School District #43, Coquitlam, British Columbia - Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Backgrounder

Republished with permission.

Policy Statement

Rationale

School District #43 (Coquitlam)'s district-wide network provides data communication links among all district sites and a high-speed connection to sites outside the district including the "Internet". Internet services and technologies offer valuable learning experiences for students and sources of information for teachers. At the same time, there are potential hazards. Students may receive offensive communications and may access material which is not appropriate. As with other methods of communication, there are opportunities with computer networks for students to create and distribute inappropriate materials and to conduct themselves in ways that are unacceptable. Therefore, the Board is obliged to inform parents of potential risks and benefits, and impose governance on what students see and do.

Policy

The Board endorses the provision of district-wide network and Internet services in the District to support student learning. The Board wishes to inform parents of the benefits of Internet access to students and, at the same time, advise parents of the potential for misuse which may result from access to the district-wide network and Internet. In providing Internet access for students the Board also affirms that it will not permit the creating, distributing, or accessing of any material which is not suitable for classroom learning.

District-wide Network and Internet Appropriate Use

Following is a list of guidelines and a list of specific behaviors that may lead to disciplinary action under the District Code of Conduct, and/or suspension or limitation of network access privileges:

(1) The District's local and wide area networks are intended only for educational purposes and for the business and administrative functions directly in support of the school district's operation.

(2) Network services, and access to these services, shall only be used by authorized persons. Where password-protected accounts are used, network users are personally responsible for all activity that occurs within their account.

(3) When interacting with other users on the district-wide network or Internet, users are expected to behave as they would in any other environment where they represent their school. It is important that users conduct themselves in a responsible, ethical, and polite manner in accordance with the standards of propriety in the District.

(4) Using the District's networks and the Internet for illegal, obscene, harassing or inappropriate purposes, or in support of such activities, is prohibited.

(5) The District's networks are shared resources and must be used in moderation. From time to time, users may be asked to limit or relinquish access to high priority processes.

(6) Users are advised that computer systems are district property and may be inspected or monitored at any time if misuse is suspected.

(7) All above rules apply whether District network access is gained from in or out of school settings.

(8) Inappropriate use of network services includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(a) Users may not use the District's networks or computing equipment to:

• transmit any materials in violation of Canadian laws
• duplicate, store, or transmit pornographic materials
• transmit or post threatening, abusive, obscene or harassing material
• duplicate, store, or transmit copyrighted material that violates copyright law
• participate in pyramid schemes or chain mail harassment of other users

(b) Users may not violate, or attempt to violate, the security of the District's computers, data or network equipment or services.

• Any attempts at unauthorized access of District data will result in termination of the user's computer and network privileges.
• Any attempt to vandalize District network accounts or systems will result in termination of the user's computer and network privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another member, the District, or any of the agencies or other networks that are connected to the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
• Use of another individual's password-protected account is prohibited.
• Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the District's networks and services.

(c) Users may not:

• use abusive, vulgar, profane, obscene, harassing, or other inappropriate language;
• criticize the spelling, writing or keyboarding of others;
• re-post personal electronic mail received to public forums (e.g., listserves, newsgroups) without the permission of the author.

(d) Users may not:

• share password(s) with others;
• distribute or use anyone else's account name and password;
• reveal anyone else's personal address, phone number, or picture without parental consent;
• use network access for business purposes or anything else not related to the individual's position in the district.

(9) Schools will, where and when appropriate, ensure that the attached Student Registration Form is completed and signed.

Student Registration Form

Dear Parents:

School District #43 (Coquitlam) provides a district-wide network for instructional purposes. This includes technology links among all district schools and a connection to sites outside the district including the "Internet". Electronic information is often much more current, less expensive, and easier to access than conventional sources. The World Wide Web has provided a vehicle for students to create and share projects on a global scale. (See some of our students' work at http://www.sd43.bc.ca).

The primary purpose of the district-wide network is to enhance student learning in schools. For example, students can use electronic mail and the World-Wide-Web (WWW) to communicate with experts in various fields of study, professionals working with students, and other students throughout the province, the country, and around the world. Students can use electronic tools to access current information in international libraries and databases (e.g. reports from a recent UN conference, research on Salmon in the Fraser River).

At the same time, there are potential hazards. While our staff make every effort to avoid misuse of the Internet services, students may receive offensive communications and may access material which is not appropriate. As with other methods of communication, there are opportunities with computer networks for students to create and distribute inappropriate materials and to conduct themselves in ways that are unacceptable.

The accompanying registration form has been provided to:

• acknowledge that while every effort is made to ensure that students do not access inappropriate material, the possibility does exist for that to occur
• advise you that any inappropriate use by the student will result in appropriate disciplinary action by the school
• Your cooperation in assuring that this form is signed and returned to your son/daughter's school is critical to our operation of this educational service.

School District #43 (Coquitlam) District-Wide Network Student Registration Form

To be completed by Student (where appropriate):

Name of Student:

School Name:

I have read the "School District #43 (Coquitlam) District-Wide Network and Internet Appropriate Use Regulations" and agree to abide by the provisions therein.

Student's Signature:

To be completed by Parent/Guardian:

I have read the "School District #43 (Coquitlam) District-Wide Network and Internet Appropriate Use Policy". I understand that network services are intended for educational purposes. I understand that any other use is in violation of the Acceptable Use Policy and subject to remedial action on the part of the school.

School District #43 (Coquitlam) has taken reasonable precautions to eliminate controversial material from its network systems. However, I also recognize it is impossible for the District to restrict access to all controversial materials that exist outside its networks and I will not hold the District responsible for materials acquired via its networks.

Parent or Guardian's Name (please print):

Signature:

Date:
 

For more information about School District #43's acceptable use policy, contact:

Patricia Gartland
District Principal - Community Services
School District No.43 (Coquitlam)
550 Poirier Street
Coquitlam BC Canada V3J 6A7
Tel: (604) 939-9201
Fax: (604) 939-7828
Email: pgartland@schdist43.bc.ca
Web: http://www.sd43.bc.ca/