To ensure that all Music Pandit students understand what is expected of them in an online environment, we have framed a few guidelines. This has been done to keep online teaching/ learning productive and ideal for everyone. Students are required to follow these simple online classroom etiquette and rules during their online classes.

The code of conduct given here offers clear guidelines on how a student should interact with the Music Pandit faculty, staff, and other students. The school’s guidelines further cover details related to the individual actions or behaviours of the students. The rules apply to every Moodle classroom and live session environment.

Student Rights 

All our students have the right to: 

1. Know what the rules are and what they mean.

2. Tell their side of the story.

3. Be part of any musical events at Music Pandit School.

Self-Awareness and Checks

Test Equipment/Connectivity

Test your computer, internet, video, and audio before you begin your online school.

Sign in early (10 minutes in advance) to see if everything is fine and working. 

In case there are some updates, we suggest you complete them before the class begins. Never sign in at the last minute of your online school.

On a Computer (Laptop/Desktop)

We recommend you use a wired connection (LAN) rather than Wi-Fi. If you are using Wi-Fi, then make sure you have an uninterrupted connection throughout the entire session. 

Before the classes kick off, double-check if: 

• You're connected to the internet and logged into your virtual classroom.

• The computer camera works (or is uncovered).

• The speakers are working.

• The microphone is functioning.

• You have backup power.

Examine Your Surroundings

Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure the room has enough light. Sit somewhere with plenty of daylight or artificial light. Ensure there are no distractions and that your background is class-appropriate. Please make sure:

• The background is as clear as possible (a plain wall is ideal).

• There is no bed in the frame (computer screen).

• No open closets or rooms that are messy.

• There is no one else in the background.

• Pets are not barking or moving.

• Please kindly create a classroom environment for your live sessions.

Select a Quiet Location

• Choose a quiet location for your classes.

• Ambient noises can come through your computer’s microphone if it's not muted.

• Choose a room where you can attend the class and learn without disturbances.

Dress Appropriately

You need to dress appropriately and look presentable. Put on clothes that are decent and clean to avoid unnecessary distractions. 

Code of Conduct for the Virtual Classroom

These Codes of Conduct act as guidelines that will help students to emerge as confident, promising, and polished individuals.

• As you prepare to attend your music lessons, you should access the link for the specific class and connect 10 (ten) minutes before the class begins.

• You will join classes using your full name (first name + surname), as registered with us.

• We recommend you use only one device (a computer) to access the online classes.

• Once you join, stay muted and keep your video ON. You must unmute or turn off your video only when asked by the teacher.

• During the class, please avoid disturbing others and ensure that learning occurs smoothly.

• You can add your photo and no other picture as your display image (DP).

• You can ask or respond to questions by using the “Raise Hand” reaction function on the Zoom platform.

• Music learning requires 100% focus and attention. Avoid using the “Chat” option freely during the virtual class to chat with other students.

• You will be given access to use the “Chat” option only to communicate with the teacher. This will depend if the teacher requires a student to respond on chat regarding class/subject-related work.

• In LIVE classes, limit questions and comments to the class topic. 

• Allow everyone to share their ideas and comments. You can listen carefully. It is also a part of effective communication.

• Treat everyone with respect. Remember, you are in a multicultural classroom. Be mindful and respectful of cultures different from your own.

• Avoid sharing personal information, e.g., emails or phone numbers, during the LIVE classes.

• We do not allow students to photograph, record, or copy our classes or material or products in ANY FORM.

• Feel free to ask your doubts or if you have any other questions. 

• You may leave the class after the session is complete.

• Always complete and submit your assignments on time. 

• Talk to the teacher or an adult when you think something is wrong.

NOTE: Please be aware that you are not supposed to create a separate team and organise any meeting without the teacher’s knowledge.

Attendance

As a student enrolled in online classes, attendance still matters.

• Every student should have at least 85% attendance (40 classes) to appear in the Final Certificate Examination. 

• Those who fail to fulfil this will be unable to appear for the exam.

• Please log into your online class and be ready to appear on the screen at the right time.

• No one should be late. In the event that you are more than 10 minutes late, you will miss the lesson introduction and important points to be discussed in class. The teacher will not be able to explain it again. 

• If you wish to view the details, you must return your dashboard to view the recording of the lesson.

• Report your absence. If you are not going to be present or if you're going to be late, inform the school administration and/or teachers via phone/email.

Course Material

• The educational content (written and video material) available on our Moodle portal and in our online classes is entirely for the use and benefit of the students of Music Pandit School only. 

• The course materials should be used as per the instructions given by the teacher.

• We do not allow anyone to copy, reproduce, share, publish, or electronically transmit the content of the school to third parties in any form.

• As for the live class links, they should be considered private and confidential. The link that you receive shouldn’t be shared with any student or person within the school community or outside the school community.

General Online Class Etiquette

The following is a guide to basic online class etiquette that will help maintain a positive learning environment.

1. Mute Your Microphone

You can join the online session while on mute to avoid echo noises coming from conflicting microphones. Also, always remember to mute your microphone when you’re not talking. 

Muting your microphone also gives other participants the ability to share their thoughts without distraction or frustration.

• Always keep your microphone muted.

• Please inform your teachers or parents if you have an audio problem.

2. Speak Clearly and Loudly

You need to speak up when you enter your new online classroom (around five people). You can announce yourself when you join. Your friends and teachers will appreciate being able to hear you clearly.

• Keep your introduction short and simple. 

Example: “Hello, good evening!” My name is Sam Smith.

• Be loud and clear.

• Talk to the point or to the topic.

• Be specific.

• You will also want to make sure people can hear you and that you can hear them. 

2. Leave the Keyboard Alone

Try to not type unnecessarily on the keyboard. The sound of your typing can distract others, especially when you are unmuted and in-between classes. 

You can pick up your notebook, pencil, or pen to take notes.

• Please don't make keyboard (typing) noises while the class is going on.

• Keep your writing stationery ready in advance.

• Refrain from browsing other mediums like YouTube while you are attending the class.

4. Eating is Prohibited During Online School

Please do not eat during your online classes. Not only is it distracting to others, but you also won’t be able to focus on what is being taught in the class.

• You should avoid eating during live classes.

• Please refrain from chewing on anything.

• Please eat before or after the class(45-minute session).

5. Stay Seated and Be Present

There is always the temptation to check your phone or start a side conversation during class. Please avoid it! 

You might miss out on key points or an opportunity to give your input to the teacher. 

• Be seated in one place.

• Please don't leave the class and turn off your video without informing your teachers.

• Pay attention to the discussion in class.

• Please keep your smartphone (if you have one) away and avoid answering calls during class.

If you are using a webcam, use attentive body language.

• Sit upright and straight.

• Avoid making big, unnecessary movements.

• Be aware not to let your eyes wander too much.

Poor Behaviour and Disciplinary Action

Misuse of the learning platform and violations of school rules will result in disciplinary action.

Below are examples of poor behaviours that are prohibited.

• Sending biased, harassing messages or images.

• Posting messages that shame or defame other individuals.

• Recording any class session and distributing it.

• Recording your teacher and/or classmates.

• Unmuting yourself when your teacher has placed you on mute.

• Disturbing any online learning environment.

• Participation in cyberbullying.

• Copying or downloading electronic files without permission.

• Sending or posting confidential material or class-related content outside of the school.

• Participating in the viewing of obscene materials.

• Sharing inappropriate and unfitting links with teachers and other students.

• Repeated absences or failure to meet the school’s guidelines.

What are the consequences if I do not meet the expectations of the online classes?

• The school staff will give you a verbal warning regarding your behaviour and actions that are not in line with the guidelines.

• Those who fail to follow the virtual classroom code of conduct may be prohibited from communicating with classmates for the rest of the session.

• If a student has been repeatedly disciplined, he/she may receive read-only privileges in the virtual classroom for the rest of the semester. It could also be for a period of time until the instructor deems it appropriate to restore privileges to the student. 

• It has to be noted, all chat and audio student interactions are considered “privileges”.

• Depending on your behaviour, the staff may also reach out to your parent or guardian.