Introduction

The IT Team

Glossary

How the Handbook Works

The CRICS Technology handbook must be read and agreed upon by all staff, parents, and students before they may use the CRICS network and/or devices. This can be done by completing the Staff Technology Agreement, Parent Technology Agreement, and Student Technology Agreement, which are part of agreements submitted during the annual orientation process.

The CRICS Technology Handbook applies to all devices used at CRICS by students, staff, or guests, including any other device considered by the CRICS Administration to fall under this policy. The Administration reserves the right to access all devices (personally owned or owned by CRICS) connected to CRICS technology systems as a measure of safety and accountability.

It may be necessary for CRICS staff to create additional verbal and written guidelines to specific persons, classes, grades, or groups. These additional guidelines become amendments to this policy.

Consequences for violations of the CRICS Technology Handbook may result in any or all of the following: revocation or suspension of Chromebook privileges and/or privileges to use the school's internet or other network; parental notification; discipline up to and including short- or long-term suspension from school; fees for loss, theft, damage or destruction; grade reductions; loss of course credit; and/or legal action.

A guiding passage from the Bible for technology policies and expectations at CRICS is But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23). Please receive our blessing to use the CRICS network and devices for any of those purposes.

CRICS Commitments

Provide all students with access to a Chromebook and internet for curricular use.

Instruct all students in age-appropriate computer use and safety.

Maintain internet filters to limit access to inappropriate content.

Manage the use of bandwidth to prioritize classroom and school use.

IT Shop (C203) Services

General Guidelines

In an emergency situation (“my projector is broken and I teach in 10 minutes”, etc.) please come directly to the IT Shop for immediate assistance.

For all other IT requests, please submit a work ticket online at it.crics.asia, so your request can be dealt with by the IT Team.

Always ask an IT Team member for permission to borrow or check out technology equipment from C203.

Be considerate of other people when at the IT Shop so everyone can access assistance.

IT Shop services prioritize curricular instruction and are intended for CRICS use only.

Student Check Out Items

Chromebooks with chargers and bags will be issued to individual students for grades 7-12, while Chromebooks and chargers for grade 6 and lower are issued to the classroom teacher and kept in the classroom.

Students are required to supply and bring their own headphones.

Students can bring their own mouse or keyboard as needed.

Teacher/Staff Check Out Items

Bring your own mouse, keyboard and headphones as needed.

As needed, the IT Shop can supply: chargers, speakers, projectors, portable projector screens, document cameras, screens, PCs, HDMI/VGA cables, assorted dongles, converters and adapters, and Chromebook bags.

Print and Supply Services

1. Copying, scanning, printing (black & white and color) & binding, die cutting, laminating, paper cutting, label printing, etc.
2. Storing & issuing small office supplies: pens & markers, paper, paperclips, glue, whiteboard markers, etc.

Getting Started

During Orientation and/or Registration in the days prior to the start of school, the IT Team will be set up to dispense required devices to staff and students.

Using the CRICS Network

1. Access to the CRICS network and Wi-Fi are a privilege, not a right.
2. All digital activities must agree with our 6 ESLRs (see the CRICS Handbook), align with Galatians 5:22-23, comply with Thai and international law (including copyright laws), and be generally non-offensive.
3. All activities on the CRICS network are monitored by the IT Team. This includes images viewed, videos viewed, emails sent, keys pressed, and other forms of digital activity. All online activity is viewable; it is not private!
4. Students may only use the CRICS network to access the internet during the school day.
5. For student safety, students may not connect to any third-party hotspots, VPNs, or other networks.
6. Bandwidth is limited and must be reserved for academic use. Only academic and CRICS-approved use of bandwidth is acceptable during classes, and even during class, streaming content, large uploads, and other high bandwidth activities should be minimized.
7. All devices issued by CRICS remain the sole possession of CRICS and are subject to inspection, collection, monitoring, and remote access to the device that you are using. Users must keep their data and login information private.
8. Users log out and power down devices after use.
9. Any and all actions taken using your login name and password will be assumed to be your actions! It is no excuse to say that someone was using or hacked your account. Keep it safe and private!
10. Unauthorized access within the CRICS network, impersonating another user, or use of another student’s device without permission, and other forms of hacking are unacceptable.
11. Copyright violation and plagiarism are unacceptable in every medium and for any reason. Be sure that your use of intellectual property is in agreement with fair use and/or educational use policies. If you do not know, then do the research or ask for help.
12. Students may not download or upload materials unless the materials are necessary for CRICS educational purposes (e.g. Google Docs for class, public domain pictures for a social studies project, etc.) or the student is instructed to download or upload by a CRICS staff member.
13. Immediately report to a teacher any abusive, inappropriate, or otherwise offensive communication, including spamming, bullying, unwanted pictures, or any other abusive, offensive, or uncomfortable material.
14. Report any concerns to a teacher or the IT staff (it.crics.asia) immediately. A quick response will help us all maintain safe and effective computer systems and digital environments.

Using Personal Devices at CRICS

Students may only use CRICS-issued devices such as Chromebooks. Students may not use non-CRICS devices such as personal laptops, phones, tablets, speakers or other devices without permission from a staff member during the school day (between 8:00 AM and 3:40 PM) - this includes all break times! Non-CRICS devices cannot be secured as well as CRICS devices and pose an increased threat of harm to our staff and students.

If you have a significant need for the assistance of a personal device, such as a phone during the school day (timers for breaks, use as calculators, teacher approved use for an assignment, awaiting an important call from family, video editing, etc.), please ask your direct supervisor or principal for permission.

Google Workspace

Students

All CRICS students are issued a CRICS Google Workspace account when they enroll at CRICS. The account will remain active for the duration of the student's educational journey at CRICS and for 1 year after the student graduates or leaves CRICS. After that year the account is suspended (disabled) and held for 1 additional year after which point the account is permanently deleted. Students are responsible for making sure they have migrated all data out of the account before the suspension. If the student needs to regain access within the 2nd year they can contact the CRICS IT Team by emailing it@crics.asia.

Teachers

All CRICS teachers are issued a CRICS Google Workspace account when they start working at CRICS. The account will remain active for the duration of the teacher's teaching journey at CRICS and for 1 year after they leave CRICS. After that year the account is suspended (disabled) and held for 1 additional year after which point the account is permanently deleted. Teachers are responsible for making sure they have moved all critical school and curriculum files to the appropriate Shared Drives and migrated any personal data out of the account before the suspension. If the teacher needs to regain access within the 2nd year they can contact the CRICS IT Team by emailing it@crics.asia.

Chromebook Program

Why Google and Chromebooks?

1. Google Workspace for Education (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drawing, etc.) are easy to use, constantly improving, and free.
2. Google Drive provides nearly unlimited cloud storage and access to files anywhere with internet access.
3. Google Workspace is built to help people work together, communicate, and share online: a trend of the modern job market.
4. Google Workspace and Chromebooks are becoming common tools on college and university campuses and in companies around the world.
5. Chromebooks are powerful, internet-based machines that are optimized to be lightweight yet sturdy with long battery life and short boot up times. Perfect for the school day.
6. Chromebooks are highly resistant to viruses and other malware.
7. Chromebooks can be monitored and maintained remotely reducing time and money spent by the IT department while increasing service response times for all users.
8. Chromebooks provide controls and filtering options to protect students as they use the internet.
9. Chromebooks foster students’ interest and provide new ways to interact with the curriculum.
10. Chromebooks encourage a shift from teacher-centered lessons to student-centered lessons where initiation, resourcefulness, independent thought, creativity, and collaboration can be more commonly exercised in the learning process.

General information

1. CRICS-issued Chromebooks are the property of the school at all times and as such are subject to digital and physical search.
2. Grades 6 and below will charge devices in the classroom. Grades 7-12 will charge devices at home.
3. CRICS Chromebooks can only be used by crics.asia (Google) account users.
4. CRICS Chromebooks allow for safety controls against inappropriate actions, filtering of internet content, and GPS location in the event of a lost Chromebook. These services are active on the Chromebooks at all times.
5. CRICS administrators can request user history data down to the internet history, chat conversations, emails, and even keystrokes in the event of an investigation into significant misconduct which cannot be resolved otherwise.

User Expectations

Use in Learning

1. Chromebook use must improve the educational experience and never detract from the educational experience. Distractions due to technology use should be minimized whenever possible (use headphones when watching a relevant video, chat or message only when instructed to do so, avoid loud typing, do not draw attention to your screen unless it is necessary to do so, etc.).
2. Chromebooks should be used only for educational purposes. Chromebook use for gaming, entertainment, or any non-educational activity during school time is not allowed unless the student is on the honor roll and during an unsupervised study hall period.  A student in any learning space, including the study hall room and the library, must follow the rules of that learning space or the immediate supervisor.
3. Do not touch other students’ Chromebooks or Chromebook-related items without permission.
4. Do not take pictures, video, or audio without the permission of those around you.
5. Help others to care for their Chromebook by giving them reminders to comply with the policies of this handbook.

General Care

1. Promptly report any problems with a device to their teacher and to the IT Team in person or by submitting a ticket at it.crics.asia.
2. Never leave Chromebooks in an unsafe or unsupervised location.
3. Keep Chromebooks clean using a soft, dry cloth (preferably a microfiber cloth). If Chromebooks need to be cleaned, create a cleaning solution of half water and half white vinegar, then with the Chromebooks unplugged, lightly apply the cleaning solution to a very soft cloth. Wipe all parts of the Chromebooks including the screen with rapid circular movements. Never apply that solution directly to the Chromebooks (including spraying), never apply harsh chemicals such as glass or kitchen cleaners, never use paper towels or tissues, and never apply strong pressure.
4. Do not remove or interfere with the serial number or other identifications.
5. Do not attempt to remove or change the physical structure of the Chromebooks, including the keys, screen cover, labels, or plastic casing.
6. Since Chromebooks are owned by the school and shared among various students over the years, students should not place stickers on the Chromebooks (unless explicit permission is given by IT).
7. Do not attempt to install or run any operating system on the Chromebooks other than the ChromeOS operating system supported by the school.
8. Keep food or drink away from the Chromebooks.
9. Insert and remove cords, cables, and other devices carefully.
10. Keep fan vents clear to reduce heat build-up. Dust and heat are the enemies of all computers. Use Chromebooks on a hard, flat surface, not on a blanket, pillow, or other flexible surface.
11. For safety, close and store Chromebooks in an IT Team approved laptop bag when not in use. The laptop bag is your defense against damage.
12. Do not expose Chromebooks to extreme temperature or direct sunlight for extended periods of time. This includes being left inside a hot car.

Screen Care

1. Be gentle with the Chromebook. The screens are particularly sensitive to damage from excessive pressure.
2. Do not touch the screen with anything (e.g., your finger, pen, pencil, etc..) other than the cleaner described in the previous policy.
3. Do not lean on the Chromebook or stack anything on top of it.
4. Do not place anything near the Chromebook that could put pressure on the screen.
5. Do not force a Chromebook into a space that puts pressure on the screen (e.g. slanted in a locker, into a book bag next to a pencil case, or on top of a phone) as this may break the screen or body.
6. Do not place anything in a bag with a Chromebook that will press firmly against the Chromebook. Consider possible bumps and drops of your bag.
7. Do not place anything on the keyboard (e.g. pens, pencils, headphones, notebooks, etc.). This is a common cause of broken screens upon closing the lid.
8. If necessary carry the Chromebook from below with two hands. Do not hold by squeezing or pinching without supporting from below.

Use at Home

1. Students in grades 7-12 must bring their Chromebooks to school fully charged every day.
2. Students who forget their Chromebook at home, fail to charge their Chromebook , or otherwise arrive with an unusable Chromebook can expect that their grades will be affected if assignments are missed or incomplete and/or that disciplinary actions may be taken.
3. You are allowed to connect the Chromebook to securely encrypted (WPA) wireless networks at home, or in other venues, but you can be held accountable if damage occurs through usage of an insufficiently encrypted or open Wi-Fi hotspot (that could have been set up maliciously). If you are unsure of the Wi-Fi security, then don’t use it. CRICS is not responsible for any loss of data, breach of privacy or hacking incidents due to the use of unsafe networks.
4. When connecting from home, staff, students, and parents should be aware that a CRICS device and account is still being used, so website monitoring and content filtering is still active. No matter the location, a CRICS Chromebook can be investigated and located.
5. CRICS cannot provide any assistance, troubleshooting, or advice for off-campus problems unless they are directly and entirely the fault of the CRICS Chromebook.

Fees

1. All fees are non-refundable.
2. All students in grades 5-12 are required to pay a printing fee of 500 baht per year.
3. All students in grades 7-12 are required to pay the Chromebook fee of 2,500 baht per year.
4. All students in grades 7-12 have the option of using a Chromebook over the summer for academic purposes, decided on a case by case basis, which requires the payment of a 500 baht fee.

Damage

1. Normal wear and tear is expected and will not result in fines if it seems that the user was attempting to care for the device within the policies stated in this handbook.
2. Damage that does not prevent the use of the Chromebook will generally not be repaired.
3. Any data or changes that were not synced to Google Drive while not connected to the internet will be lost during the repair process. Please ask the IT Team for help if you have unsaved data on a Chromebook that is having problems.
4. Damage caused by intentional misuse or neglect may result in disciplinary actions, loss of Chromebook privileges (which could affect grades!), and/or fines as much as the value of the repairs or replacement including the cost of parts, labor, and transportation/shipping. If the Chromebook must be replaced then the fine will be the cost of the Chromebook minus the initial Chromebook fee paid to the school.
5. Report even the slightest forms of damage to the IT Team immediately to ensure that use will not cause further damage.

Loss or Theft

• Report the loss or theft of any device immediately to the nearest teacher or IT Team member.
• Lost or stolen Chromebooks can be tracked by GPS if connected to the internet, and can at all times be locked and made unusable.

Getting a Replacement Chromebook

• Chromebooks that are unusable can be exchanged for a Chromebook at the IT Shop to reduce the loss of learning time. An investigation will then be conducted to inform the IT Team’s response to the student pertaining the Chromebook.
• Exchanges may be denied if the student is under disciplinary action, is under investigation for disciplinary concerns, has demonstrated a pattern of intentional misuse or neglect, or exhibits other indicators of risk or non-compliance with this handbook.

Repair and Replacement Fees:

Grade K-6 Student Technology Agreement

The following agreements are communicated by the classroom teachers for each grade K-6 class:

Everything that you do online can be seen by your teacher and the IT Team. Nothing is private.

In accordance with the Technology Agreement, I agree that:

1. I will only use Chromebooks when the teacher gives permission.
2. I will use Chromebooks safely,  responsibly, and gently.
3. I will carry the Chromebook level (flat) and with two hands.
4. When I carry a Chromebook, I will not carry anything else.
5. I will not eat or drink around Chromebooks.
6. I will use the Chromebooks on a hard surface, and never on soft surfaces.
7. I will not touch the screen with my fingers or with an object.
8. I will not place things on top of or inside of the Chromebook.
9. I will use Chromebooks respectfully.
10. I will treat other people kindly when using the Chromebook, no mean messages.
11. I won’t pretend that someone else’s words and pictures belong to me or came from me.
12. I will protect my passwords and will not take other people’s passwords.
13. I will only download or upload things that I need for my schoolwork, and I will only go on websites my teacher says I can use.
14. I will immediately report any problems to the teacher.

Grade 7-12 Student Technology Agreement

For usage of the CRICS network and devices from the IT Team, the following agreements must be submitted electronically at the link below before any student can be allowed to use the network or devices.

Click here to complete the Student Technology Agreement online (the content is the same as below).

Technology Handbook

I have read and understood the CRICS Technology Handbook.

Not Private: I understand that CRICS Network and Devices are electronically monitored by the IT Team and teachers at all times and so is not private at any time or any location.

Care: I will use the CRICS network and devices safely, respectfully, responsibly, and with the utmost care.

Discipline: I understand that irresponsible and/or disrespectful use of the CRICS Network and Devices may result in fines, bans from the network and devices, and/or other disciplinary actions.

Copyrights: I will follow all rules and laws regarding copyright and plagiarism in all forms of media out of respect for the creator’s effort. (See the CRICS School Handbook)

Passwords: I will protect my passwords and the passwords of others

Bandwidth: I will use the CRICS Network and Devices for educational purposes and work to conserve internet bandwidth for everyone to use in learning across the campus.

Non-offensive: I will only engage in online activities, media, and communication that is helpful, legal, appropriate, and non-offensive.

Report: I will immediately report any concerns regarding the CRICS Network and Devices to a teacher or the IT Team (it.crics.asia). Your reports will help us keep our network and devices operating at the highest level. Thanks!

Parent Technology Agreement

For usage of the CRICS network and devices from the IT Team, the following agreements must be submitted electronically at the link below before any student can be allowed to use the network or devices.

Click here to complete the Parent Technology Agreement online (the content is the same as below).

Technology Handbook

Consent to Use Technology at CRICS: I agree for the student under my care to use the CRICS network and devices, and to encourage the student under my care in the policies of the CRICS Technology Handbook (available through the CRICS Portal at portal.crics.asia).

Consent to Use Chromebooks: The CRICS Chromebook Program is a partnership between the school and the families of students in grades 7-12 to enhance the educational process with powerful and safe computing devices that prepare students for the educational and working environments that they will encounter in the future. I understand that my family’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Encouraging students under my care in appropriate and educational uses of the Chromebook.
• Ensuring that students under my care in grades 7-12 brings the Chromebook to school fully charged daily.
• Protecting the Chromebook against damage due to misuse or neglect and against loss or theft while off-campus.
• Ensuring that the student under my care has adequate opportunities to use the Chromebook and Google Apps for Education in a quiet and studious location while at home.
• Reminding the student under my care that CRICS Chromebooks are monitored digitally at all times.
• Ensuring that the student under my care reports damage to their Chromebook to the IT Team as soon as possible by making a work ticket at it.crics.asia or by visiting the IT Shop (room C203).
• Paying for the repair or replacement of a CRICS device in the event of damage due to misuse or neglect.

Staff Technology Agreement

The appropriate and safe use of the CRICS Network and Devices is critical for our personal and community health and growth. It is a community effort. You are a community leader. Thanks for being disciples in this area and in so many others.

Any staff member that makes technology purchases needs to clear this with the IT team, so the acquisition compatible with the system as a whole, is maintainable for the IT team, leverages economies-of-scale in terms of interchangeable consumables, fits in with the overall IT policies and direction, and the service and suppliers network of the IT team can be utilized most effectively.

For usage of the CRICS network and devices from the IT Team, the following agreements must be submitted electronically at the link below before any student can be allowed to use the network or devices.

Click here to complete the Staff Technology Agreement online (the content is the same as below).

Technology Handbook

Use Technology toward School Wide Results: I agree to use the CRICS Network and Devices to move our families, staff, and students towards our School Wide Results: Caring Community, Excellent Education, Critical Thinking, Biblical Worldview, Thankful Stewardship, and Holistic Health.

Support the policies of the CRICS Technology Handbook: I agree to read, to follow, to encourage other community members to follow, and to teach and enforce among students the policies of the CRICS Technology Handbook (available through the CRICS Portal at portal.crics.asia).

Consent to use photos and videos for promotional purposes: CRICS keeps an active Facebook page and website and makes videos and brochures to share for promotional purposes. CRICS will not use names together with images or videos without first asking for permission again. If you have any questions please talk to Alexa Walcott (recruiter@crics.asia).

I agree to allow photos and videos showing me to be used for CRICS promotional materials (brochures, Facebook, website, videos, etc) for the entirety of my service at CRICS.