605.6 Internet - Appropriate Use

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title:  Student Acceptable Use                                                                                                                                                                           Code No.  605.6

Because technology is a vital part of the school district curriculum, the Internet will be made available to employees and students. Appropriate and equitable use of the Internet will allow employees and students to access resources unavailable through traditional means. Individual student accounts and email addresses will be issued to students, however, the district may limit use for particular grade levels or groups of students. These accounts are property of the school district and may be monitored regardless of the ownership of device they are used on. Technology for educational use will be provided to students. Personal devices must follow school handbook regulations and should not be used in lieu of the school issued device.

The Internet provides a vast collection of educational resources for students and employees. It is a global network which makes it impossible to control all available information. Because information appears, disappears and changes constantly, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate. The school district makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet.

Students’ Internet activities, including email, will be monitored by the school district. The school district will use technology protection measures to protect students, to the extent technically and reasonably possible, from inappropriate access, including sites that contain obscenity, child pornography, or other material harmful to minors. The technology protection measures will block access to a large percentage of inappropriate sites; however, it should not be assumed that users are completely prevented from accessing inappropriate materials or from sending or receiving objectionable communications. Student Internet records and access records are confidential records treated like other student records.

Even if students have not been given access, they may still be exposed to information from the district’s computers, computer network, and/or the internet in guided curricular activities at the discretion of their teachers.

The school district will educate students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting on social networking sites and chat rooms. Students will also be educated on cyberbullying, including awareness and response. Employees will provide age appropriate training for students who use the Internet. The training provided will be designed to promote the school district’s commitment to:

  • Student safety with regard to:
    • Safety on the Internet
    • Data privacy and security
    • Appropriate behavior while online, on social networking
    • Chat rooms/messaging
    • Cyberbullying awareness and response
  • Compliance with the e-Rate requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
    • The universal service Schools and Libraries Program, commonly known as “E-rate,” provides discounts of up to 90 percent to help eligible schools and libraries in the United States obtain affordable telecommunications and internet access.

It is the policy of the Oskaloosa School District to prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors.

The district takes precautions to avoid data loss, but the potential for loss always exists. No warranties, expressed or implied, are made by the school district for its computer technology and internet access and the district will not be responsible for any damages including, but not limited to, the loss of data, delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries or service interruptions caused by negligence or omission.  If a student has issues with delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries for assignments, they should first consult their instructor to present proof of submission.  If questions/concerns still arise, the student may appeal to the building principal to put together a plan for submission.

Any risk and/or damages resulting from information obtained from the district’s computers, network, and/or internet access is assumed by and is the responsibility of the user.

When using district-supplied technology resources, individuals agree to abide by all policies and procedures adopted by the Oskaloosa Community School District as well as all current federal, state, and local laws. These include district policies and procedures against harassment, plagiarism, and unethical conduct; as well as local, state and federal laws prohibiting theft, copyright infringement, insertion of viruses into computer systems, vandalism, and other unlawful intrusions. In the event of violation of any these policies, procedures or laws, current district disciplinary policies and practices will be followed, including those regulating the provision of information to law enforcement authorities. Internet privileges may be restricted due to disciplinary policies.

Student expectations:

  • Engage in productive learning activities
  • Be kind, respectful and meaningful, not harmful of other people and their property.
  • Use appropriate language.
  • Use online resources appropriately; no offensive, illegal, obscene or pornographic resources.
  • Respect all copyright and license agreements.
  • Cite all quotes, references, and sources.
  • Use the network for educational purposes.
  • Apply the same privacy, ethical and educational considerations utilized in other forms of communication.
  • Use the school issued email account. Students should adhere to the following guidelines:
    • Only send emails that are not private in nature as emails may not be private and are monitored.
    • Delete unwanted messages immediately unless they are harassing or bullying, then show them to your teacher, principal or guidance counselor.
    • Only use “reply all” if the reply is beneficial to the entire group.
    • Use email lists appropriately.
    • Do not engage in spamming or chain letters.
  • Only share your password with your parent/guardian or teacher. Be aware of anyone trying to see you typing your password or using your computer while you are still signed in with your account.
  • Only access your own assigned accounts.
  • No unauthorized bypassing of the content filter by using vpns, proxy servers and/or other means 
  • Students should not intentionally disrupt network traffic or crash the network and connected systems.
  • Personal devices may be used on a school guest network only, unless given permission from the Technology Director.
  • Students accessing Internet services that have a cost involved will be responsible for payment of those costs.

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Notification Statement

Parents/guardians of school-aged children under the age of 13:

Our district utilizes several computer applications and web-based services, operated by third parties. These include Google Apps for Education, online curriculum resources, district, state and national assessments and similar educational programs. A list of possible sites and programs used in our classrooms can be found on our district website. Web-based educational programs and services may be added during the upcoming academic year as needed.

In order for our students to use these programs and services, certain personal identifying information - generally the student’s name and school email address - must be provided to the website operator. By law, the operator may only use this information for educational purposes. Under federal law entitled the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), these websites must provide parental notification and obtain parental consent before collecting personal information from children under the age of 13. The law permits district/schools such as ours to consent to the collection of personal information on behalf of all its students, thereby eliminating the need for individual parental consent given directly to the website operator.

For more information on the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), please visit http://www.ftc.gov/privacy/coppafaqs.shtm

 

Approved:  April 25, 2000

Reviewed:  March 9, 2021

Revised: January 12, 2021 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (2013).

Cross Reference:  104 Anti-Bullying/Harassment; 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities; 506 Student Records; 605.5 School Library

605.6E1 Internet Access Permission Letter to Parents

605.6E2 Internet Appropriate Use Violation Notice

Uploaded Files: 

605.6R1 Internet - Appropriate Use Regulation

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

 

Administrative Regulation:  Internet – Appropriate Use Regulation                                                                                                                                      Code No.  605.6R1

 

  1. Responsibility for Internet Appropriate Use
  1. The authority for appropriate use of electronic Internet resources is delegated to the licensed employees.  For the purpose of this policy, Internet is defined as:

A collection of more than 20,000 interconnected computer networks involving an estimated 1.5 million computers and 25 million users around the world.  It is a collaboration of private, public, educational, governmental, and industrial sponsored networks whose operators cooperate to maintain the network infrastructure.

  1. Instruction in the proper use of the Internet system will be available to employees who will then provide similar instruction to their students.
  2. Employees are expected to practice appropriate use of the Internet, and violations may result in discipline up to, and including, discharge.
  1. Internet Access
  1. Access to the Internet is available to teachers and students as a source of information and a vehicle of communication.
  2. Students will be able to access the Internet through their teachers.  Individual student accounts and electronic mail addresses (will not/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 reduce unnecessary system traffic, 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 perform a virus check on download files to avoid spreading computer viruses.
  7. The school district makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet.
  1. Permission to Use Internet – Annually, parents will grant permission for their student to use the Internet using the prescribed form.
  1. Student Use of Internet
  1. Equal Opportunity – The Internet is available to all students within the school district through teacher access.  The amount of time available for each student may be limited by the number of available terminals and the demands for each terminal.
  2. On-line Etiquette
  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:
    1. Respect all copyright and license agreements.
    2. Cite all quotes, references, and sources.
    3. Remain on the system long enough to get needed information, then exit the system.
    4. Apply the same privacy, ethical, and educational considerations utilized in other forms of communication.
  3. Student access for electronic mail will be through (the supervising teacher’s account/their own account).  Student should adhere to the following guidelines:
    1. Others may be able to read or access the mail so private messages should not  be sent.
    2. Delete unwanted messages immediately.
    3. Use of objectionable language is prohibited.
    4. Always sign messages.
    5. Always acknowledge receipt of a document or file.
  1. Restricted Material – Students will not intentionally access or download any text file or picture or engage in any conference that include 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.
  2. 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.
  1. Student Violations – Consequences and Notifications

Students who access restricted items on the Internet are subject to the appropriate action described in Board policy or regulations or the following consequences:

  1. First Violation – A verbal and written “ Warning” notice will be issued to the student. The student may lose Internet access for a period of _________ at the discretion of the supervising teacher.  A copy of the notice will be mailed to the student’s parent and a copy provided to the building principal.
  1. Second Violation – A verbal and written “Second Violation” notice will be issued to the student.  A copy of the notice will be sent to the student’s parent and a copy provided to the building principal.  The student will forfeit all Internet privileges for a minimum period of _________________.
  1. Third Violation – A verbal and written “Third Violation” notice will be issued to the student.  A copy of the notice will be sent to the student’s parent and a copy provided to the building principal.  The student will forfeit all Internet privileges for __________ or for the balance of the school year.

 

Approved:  February 24, 2004

Reviewed:  December 10, 2019

Revised: 

Legal Reference:

Cross Reference: