There are three main concerns when using your personal device, such as a laptop, tablet or “smart phone” at school:
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Using it inappropriately while at work.
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Students viewing inappropriate material.
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Unintentionally sharing personal information when synching your device to the district’s network.
The first two can be avoided by following district policy, using good judgment and safeguarding your device. Avoiding the third can be more complicated.
Most districts’ policies will cover when it is allowable to use your phone. Avoid potential negative employment action by familiarizing yourself with these policies. Also, recognize that
connecting to the district’s network via Wi-Fi constitutes using district resources even if you do it on a personal device. You should never use the district’s network to access inappropriate materials—even if you are viewing them on your personal device.
It’s also a good idea to
keep close tabs on your phone while at work and protect it with a password. You would not want a student “finding” your phone and discovering an inappropriate text or picture of you out with friends.
Lastly,
take steps to avoid your phone syncing with the district’s network. If your settings are not properly set, your phone might attempt to do this without your knowledge. This could result in all of the data on your phone, including texts, emails, pictures and websites you’ve visited, being transferred to the district. There might not necessarily be anything for you to hide, but why risk turning over personal information to your employer?