6157R Instruction

Communications Student Access to Networked Information: Administrative Regulations

Access Rights and Responsibilities

In order to match electronic resources as closely as possible to the approved district curriculum, district personnel will review and evaluate resources in order to offer “home pages” and menus of materials, which comply with Board guidelines listed in Board policies governing the selection of instructional materials. Staff will provide guidance to students as they use telecommunications and electronic information resources to conduct research and other studies related to the district curriculum. Students will be informed by staff of their rights and responsibilities as users of the district network prior to gaining access to that network, either as an individual user or as a member of a class or group.

As much as possible, students will be directed toward using information resources, which have been reviewed and evaluated prior to use. While students may be able to move beyond those resources to others, which have not been evaluated by staff, they will be provided with guidelines and lists of resources particularly suited to the learning objectives. Students may pursue electronic research independent of staff supervision only if they have been granted parental permission (in the case of minors) and have submitted all required forms. Permission is not transferable and may not be shared.

Network storage areas will be treated like school lockers, and network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and to insure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on the district servers would always be private.

Internet Rules

Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks, just as they are in school or while attending school-sponsored activities. Communications on the network are often public in nature and general school rules for behavior and communication apply.

The network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others. Independent access to network services is provided to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner and who have parental/guardian permission (for minors). Access is a privilege, not a right, and such access entails responsibility. During school, teachers of younger students will guide them toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, that responsibility shifts to parents/guardians.

Individual users of the district computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communications over the networks. It is presumed that users will comply with district standards and will honor the agreements they have signed.

The following are not permitted:

· sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures

· using obscene language

· harassing, insulting, or attacking others

· damaging computers, computer systems, or computer networks

· violating copyright laws

· using others’ passwords

· trespassing on others’ folders, work, or files

· intentionally wasting limited resources

· employing the network for commercial purposes

The following sanctions may be employed for students who misuse the network:

· loss of access