Student Technology and Internet Use Administrative Procedure
NEPN/NSBA Code: IJNDB-R
This administrative procedure implements School Committee policy IJNDB - Student Technology and Internet Use. This procedure is intended to provide general guidelines and examples of prohibited uses but does not attempt to state all required or prohibited activities by users. Failure to comply with School Committee policy IJNDB and this Administrative Procedure may result in loss of technology and Internet access privileges, disciplinary action and/or legal action.
A. Technology Use is a Privilege, Not a Right
Student use of the school unit's technology, networks and Internet services is a privilege, not a right. Unacceptable use/activity may result in suspension or cancellation of privileges as well as additional disciplinary and/or legal action.
B. Acceptable Use
Student access to the school units technology, networks and Internet services are provided for educational purposes and research consistent with the school unit's educational mission, curriculum and instructional goals.
The same rules and expectations govern student use of technology as apply to other student conduct and communications.
Students are further expected to comply with these administrative procedures and all specific instruction from the teacher or other supervising staff member/volunteer with accessing the school unit's computers, networks and Internet services.
C. Prohibited use
The user is responsible for his/her actions and activities involving school unit technology, networks and Internet services and for his/her technology files, passwords and accounts. Examples of unacceptable uses that are expressly prohibited include but are not limited to the following:
1. Accessing Inappropriate Material - Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, forwarding, downloading, scanning or displaying materials that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing and/or illegal.
2. Illegal Activities - Using the school unit's technology, networks and/or Internet services for any illegal activity or activity that violates other School Committee policies, procedures and/or school rules.
3. Violating Copyrights - Copying or downloading copyrighted materials without the owner's permission or any other activity that violates other School committee policies regarding copyright material.
4. Plagiarism - Representing as one's own work any materials obtained on the Internet (such as term papers, articles, etc.). When Internet sources are used in student work, the author, publisher and Web site must be identified.
5. Copying Software - Copying or downloading software without the express authorization of the system administrator.
6. Non-School-Related Uses - Using the school unit's technology, networks and Internet services for non-school-related purposes such as private financial gain, commercial, advertising or solicitation purposes.
7. Misuse of Passwords/Unauthorized Access - Sharing passwords, using other users' passwords without permission and/or accessing other users' accounts.
8. Malicious Use/Vandalism - Any malicious use, disruption or harm to the school unit's technology, networks and Internet services, including but not limited to hacking activities and creation/uploading of computer viruses.
9. Unauthorized Access to Internet Communication Tools - Accessing chat rooms or news groups without specific authorization from the supervising teacher.
D. No Expectation of Privacy
The school unit retains control, custody and supervision of all technology, networks and Internet services owned or leased by the school unit. The school unit reserves the right to monitor all technology and Internet activity by students. Students have no expectations of privacy in their use of school technology, including e-mail and stored files.
E. Compensation for Losses, Costs and/or Damages
The student and/or the student's parent/guardian shall be responsible for compensating the school unit for any losses, costs or damages incurred by the school unit related to violations of policy IJNDB and/or these administrative procedures, including investigation of violations.
F. School Unit Assumes No Responsibility for Unauthorized Charges, Costs or Illegal Use
The school unit assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges made by students including but not limited to credit card charges, long distance telephone charges, electronic payment services, equipment and line costs, or for any illegal use of its computers such as copyright violations.
G. MLTI Laptop Home Use
Students may take their laptop home provided the conditions and procedures outlined in the document Laptop Home Use Procedure (IJNDB-E1) are followed.
H. Student Security
A student shall not reveal his/her full name, address, or telephone number on the Internet without prior permission from a supervising teacher. Students should never meet people they have contacted through the Internet without parental permission. Students should inform their supervising teacher if they access information or messages that are dangerous, inappropriate or make them uncomfortable in any way.
I. System Security
The security of the school unit's technology, networks and Internet services is a high priority. Any user who identifies a security problem must notify the technology coordinator. The user shall not demonstrate the problem to others. Any user who attempts or causes a breach of system security shall have his/her privileges revoked and may be subject to additional disciplinary and/or legal action.
Reference: IJNDB-E Student Technology Use
Adopted: August, 1996
Revised: July 12, 2018
