Technology such as tablets, laptops, and desktop computers are now essential tools in this age of online learning. They are also expensive and fragile, you need to know how to treat your devices properly. Here are the eleven technology rules and responsibilities of a Franciscan:

Technology Rule Number 1. Always Test Your Devices Before Classes

Do not wait until a few minutes before class. Always test at least an hour beforehand so that you will have enough time to fix any technical problems. There is nothing more frustrating than having technical difficulties during the class periods.

Here is the list of things you must test in advance

1. Test your internet connection

The most straightforward way to test your internet connection is to go to Youtube and play a few videos. Another way to test your connection is to go to your browser and type speedtest.net, an easy-to-use internet speed testing website. All you have to check your internet connection is tap or click on the big circle with "Go" and watch the test run.

2. Test your headset and webcam

The easiest way to test your headset and webcam is to log into your conferencing app and test it there. The conferencing apps like Zoom or Google meet have features that will test your camera, mic, and headphone.

3. Make sure your laptop or tablet's battery is fully charged

A laptop with an empty battery will run slower and lag even when it is plugged in. Running a laptop with an empty battery while charging will slow down your system. For a laptop to run at full power, it needs to use both its battery power and its power adaptor. So always make sure it always fully charged before online classes.

Rule Number 2. Always use a good headset with a mic

We require all students to use a headset because:

• A good headset will help the child hear the lecture clearly. Also thanks to the built-in mic, the recitations and questions of the student will be heard loud and clear by the teacher and classmates.

• A headset is more ergonomic than earbuds with a mic because earbuds require you to lift and hold the mic near your mouth to be able to speak clearly. In contrast, a headset's mic is always positioned near the mouth. 

• Headsets keep the students' hands on the keyboard and mouse so they can focus on their school work. Headsets promote good posture and proper blood circulation because it gives students the freedom to move and sit in any comfortable way.

Technology Rule Number 3. Do Not Eat or Drink Near your Computer

Like in a regular classroom, eating and drinking are not permitted during sessions. Eating during online classes makes it more difficult for you to focus on the lesson and it may distract your classmates, especially if you are eating something delicious. Your hands must always be free and ready to use the mouse or the keyboard whenever the teacher calls you to do an activity.

Also, having food and drinks near your computer can be harmful even dangerous. While eating, bits of food may fall into the keyboard or enter your laptop. The scraps could attract molds, small insects, and mice to try to get into your computer, making dirty and damage it.

Some drinks or sauces could spill over the keyboard or into your computer, damaging the hardware.

So you should always ensure your computer's cleanliness by protecting it against dirt, dust, and any other things that could damage it.

Here is a quick simple tip. So that you won't get hungry or thirsty during class, eat a hearty breakfast or lunch and drink some water or juice beforehand.

Technology Rule Number 4. Always carry your tablet or Laptop with Two hands.

Your parents have worked very hard to buy you an expensive device so that you can use it for study. The cheap tablet (and I air quote cheap) can cost more than 5000 pesos while a cheap laptop is 15,000 pesos or more. No matter how you look at it, that's a lot of money. Laptops and tablets are fragile, and one accident like a drop on the floor could totally destroy it. So if you break it, your parents might not be able to replace it.

So carry your computer or tablet firmly with two hands. When you bring it around with you, walk carefully, and when you put it down, set it down gently.

Technology Rule Number 5. Handle your device gently. 

Like we said before, your device is fragile and expensive, so handle it gently. Use only your fingers and hands to touch your device. Keyboards and touch screens are sensitive, so lightly tap the keys or screen when doing your work. Being gentle with your device keeps it working well and in good condition for a long time.

Unlike laptops, tablets are prone to be dropped more. So it's always a good idea to invest in a thick protective tablet case and tempered glass screen protector to protect your tablet.

Technology Rule Number 6. Wash your hands before using your device.

Let's just say that our hands and fingers tend to go to a lot of dirty places. A study by CBT Nugget, an IT-training company, suggests that many devices we use every day have more bacteria and germs than even our toilet! In fact, they found out that the keyboards of most offices has exactly 20,589 times more bacteria than your average toilet seat. Gross! 

When you touch things such as food, parts of your body, or if you come from outside, you might be bringing in dirt and germs that might settle in your laptop or tablet, so wash your hands before touching your device. In this age of the pandemic, you can never be too careful.

Technology Rule Number 7. Always keep your device clean. 

As we said before, our devices are dirt and germ magnets because we touch it a lot. So after using your device, always keep it clean by wiping it down with a soft cloth. We suggest adding a little 70% isopropyl alcohol to a soft cloth and wipe it down to disinfect your device.

To wet your cleaning cloth properly, just put a little alcohol, just enough to soak the fabric so that it can lightly spread and disinfect the surface. Don't put too much because the liquid might drip inside your gadget and damage it. 

The whole body of a tablet and laptops could be wiped down with isopropyl alcohol safely.

Technology Rule Number 8. Limit your screen time

When doing distance learning, you will be spending a lot of time looking at the screen of your computer. Spending too much time in front of a monitor can cause side effects like eye strain and headaches, and you may find it difficult to sleep. For every hour of screen time, we suggest you give your eyes a break for 15 minutes. 

In our class schedules, we provide each student with a 15-minute break for every hour of class. During those breaks, we suggest you stand up, walk around, stretch, and relax your eyes by closing them for a few minutes.

When you are done with all your online classes and schoolwork, avoid playing video games, chatting, checking social media, or watching TV. Instead, unwind by spending time with your family, cook and eat some delicious food, talk with your friends on the phone, help your parents with the household chores, play some sports or indoor games,  and give your eyes some much-needed rest by taking a nap. 

Technology Rule Number 9. When You're Done, Keep Your Laptop or Tablet in a Safe Place

When you are done with your online studies, make sure to place your laptop, tablet, headsets, and other devices in a safe, clean, and dry place. Keep your devices where it won't get damaged like a cool and dry drawer, bookcase, or cupboard, or in a box with the rest of your gadgets.  Keep your devices away from your younger siblings, walking paths, near pets, in hot or wet areas like the cooking area of your kitchen. Also, as we said in Rule number 1, always keep your device fully charged before putting it away for the day.

Technology Rule Number 10: Don't make your passwords easy to guess and Keep it a Secret!

Your passwords are very important! You need your password to log in to your accounts and apps! Don't make your password easy to guess and the first thing you need to do when you receive your account is to change your password to something more difficult to guess. use a long password with at least 8 letters and mix them with words, numbers, and special characters. Most accounts are hacked because the victim used very easy to guess passwords like their birthday, their name, or simple numbers like "12345." In fact the most common password according to Wikipedia is "password."

Wikipedia: List of Most Common Passwords

The most effective way to not lose your password is to write them down in a notebook! Trust me just do it! You can also add your passwords to your cell phone or computer but what happens if your device breaks? So to be extra safe, make sure to write it down in a notebook. Parents if you are listening. I highly suggest that you also keep a list of your children's passwords just in case!

 You can share your password with your family but do not share them with your friends and especially do not share them with strangers! If you give your password away to a stranger, that person can hack your account and cause a lot of trouble! We suggest you apply these principles not only to your SFAMSC Accounts but also to all your social media and other online accounts. 

Technology Rule Number 11: Master Your Technology

Learning how to use your devices and apps is very important for online learning. You must always practice your technology to become digitally literate. How to turn your computer on and off, how to drag and drop with your mouse, and how to use your apps. If you master your digital tool  you can become independent,  learn faster, and enjoy your study more.

Final Word

And there you have it, the 11 technology rules and responsibilities of a Franciscan. If you are mindful of these rules and practice your responsibilities diligently,  you will become an effective online student and an upstanding digital citizen that everybody can trust and respect. Good luck, and God bless!