person who hasn't occasionally taken a peek at FB or checked email during a meeting or event. Clearly stated expectations regarding participation help here. Clear communication is important in online or digital communications--sarcasm and humor don't translate well, so people should avoid those if possible, and assume good will.
 * Marty McClain: We do not allow our students to use their cell phones during our regular youth group gatherings. As mentioned earlier, we have used cell phones for very specific activities. During retreats, we hold student cell phones and allow them access to their phone during free time.
 * Barb Blanco: Currently in our relgious education program students are not allowed to use their cell phones. Catechists are working on finding safe, creative ways to include the use of mobile devices in their lesson plans. Mobile devices are here to stay and using them as a teaching tool will benefit all parties involved.


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Student Permission and Agreement Guidelines: **

Note from Bob Wurzelbacher... the book referenced below, //Toys to Tools//, can be accessed at [].

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For those who have the book, review pages 17-21. Alternatively, see if your diocese already has guidelines or an "Acceptable Use Policy." How would you adapt this material to fit how you will communicate to your students about using this tool in your classroom? //<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Please add your comments below, and remember to add your name at the end. // <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The Archdiocese of Cincinnati does have a "Responsible Use of Technology" program. Each student, teacher, and employee is expected to agree to and sign a copy of this policy annually. I do not know if there would need to be a similar policy for adults using their own mobile devices in adult faith formation/RCIA sessions and plan to inquire about the potential need for this. We have recently completed a new Ministry Center and have future plans to install one or two computers in the library. Since those computers would have access to the parish internet system and would be of a permanent nature, there would probably have to be arrangements made for blank copies of the Archdiocesan Technology policy to be available at these stations for parishioners to sign prior to using those computers. While technology does seem to be a permanent part of the future of faith formation, this section of the DDBC does raise multiple issues regarding permissions/guidelines that need to be considered and resolved by individual parishes prior to implementation of these resources.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">We have forms already at our school that cover acceptable use of any media device, and I think they are important to have students and parents sign them so we all know where we stand and what we expect. Terri Kerley

I do not have a copy of the book and our diocese does not have a policy for use of mobile devices. In the interim I plan to look online for some examples to use for an Asheville vicariate youth retreat next weekend so we can play a couple of games using their cell phones. Elizabeth Girton

Our parish does not have any guidelines in place though I have introduced the USCCB's Social Media guidelines to the pastor and associate priests. In light of the USCCB's guidelines,I believe there are several considerations which can be applied with cell phones in ministry. The first and foremost is the instruction/requirement of proper etiquette when using this technology. Secondly, this technology demands sensitivity, especially towards those who do not have the financial means to have cell phone. It calls for guidelines to gracefully deal with those situations. Thirdly, there must be clear expectations of the ministry leader and how to handle the misuse of this technology Anne Marie Prangley

Ed Reising - We do not have anything in place but will rely heavily on the USCCB and Diocesan guidelines.

Cincinnati archdiocese does have a social media policy. While not referring specifically to mobile devices, this policy and common courtesy should be sufficient for adults with whom I work. ME SInger

I do not have the book nor does the diocese have a policy that I know of. We have a meeting next week, so I will ask again. The past policy on social media was basically "no". Deanna Bartalini

Kim Adamson - The policy that the Diocese has (at least on their website) deals mainly with the Catholic Center itself, so it can be referred to but my main source will be the USCCB's and as far as teaching the students about online safety and etiquette - www.safekids.com and www.connectsafely.org. I looked these up after reading some of the book and there is quite a bit of helpful information for us as well as parents.

I do not believe our diocese has an overriding policy although I know the Dept. of Catholic Schools has one for the schools. I've been on vacation for a week but when I return to work, I'll ask for a copy of theirs (also it maybe online; I'll look!). It could easily be adapted for our DREs, youth ministers and catechists especially for those working with under-age children. I'll add to this when I find out! (Michelle Tomshack)

Terri Moser: The staff is very careful about permissions and Social Media Policy per the Diocese of Austin's Communication Policy. In fact, Religious Education Registration for minors cannot be done online. The forms can be downloaded and filled out but the signed permissions must be inspected and turned into a staff member in the office with special times during the weekend Masses. All policy is explained in paper and again in person. They are very cautious.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Karen Burford: The Diocese of Columbus has //Acceptable Use// policies in place, which are used for the Catholic Schools. They can be easily adapted for use in PSR if necessary. I think educating everyone on etiquette is of primary importance.


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Julie Scott - **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">I am echoing Ed Reising - We do not have anything in place but will rely heavily on the USCCB and Diocesan guidelines. The USCCB is at http://www.usccb.org/about/communications/social-media-guidelines.cfm Our Parish School has strict guidelines but none for Parish Ministry.

I do not have the book currently and will purchase it soon, since it is timely. I couldn't find Diocesan guidelines for mobile devices; however, I will keep inquiring. Perhaps by the end of this module, I will find some policies to help formulate the use of mobile devices in the religious education, etc. setting, so I can place them in our parent handbook. I didn't see anything specific in the USCCB guidelines on the use of devices in catechesis ... perhaps I overlooked them. Joan Fye

I don't have the book to review. Our diocese does not have guidelines for mobile device use, only social media use. Some of those policies can be implemented in terms of mobile devices though, such as copying parents on all emails (and texts) sent to youth. In regards to student use in the classroom, just reminding them that they should not be perusing Facebook or texting when they should be using the device to do class work. (Sarah Pascual)

Loretta Nazario - I loved this excerpt from the intro: Cell phones are not just toys; rather, they’re essential tools students use to communicate with the world around them. We need to marshall this connectedness! I work in the adult faith formation ministry, where the 20-somethings coming through RCIA have been weaned on digital tools. We are going to re-think our approach to this area.

Jan Von Handorf – The Athenaeum of Ohio’s Lay Pastoral Ministry Program staff members use of social media conforms to the USCCB, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, and the Athenaeum of Ohio’s social media policies. Thanks, Julie, for including the link to the USCCB’s policy.

Two articles on the Education World Website, offer suggestions for promoting digital citizenship. [], []

A few digital etiquette guidelines that I feel are important to include would be: 1) obtain parental approval, including consequences if devices are misused 2) students should only be using sites and apps that pertain to the lesson 3) when the cell phone portion of the lesson is complete, cell phones should be put away  4) if posting information, a student’s first name should only be used 5) students should follow the, “Golden Rule,” while online **Laura Sams**

[] It notes that for electronic & mobile devices users must adhere to local school policy. Our parish school at Saint Anastasia also has student/parent handbook that includes parameters both for use of social media as well as the use of school computers (purpose & goals, responsibilities of user, general requirements for use of the Internet, student rules), as well as use of pictures/films of students, use of cellular phones and electronic gaming. If we were to utilize these technologies in the parish, we'd have to look to both the Archdiocesan AUP and the school student/parent handbook for guidelines for any faith formation for children. For adult faith formation, it seems like we'd look to the USCCB Social Media guidelines, Archdiocesan AUP and relevant elements from the parish school handbook, and customize as applicable to an adult learner audience. In addition, I would consult other Adult Faith Formation & Evangelization professionals across the Archdiocese to see what if anything else they have in this area.
 * Cara Stolarczyk**: The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has an Acceptable Use Policy for Technology

Barb SchwabKlaco Our school is distributing iPads to all students this year. Each student and parent(s) must sign an Acceptable Use form. The form details use of all technology, including computers, tablets and iPads. Cell phones and other mobile devices are not allowed. Students may not bring their own technology into school for use during the school hours since we do not have a way to monitor its use and content.

Teresa Phillips I am not really in settings where this is applicable. No classrooms or the like. I don't see a need for their use during meetings. The only time it might be applicable is during an event. At that point, it would be a simply request to be as quiet and inconspicuous as possible and to only post photos of youth with permission.

Fr. Joe Hannon Our educative, pastoral community here at St. Petersburg Catholic High School is working on this at this time. It has been discussed in small groups and at a number of faculty meetings. This year it will be formalized and in place for the introduction school wide of iPads next year.

Patti Kamper <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5;">We will need to update our Faith Formation Handbook with a section on technology being sure to outline expectations and guidelines as well as consequences for youth. This is something our staff will have to discuss. I work with the elementary age children and haven’t had a problem with them (yet…but I recognize it is starting to trickle down!). However, the parents are not always the best examples. I’m trying something new this year and hope that with my new format I can encourage parents to hang around while their child is in faith formation. It’s important to remind people to disconnect sometimes and live in the moment! Hopefully I will have the opportunity to communicate with parents and encourage them to set some family guidelines as well. I am also going to research what our diocese has in place although I don’t think anything exists yet.

Susan McGurgan The Athenaeum of Ohio has a written Social Media Policy that is signed by each faculty and staff member and placed in our personnel files. It is similar to the USCCB Social Media Guidelines and the AOC policies.

Marty McClain As mentioned above, The Archdiocese of Cincinnati does provide some guidelines and policies with regard to technology and social media. At St. Francis of Assisi, we utilize these guidelines and policies. We also obtain written permission for students to provide cell phone numbers to youth ministry adults as well as to use Facebook for Youth Ministry activities and communications.

Tara Dibble Only our grade 5 students are allowed to have mobile phones in class in our K-5 program. We discourage bring tablets or any other device. We are moving toward "bring your own device" with the understanding that not all children have devices. These dates will be pre-planned with parental notification and expectations provided in advance. We will request permission from parents for children to participate and encourage parents to attend with their children. Parents are given information at the beginning of the year of our expectations which include having the device on silent during class times, only using the device with permission, and consequences for not following the rules (loss of device during class time and a parent required to pick up the device). Part of the lesson when devices are being used includes acceptable use and etiquette.

Barb Blanco The current Religious Education policy prohibits students from using their cell phones. Steps are being taken to update the policy and open up new opportunities for both students and teachers.