NETWORKED INFORMATION RESOURCES
ACCEPTABLE USE CONTRACT FOR STUDENT USERS
Network access to the Internet and e-mail is available to students and staff at our school who qualify as a result of participating in an orientation or training course. IDEA Public Schools strongly believe in the educational value of Internet resources and e-mail. Our goal in providing this access is to support our curriculum and student learning by facilitating resource sharing, research, and communication.
With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the potential for access to material that is illegal, inaccurate, or offensive to some people. The IDEA Public Schools has taken steps to restrict access to inappropriate resources and information on the network and to monitor student use of the network. However, on a global network it is impossible to effectively control all student access to material. Although our staff will do everything they can to guide students in the appropriate use of technology, the primary responsibility for access will rest with the student. We believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet exceed any disadvantages, but ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using networked information sources. To that end, the IDEA Public Schools supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to apply for independent access.
RETURN THIS SIGNED CONTRACT FOR INDEPENDENT ACCESS
Student User:
I have read the attached contract, understand my responsibilities while using the computer network, and will follow all rules in the Acceptable Use Contract, as well as school rules that may apply.
Student Name (please print) ______________________________________________________
Signature ______________________________________ Date ________________________
Students under the age of 18 must also have the signature of a parent or guardian who has read this contract in order to have independent access to network resources such as the Internet. Independent access means that the student may work on a project without a staff member sitting next to them and taking full responsibility and control of access to the network.
Parent or Guardian:
As the parent or guardian of the minor student signing above, I have read the attached contract and grant permission for my child to access networked computer services such as the Internet and email. I understand that some materials on the Internet may be objectionable, but I accept responsibility for guidance of Internet use - setting and conveying standards for my child to follow when selecting, sharing or exploring information and media. I hereby give my permission to allow independent network access for my child and certify that the information contained on this form is correct.
Parent or Guardian Name (please print) _____________________________________________
Signature ______________________________________ Date ________________________
Sponsoring Teacher:
I have read this contract and agree to promote this agreement with the student. As the sponsoring teacher, I agree to instruct the student on acceptable use of the network and proper network etiquette. However, responsibility for acceptable use of the network rests with the student. I also agree to report any misuse of the network to the Technology Director. Misuse can come in many forms, but can be viewed as any messages sent or received that indicate or suggest pornography, unethical or illegal solicitation, racism, sexism, inappropriate language, and other issues described above.
Sponsoring Teacher's Name (please print) ___________________________________________
Signature ______________________________________ Date ________________________
Please read this document carefully. When signed by you and, if appropriate, your guardian/parent, it becomes a legally binding contract. We must have your signature and that of your guardian/parent before we can provide you with independent network access. Listed below are the terms of this contract. If any user violates these, access to the information service may be denied and you may be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action.
Terms and Conditions of the Networked Information Resources Acceptable Use Contract
1. Personal Responsibility
I understand and take complete responsibility for using the computer, network and email correctly. General school rules for behavior and communications apply. I will report activities on the computer network that I know are wrong or that make me feel uncomfortable to a teacher or administrator.
2. Acceptable Use
I will use school computers, network and email account for educational purposes only and for completing classroom projects, research and assignments.
ØI will not share private information about other students or staff.
ØI will not send or display offensive messages or pictures.
ØI will not use obscene language.
ØI will not harass, insult or attack others.
ØI will not damage or do things that might damage computers, computer systems, computer networks, or data (For example, loading a file that may introduce a virus).
ØI will not load software downloaded from the Internet on campus computers without permission.
ØI will follow copyright laws. I will cite my sources when using material gathered from the network in a project. I will not post or distribute copyrighted material. I will not redistribute material gathered from the network without permission of the author.
ØI will not use others' passwords or share my password or anyone else's with others.
ØI will not trespass in others' folders, work or files.
ØI will not attempt unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, or data.
3. Safety
To protect myself and others I will follow the following safety rules:
ØI will never give out my or anyone else's last name, address, telephone number, or school name to someone I meet online.
ØI will not respond to any messages that make me feel uncomfortable. I will show such messages to a teacher or administrator.
ØI will not send my or any other student's photo out online or put my or any other student's photo on the Internet. I will get written permission before I use an adult's photo in a project.
ØI will use only my first name when posting my work on the Internet.
4. Network and Email Etiquette and Privacy
I understand that students are provided with an email address for school purposes only. I understand that e-mail and other information accessed or stored on the network is not guaranteed to be private. Network administrators may look at files and e-mail to make sure that the system is working properly and that users are using the system responsibly. In addition, files and e-mail are sometimes sent to the wrong place. Users of the network are part of a global community. I will follow generally accepted rules of network etiquette.
5. Privileges
The use of the network and email is a privilege, not a right. If I do not use it correctly, I will lose my access to the network and / or email account. Teachers, librarians, technology support staff, and administrators will decide what is appropriate use of the computer, email and network; their decision is final. A teacher, librarian, technology support staff member, or administrator may request that network access, computer access or email access be revoked, suspended or denied at any time.