Computer Use Guidelines:
ACCEPTABLE COMPUTER USE POLICY
Internet access is now available to students and teachers at the Audubon Public Schools. With access to the Internet, one will be able to interact with hundreds of thousands of other computers and other networks all over the world. The goal of this service is to provide our community with the opportunity for unique learning experiences and excellent resources. However, the use of the Audubon Public Schools’ computer facilities is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked at any time for abusive conduct. Based on the guidelines outlined here, the system administrators will decide what is inappropriate use. Please read the following user’s policy so that you are aware of and willing to accept the responsibilities of computer access.
General Information
The Internet is a system or network of networks that allows users to access, post and exchange all kinds of information. The system is world wide and provides users with options to gather, manipulate and use information responsibly to help them in everyday life. The Internet System can be thought of as a super version of the phone system. With a phone connection, you can talk to almost anyone in the world, and almost anyone can talk to you. The same is true with an internet connection.
In an educational forum, the opportunity for participants to gather and exchange information through databases, forums, usenet groups, other groups, other school systems, governmental agencies, and other institutions is almost limitless. More and more schools across the country and the world are learning to responsibly use and benefit from the Internet experience.
The Audubon computer system is monitored and maintained by system administrators who are employees of the district. Some of the duties of maintaining the network are: registering users, providing E-mail accounts, maintaining files, solving problems, promoting ethical standards of conduct, communicating with providers and users of the system and working to limit access to inappropriate material.
The internet is unique because of the vast array of interconnections of the computer systems. Because of the complex association between so many governmental agencies and networks, the end user is required to follow a set of strict guidelines. Users and parents of users who are under 18 years of age are advised that some of the systems may contain defamatory, inaccurate, offensive or illegal material. The Audubon system administrators and our Internet service provider do not have control over and do not condone such materials in a school environment. Parents of minors having accounts on the Internet should be aware of the existence of such materials and monitor home usage.
To use the Internet you must be a registered user. This is accomplished by signing an agreement that list the guidelines and responsibilities expected. If you are under 18 your parents or guardian will also have to add their signature. If users knowingly bring inappropriate materials into the school environment, they will be subject to the policies of the individual building and the district. Such activities may result in, but not limited to, termination of their access.
Users of the Internet and Computer System
User agrees not to publish on or over the System any information which violates or infringes upon the rights of any other person or any information which would be abusive, profane or sexually offensive to an average person, or which, without the approval of the system administrators, contains any advertising or any solicitation of other users to use goods or services. User agrees not to use the facilities and capabilities of the System to conduct any business or activity or solicit the performance of any activity which is prohibited by law.
Because the Audubon Public Schools provide access to other computer systems around the world, user (and the parent(s) of users under the age of 18 years of age) specifically understands the system administrators do not have control of the content of information residing on these other systems. Users and the parents of users who are under 18 years of age are advised that some systems may contain defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, or illegal material. Audubon Public Schools and the system administrators do not condone the use of such materials and do not permit usage of such materials in the school environment. Parents of minors having access on the System should be aware of the existence of such materials and monitor home usage of the System. Students knowingly bringing such material into the school environment will be dealt with according to the discipline policies of the individual school building and Audubon Public Schools, and such activities may result in termination of their access to the Internet.
Online Conduct
Any action by a user that is determined by a system administrator to constitute an inappropriate use of the Internet or to improperly restrict or inhibit other users from using and enjoying the Internet is strictly prohibited and may result in termination of an offending user’s access. User specifically agrees not to submit, publish, or display on the Internet any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, or illegal material; nor shall user encourage the use of controlled substances. Transmission of material, information or software in violation of any local, state or federal law is prohibited and is a breach of the Terms and Conditions.
User specifically agrees to identify the Audubon Public Schools and the system administrators for any losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the Audubon Public Schools and the system administrators relating to, or arising out of any breach of this section (Online Conduct) by user.
Software Libraries
Software is provided to students as a curricular resource. No student may install, upload, or download software without express consent of the system administrator. Any software having the purpose of damaging other members’ accounts or the district network (e.g. computer viruses) is specifically prohibited. The system administrators, at their sole discretion, reserve the rights to refuse posting of files and to remove files. The system administrators, at their sole discretion, further reserve the right to immediately terminate the account or take other action consistent with the District’s discipline code of a member who misuses the software libraries.
Copyrighted Material
Copyrighted material must not be placed on any system connected to the network without the author’s permission. Only the owner(s) or persons they specifically authorize may upload copyrighted material to the system. Members may download copyrighted materials for their own use. Any member may also non-commercially redistribute a copyrighted program with the expressed permission of the owner or authorized person. Permission must be specified in the document, on the system, or must be obtained directly from the author.
Public Posting Areas (Message Boards/UseNet Groups)
UseNet messages are posted from systems connected to the Internet around the world and the Audubon system administrators have no control of the content of messages posted from these other systems. To best utilize system resources, the system administrators will determine which UseNet groups are most applicable to the curricular needs of the school district and will carry these groups on the local system. The system administrators, at their sole discretion, may remove messages posted locally than are deemed to be unacceptable or in violation of the Terms and Conditions. The system administrators, at their sole discretion, further reserve the right to immediately terminate the account of a member who misuses the message boards or UseNet groups.
Real-time, Interactive Communication Areas
The system administrators, at their sole discretion, reserve the right to immediately terminate the account of a member who misuses real-time conference features (talk/chat/Internet relay chat.)
Electronic Mail
Electronic mail (“e-mail”) is a private electronic message sent by or to a member in correspondence with another person having Internet mail access. Messages received by the system are retained on the system until deleted by the recipient. A canceled Audubon account will not retain its mail. Members are expected to remove old messages in a timely fashion and the system administrators may remove such messages if not attended to regularly by the member. The system administrators will not intentionally inspect the contents of mail sent by one member to an identified addressee, or disclose such contents to other than the sender or an intended recipient, without the consent of the sender or an intended recipient, unless required to do so by law or policies of the Audubon Public Schools, or to investigate complaints regarding mail which is alleged to contain defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, or otherwise illegal material. The Audubon Public Schools reserve the right to cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to any mail transmitted on the Audubon Public school network.
Disk Usage
The system administrators reserve the right to set quotas for disk usage on the system. A member who exceeds his quota will be advised to delete files to return to compliance. A member who remains in non-compliance of disk space quotas after seven (7) days of notification will have their files removed by a system administrator.
Security
Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involved many users. If a member feels that he can identify a security problem on the system, the member must notify a system administrator. The member should not demonstrate the problem to others. Professional staff may allow students who are not members to access the system through the staff person’s account as long as the staff person does not disclose the password of the account to students and understands that the staff person assumes responsibility for the actions of the students using his/her account. Members may not otherwise let others use their account and password. Password to the system should not be easily guessed by others, nor should they be words which can be found in the dictionary. Attempts to log into the system using either another member’s account or as a system administrator will result in termination of the account. Members should immediately notify a system administrator if a password is lost or stolen, or if they have reason to believe that someone has obtained unauthorized access to their account. Any member identified as a security risk will have his account terminated and be subject to other disciplinary action.
Vandalism
Vandalism will result in cancellation of system privileges and other disciplinary measures in compliance with the District’s discipline code. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data or another user, the system, or any of the agencies or other networks that are connected to the Internet backbone or of doing intentional damage to hardware or software resident on the system. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
Game Playing and Painting
Game playing is permitted on the system only when terminals are not needed for other purposes and the game conforms to the curricular goals of the District. Game playing over dial-up links or other inter-machine communications is prohibited.
Printing
The printing facilities of Audubon High School’s network should be used judiciously. Unnecessary printing is a drain of the capacity of the networks, adds expense, and shortens the life of the equipment. By developing on-screen proofreading skills and practicing proper use of cut and paste techniques, users can and should conserve printing resources and help the system run more efficiently.
Internet access is now available to students and teachers at the Audubon Public Schools. With access to the Internet, one will be able to interact with hundreds of thousands of other computers and other networks all over the world. The goal of this service is to provide our community with the opportunity for unique learning experiences and excellent resources. However, the use of the Audubon Public Schools’ computer facilities is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked at any time for abusive conduct. Based on the guidelines outlined here, the system administrators will decide what is inappropriate use. Please read the following user’s policy so that you are aware of and willing to accept the responsibilities of computer access.
General Information
The Internet is a system or network of networks that allows users to access, post and exchange all kinds of information. The system is world wide and provides users with options to gather, manipulate and use information responsibly to help them in everyday life. The Internet System can be thought of as a super version of the phone system. With a phone connection, you can talk to almost anyone in the world, and almost anyone can talk to you. The same is true with an internet connection.
In an educational forum, the opportunity for participants to gather and exchange information through databases, forums, usenet groups, other groups, other school systems, governmental agencies, and other institutions is almost limitless. More and more schools across the country and the world are learning to responsibly use and benefit from the Internet experience.
The Audubon computer system is monitored and maintained by system administrators who are employees of the district. Some of the duties of maintaining the network are: registering users, providing E-mail accounts, maintaining files, solving problems, promoting ethical standards of conduct, communicating with providers and users of the system and working to limit access to inappropriate material.
The internet is unique because of the vast array of interconnections of the computer systems. Because of the complex association between so many governmental agencies and networks, the end user is required to follow a set of strict guidelines. Users and parents of users who are under 18 years of age are advised that some of the systems may contain defamatory, inaccurate, offensive or illegal material. The Audubon system administrators and our Internet service provider do not have control over and do not condone such materials in a school environment. Parents of minors having accounts on the Internet should be aware of the existence of such materials and monitor home usage.
To use the Internet you must be a registered user. This is accomplished by signing an agreement that list the guidelines and responsibilities expected. If you are under 18 your parents or guardian will also have to add their signature. If users knowingly bring inappropriate materials into the school environment, they will be subject to the policies of the individual building and the district. Such activities may result in, but not limited to, termination of their access.
Users of the Internet and Computer System
User agrees not to publish on or over the System any information which violates or infringes upon the rights of any other person or any information which would be abusive, profane or sexually offensive to an average person, or which, without the approval of the system administrators, contains any advertising or any solicitation of other users to use goods or services. User agrees not to use the facilities and capabilities of the System to conduct any business or activity or solicit the performance of any activity which is prohibited by law.
Because the Audubon Public Schools provide access to other computer systems around the world, user (and the parent(s) of users under the age of 18 years of age) specifically understands the system administrators do not have control of the content of information residing on these other systems. Users and the parents of users who are under 18 years of age are advised that some systems may contain defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, or illegal material. Audubon Public Schools and the system administrators do not condone the use of such materials and do not permit usage of such materials in the school environment. Parents of minors having access on the System should be aware of the existence of such materials and monitor home usage of the System. Students knowingly bringing such material into the school environment will be dealt with according to the discipline policies of the individual school building and Audubon Public Schools, and such activities may result in termination of their access to the Internet.
Online Conduct
Any action by a user that is determined by a system administrator to constitute an inappropriate use of the Internet or to improperly restrict or inhibit other users from using and enjoying the Internet is strictly prohibited and may result in termination of an offending user’s access. User specifically agrees not to submit, publish, or display on the Internet any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, or illegal material; nor shall user encourage the use of controlled substances. Transmission of material, information or software in violation of any local, state or federal law is prohibited and is a breach of the Terms and Conditions.
User specifically agrees to identify the Audubon Public Schools and the system administrators for any losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the Audubon Public Schools and the system administrators relating to, or arising out of any breach of this section (Online Conduct) by user.
Software Libraries
Software is provided to students as a curricular resource. No student may install, upload, or download software without express consent of the system administrator. Any software having the purpose of damaging other members’ accounts or the district network (e.g. computer viruses) is specifically prohibited. The system administrators, at their sole discretion, reserve the rights to refuse posting of files and to remove files. The system administrators, at their sole discretion, further reserve the right to immediately terminate the account or take other action consistent with the District’s discipline code of a member who misuses the software libraries.
Copyrighted Material
Copyrighted material must not be placed on any system connected to the network without the author’s permission. Only the owner(s) or persons they specifically authorize may upload copyrighted material to the system. Members may download copyrighted materials for their own use. Any member may also non-commercially redistribute a copyrighted program with the expressed permission of the owner or authorized person. Permission must be specified in the document, on the system, or must be obtained directly from the author.
Public Posting Areas (Message Boards/UseNet Groups)
UseNet messages are posted from systems connected to the Internet around the world and the Audubon system administrators have no control of the content of messages posted from these other systems. To best utilize system resources, the system administrators will determine which UseNet groups are most applicable to the curricular needs of the school district and will carry these groups on the local system. The system administrators, at their sole discretion, may remove messages posted locally than are deemed to be unacceptable or in violation of the Terms and Conditions. The system administrators, at their sole discretion, further reserve the right to immediately terminate the account of a member who misuses the message boards or UseNet groups.
Real-time, Interactive Communication Areas
The system administrators, at their sole discretion, reserve the right to immediately terminate the account of a member who misuses real-time conference features (talk/chat/Internet relay chat.)
Electronic Mail
Electronic mail (“e-mail”) is a private electronic message sent by or to a member in correspondence with another person having Internet mail access. Messages received by the system are retained on the system until deleted by the recipient. A canceled Audubon account will not retain its mail. Members are expected to remove old messages in a timely fashion and the system administrators may remove such messages if not attended to regularly by the member. The system administrators will not intentionally inspect the contents of mail sent by one member to an identified addressee, or disclose such contents to other than the sender or an intended recipient, without the consent of the sender or an intended recipient, unless required to do so by law or policies of the Audubon Public Schools, or to investigate complaints regarding mail which is alleged to contain defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, or otherwise illegal material. The Audubon Public Schools reserve the right to cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to any mail transmitted on the Audubon Public school network.
Disk Usage
The system administrators reserve the right to set quotas for disk usage on the system. A member who exceeds his quota will be advised to delete files to return to compliance. A member who remains in non-compliance of disk space quotas after seven (7) days of notification will have their files removed by a system administrator.
Security
Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involved many users. If a member feels that he can identify a security problem on the system, the member must notify a system administrator. The member should not demonstrate the problem to others. Professional staff may allow students who are not members to access the system through the staff person’s account as long as the staff person does not disclose the password of the account to students and understands that the staff person assumes responsibility for the actions of the students using his/her account. Members may not otherwise let others use their account and password. Password to the system should not be easily guessed by others, nor should they be words which can be found in the dictionary. Attempts to log into the system using either another member’s account or as a system administrator will result in termination of the account. Members should immediately notify a system administrator if a password is lost or stolen, or if they have reason to believe that someone has obtained unauthorized access to their account. Any member identified as a security risk will have his account terminated and be subject to other disciplinary action.
Vandalism
Vandalism will result in cancellation of system privileges and other disciplinary measures in compliance with the District’s discipline code. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data or another user, the system, or any of the agencies or other networks that are connected to the Internet backbone or of doing intentional damage to hardware or software resident on the system. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
Game Playing and Painting
Game playing is permitted on the system only when terminals are not needed for other purposes and the game conforms to the curricular goals of the District. Game playing over dial-up links or other inter-machine communications is prohibited.
Printing
The printing facilities of Audubon High School’s network should be used judiciously. Unnecessary printing is a drain of the capacity of the networks, adds expense, and shortens the life of the equipment. By developing on-screen proofreading skills and practicing proper use of cut and paste techniques, users can and should conserve printing resources and help the system run more efficiently.