homework.guide

Terms and Conditions for Participation in homework.guide Quadratic ZPD Project

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions govern the use and participation in the homework.guide Quadratic ZPD (QZPD) platform, an educational intervention managed by Research Informed Education (RIE). By accessing and using the homework.guide platform (web, iOS, Android), you agree to adhere to the terms described herein. The QZPD project utilises sociocultural activity theory, artificial intelligence (AI), and educational pedagogies aimed at supporting Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 (KS2/KS3) learners.

2. Definitions

  • "Platform" refers to the homework.guide digital platform.
  • "Participant" includes schools, teachers, parents/carers, and learners actively involved in the project.
  • "Research Informed Education (RIE)" refers to the managing entity responsible for project oversight.
  • "Quadratic Zone of Proximal Development (QZPD)" describes the intervention framework integrating AI with pedagogical support for optimal learning.

3. Participation and Eligibility

  • Schools, teachers, and parents/carers agree to participate voluntarily and understand their rights and obligations outlined herein.
  • Schools must have explicit consent from parents/carers before learner participation.
  • Participants must comply with all local, national, and international educational and privacy laws.

4. Platform Usage

  • Teachers are authorised to upload and manage homework assignments, instructional resources, and supplementary learning materials via text, document uploads, or audio recordings.
  • Parents/carers access tailored guidance and scaffolded prompts designed to assist learners within their individual ZPDs, avoiding provision of direct answers.
  • The AI-generated guidance provided is designed to support learner agency and metacognitive skill development.

5. Data Privacy and Ethical Considerations

  • All participant data will be handled according to applicable laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the UK and EU, and equivalent international standards.
  • Participant interaction data will be ethically ring-fenced, anonymised, and securely stored for research purposes only.
  • Participants retain the right to withdraw consent for data usage at any point without prejudice.

6. Intellectual Property

  • All content uploaded by teachers remains their intellectual property. By uploading, teachers grant RIE a non-exclusive licence to use the materials solely within the homework.guide platform for educational and research purposes.
  • AI-generated content and prompts created by homework.guide remain the intellectual property of RIE.

7. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Schools: Ensure adequate infrastructure and access, secure parental consent, support teachers' participation, and maintain compliance with educational regulations.
  • Teachers: Regularly upload appropriate and pedagogically sound learning materials, monitor learner engagement, and ensure ethical practice and fairness.
  • Parents/Carers: Engage with provided scaffolding and prompts responsibly, support learners constructively without offering direct solutions, and cooperate with research guidelines.
  • Learners: Participate actively and responsibly within the platform, respecting guidelines and contributing genuinely to homework tasks.

8. Limitations of Liability

  • RIE is not responsible for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from participation or platform use, including interruptions, inaccuracies, or data loss.
  • RIE makes no warranty regarding the platform's uninterrupted or error-free operation but will strive to maintain optimal functionality.

9. Ethical Compliance and Safeguarding

  • Participants must adhere to ethical standards governing research with minors and educational practices.
  • Any safeguarding concerns must immediately be reported to appropriate authorities as per local legislation and school policies.

10. Confidentiality

Participants agree not to disclose any confidential information, research data, or intellectual property encountered on the platform without explicit permission from RIE.

11. International Participation

International schools and participants must adhere to local educational, privacy, and safeguarding laws. RIE commits to assisting international participants to comply with relevant legislation.

12. Modifications and Termination

  • RIE reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time, notifying participants of substantial changes.
  • Participants may terminate their involvement by providing written notice. Upon termination, data usage for ongoing research purposes will be subject to explicit consent provided at initial enrolment.

13. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by UK law. Any disputes arising from these terms will be resolved amicably through negotiation. Should negotiation fail, disputes will be referred to mediation or arbitration in the UK.

14. Contact Information

For further questions, clarification, or data privacy concerns, please contact:

Research Informed Education
Unit 149120, PO Box 7169,
Poole, BH15 9EL
Email: research@homework.guide

15. Acceptance

By accessing and using homework.guide, all participating parties acknowledge they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.