I. Responsibility for Internet Appropriate Use.
A. The authority for appropriate use of electronic Internet resources is delegated to the licensed employees.
B. Instruction in the proper use of the Internet will be available to employees who will then provide similar instruction to their students.
C. Employees are expected to practice appropriate use of the Internet, and violations may result in discipline up to, and including, discharge.
II. Internet Access.
A. Access to the Internet is available to teachers and students as a source of information and a vehicle of communication.
B. Students will be able to access the Internet through their teachers. Individual internet-based collaboration student accounts and electronic mail addresses may be issued to students at this time.
1. Making Internet access available to students carries with it the potential that some students might encounter information that may not be appropriate for students. However, on a global network, it is impossible to control all materials. Because information on the Internet appears, disappears and changes, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate.
2. It is a goal to allow teachers and students access to the rich opportunities on the Internet, while we protect the rights of students and parents who choose not to risk exposure to questionable material.
3. The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines which require efficient, ethical and legal utilization of network resources.
4. To promote accountability, users may use real-time conference features such as talk/chat/Internet relay chat only as approved by the supervising teacher.
5. Transmission of material, information or software in violation of any board policy or regulation is prohibited.
6. System users will follow district cybersecurity policy and procedures to ensure network security.
7. The school district makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet.
C. Permission to Use Internet - Annually, parents will grant permission for their student to use the Internet using the prescribed form.
III. Student Use of Internet.
A. Equal Opportunity - The Internet is available to all students within the school district through teacher access.
B. Online Protocol
1. The use of the network is a privilege and may be taken away for violation of board policy or regulations. As a user of the Internet, students may be allowed access to other networks. Each network may have its own set of policies and procedures. It is the user's responsibility to abide by the policies and procedures of these other networks
2. Students should adhere to on-line protocol:
a. Respect all copyright and license agreements.
b. Cite all quotes, references and sources.
c. Remain on the system long enough to get needed information, then exit the system.
d. Apply the same privacy, ethical and educational considerations utilized in other forms of communication.
3. Student access for electronic mail will be through their own account. Students should adhere to the following guidelines:
a. Others may be able to read or access the mail so private messages should not be sent.
b. Delete unwanted messages immediately.
c. Use of objectionable language is prohibited.
d. Always sign messages.
C. Restricted Material - Students will not intentionally access or download any text file or picture or engage in any conference that includes material which is obscene, libelous, indecent, vulgar, profane or lewd; advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law; constitutes insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses others; or presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution, it will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school regulations.
D. Unauthorized Costs - If a student gains access to any service via the Internet which has a cost involved or if a student incurs other types of costs, the student accessing such a service will be responsible for those costs.
V. Student Violations--Consequences and Notifications.
Students who access restricted items on the Internet are subject to the appropriate action. Teachers, administrators, and technology personnel will determine the appropriate consequence based on the severity of the infraction. Possible consequences may include, but are not limited to:
- Loss of network and computer privileges which may include:
- Restriction to school day use only OR
- Restriction to use only in classroom under direct teacher supervision OR
- Complete prohibition on the use of school computers or the computer network
- Detention
- Suspension and Expulsion
Approved: 10-10-11
Reviewed: 2-19-24
Revised: 2-19-24
