Thursday, July 21, 2011

Thing 18: Acceptable Use Policy

PUTNAM COUNTY SCHOOLS
Secondary Technology Acceptable Use Agreement Form
OVERVIEW
Computers and technology can support learning and enhance educational instruction. Computer networks and
telecommunications allow users to retrieve and share information with others around the world. It is a general policy that all
computers and other technology used through Putnam County Schools are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and
legal manner. Failure to adhere to this policy and the guidelines established below shall result in the revocation of access
privileges and/or disciplinary actions involving local, county, state, or federal agencies.
Internet, a network of networks, allows users to interact with millions of people who are also using computers connected to the
Internet. It is the belief of Putnam County Schools that the educational benefits to students and teachers, who access various
online services and the Internet, far exceed any potential disadvantages. The majority of sites accessed can provide a wealth of
educational opportunities including collaboration and shared learning experiences. It is the intent of Putnam County Schools to
provide access to such services to further the educational goals and objectives of the West Virginia Department of Education, in
full compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). However, parents should be aware that students using
telecommunications have the potential to access unacceptable sources if they disobey or disregard school and county rules and
guidelines. Even through the vast majority of Internet sites provide useful information, some sites may contain information that is
offensive, defamatory, sexually oriented, or inaccurate. The intent of Putnam County Schools is for technology resources to be
used as a valuable educational tool.
USE OF TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES WITHIN PUTNAM COUNTY SCHOOLS IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT.
USER RESPONSIBILITIES
As the user of technology resources provided by Putnam County Schools, each student must read, understand, and accept all of
the following rules and guidelines stated in this section. Failure to abide by the following statements may result in permanent
revocation of access privileges and/or disciplinary actions involving local, county, state, or federal agencies. Disciplinary actions
will apply to all sites when students have multiple schools or community based learning experiences outside of the home school.
1. I understand that telecommunication resources (Internet) are provided for educational purposes.
my teacher.
I will limit my use of the school’s technology resources and telecommunications to academic purposes as directed by
I will not download or play any non-educational games on a school computer.
activity.
I will only use instant messaging or chat after receiving permission from my teacher and as part of an educational
I will not stream any multimedia content from the Internet, unless directed by my teacher.
communications on this account are for educational use only.
I will only use a school provided e-mail address such as access.k12.wv.us while at school, and I understand that the
use telecommunication resources for any illegal, immoral, harassing, or unacceptable purposes.
I will follow the rules of network etiquette, which include use of appropriate language and polite responses. I will not
I will not access social networking sites using telecommunication services provided by Putnam County Schools.
I will use Web 2.0 tools (wikis, blogs, pod/vodcasts, etc.) for educational purposes as directed by my teacher.
of Education.
2. I respect personal privacy for myself and others.
I will not try to bypass any Internet or content filtering devices installed by Putnam County Schools or WV Department
but is not limited to home address, telephone number, age, or images.
I will not reveal any personal information about myself or anyone else while on the Internet. This information includes
program accounts.
I will not share my network login (username and password) with anyone else, and I will only use my network and/or
Exit Year_________ Student #_____________Name______________________________
Revised May 2008
I will not copy, change, read, or use files that belong to another user.
THIS SIGNATURE PAGE MUST BE ON FILE AT THE SCHOOL BEFORE THE
STUDENT IS PERMITTED TECHNOLOGY ACCESS
3. I understand copyright laws protect a variety of materials (print, non-print, and ideas), including those found on the Internet.
I will not copy information received from any source and say that it is my work.
I will cite all sources of information that I use in my projects and work, acknowledging the creator’s work.
keep, give, or sell.
I will not make copies of any software belonging to Putnam County Schools and its community-based learning sites to
I will not install any personal software onto any computer at school.
have received permission from the teacher.
4. I understand that educational technology is available for the use of all students.
I will not download any executable file from the Internet unless it specifically relates to an educational assignment and I
I will not deface, damage, or destroy any equipment, including changing hardware, software, or network settings.
I will not waste or take supplies such as paper, printer supplies, or storage media provided by the school.
distribution of unsolicited advertising, using instant messaging services, unauthorized streaming of audio and video, file
sharing software, online gaming, propagation of computer viruses, or unauthorized access of system programs.
I will not interfere with or disrupt network users, services, or equipment. Disruptions include, but are not limited to,
the prior approval of Putnam County Schools Technology Department.
I will not remove or attach any device(s), including notebook(s) and wireless device(s), to the school network without
school sysops, sign a wireless agreement form, and load required software on my device(s).
Before accessing any wireless network(s) with my personal mobile device(s), I will register my device(s) with the
harassment.
5. I understand that I must follow county, state, and federal rules when using technology.
I will follow the rules of network etiquette and not prevent others from using resources through intimidation or
computer equipment.
I will not try to bypass the security measures built into the network to gain unauthorized access to system programs or
I will not knowingly create or introduce any virus to district equipment.
electronic mail or telecommunications.
I will not send or distribute unethical, illegal, immoral, inappropriate, or unacceptable information of any type through
I will not use the network for commercial activities, product advertising, or political lobbying.
wireless devices (personal or commercial) to access the Internet while on Putnam County Schools’ property.
I understand that CIPA requires that all Internet access for students be filtered; therefore, I will not use any outside
I will follow the rules listed above or lose my computer privileges and face other consequences.
STUDENT
I, ____________________________________, have reviewed the information in the Putnam County Schools Technology
Acceptable Use Agreement Form with my parent(s) or guardian and my teacher. I understand the rules that I am to follow. I
also understand that failure to follow these rules will result in the loss of my computer access and technology privileges at school.
Student Signature____________________________________________ Date__________________ Grade _________
Signature
PARENT or GUARDIAN
As the parent or guardian of _________________________________ (student), I have reviewed the Putnam County Schools
Technology Acceptable Use Agreement Form with my child and understand the terms, rules, and guidelines as stated in the
document. I also understand that information distributed through the Internet and other online services cannot be entirely
controlled by Putnam County Schools. I therefore realize that during the course of educational studies and/or communication
projects there is potential for the student to encounter controversial or offensive material. I give Putnam County Schools
permission to grant technology access to my child. I understand that my child may maintain access as long as the procedures
and guidelines described above are followed. I also understand that failure to abide by these rules may result in the revocation of
my child’s access and/or disciplinary action.
Parent or Guardian Name (please print) _________________________________________________________
Parent or Guardian__________________________________________________ Date _________________
Signature

I think the policy is fairly current.  There may be some things missing, Creative Commons usage, etc.  I'm not seeing anything about Web 2.0.  Students cannot get on the computer unless they have this form signed, and the files are in the office with a checklist on line.

Revised May 2008

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