Student and Parent User Guide. Our McDowell High Mobile Learning Initiative partners:

Transcription

1 Student and Parent User Guide Our McDowell High Mobile Learning Initiative partners:

2 Page2 McDowell High School Mobile Learning Initiative Student/Parent Mobile Computer User Guide Academic Year Revised August 27, 2013 Why the Mobile Learning Initiative? McDowell County Schools (MCS) is committed to preparing students to be successful citizens in a global economy. The Mobile Learning Initiative will provide each student at McDowell High School access to mobile computers. In order for the program to function appropriately and in order to develop students responsibility and real world skills, MCS has developed this Handbook and accompanying policies and procedures to assure that students use the technology as intended, take care of the equipment, and preserve the resources so other students can share the benefit of the Mobile Computer Program. Parents and students will be informed about student expectations for proper use of any digital device in the educational setting. The individual use of Chromebooks is a way to empower students to maximize their full potential and to prepare them for post-secondary education and the modern workplace. According to studies and school reports, students who use a computing device in a one-to-one (1:1) education environment are more organized and engaged learners, attend school more regularly, advance their knowledge and understanding of technology, and become constructors and designers of information and ideas. The Chromebook is a next generation device that makes learning more engaging, collaborative, and accessible. Learning results from the continuous, dynamic interaction among students, educators, parents/guardians, and the extended community. However, this technology initiative does not diminish the important role of the teacher, but transforms the teacher from the leader of learning to the facilitator of learning. Effective teaching and learning with Chromebooks integrates technology into the curriculum any time and any place.

3 Page3 Online Access Protection A technology protection measure is a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access. McDowell County Schools will implement a filter which protects against access by adults and students to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or - with respect to use of computers with Internet access by students - harmful to students. It may be disabled for adults engaged in bona fide research or other lawful purposes including access to educationally relevant online material. Moreover, MCS may deploy a technical means for monitoring student access to the Internet by any connected device. Teachers and staff will personally monitor student activity on school premises as part of their normal oversight of the instructional environment. Students are tracked by our filter when off school premises. The filter will require a student to authenticate using his/her school username and password when accessing the internet. This measure is to assist in preventing access to inappropriate content whether or not a student is on school premises. Even though student use outside the school environment is filtered using the MCS filter, it is ultimately the family s responsibility to monitor student use off of school premises. Regardless of the method of monitoring, students are ultimately accountable for the responsible use of computing and network resources. Students are prohibited from accessing inappropriate matter on the Internet. MCS addresses safety and security of students when using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications through a variety of means that include filtering and staff monitoring of activity. MCS prohibits unauthorized access including "hacking" and other unlawful activities by students online. Unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information regarding students by staff is prohibited. Measures designed to restrict students' access to materials harmful to students shall be used by any and all staff and adults working with students. Education, Supervision, and Monitoring General access to the Internet provides connectivity to some non-educational information and resources which have been deemed unacceptable by law for students to access. Therefore, we provide filtered access that limits this exposure and which aims to protect our students.

4 Page4 Additionally, students and teachers are provided with a means to share information across the Internet with others. Posting of information which would violate the laws pertaining to access by other students will be treated in the same manner according to the discipline plan for students and the regulations for employee conduct for staff. Every student participating in the Mobile Learning Initiative is expected to read, understand and adhere to MCS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Failure to adhere to the policy may be grounds for discipline up to and including suspension and may result in a loss of access to the mobile learning equipment. Additionally, all MCS employees must adhere to the AUP. Parents will be provided access to the Acceptable Use Policy as well. School issued digital devices are protected by security measures which have been installed on the device. Any tampering or overriding of these measures violates the acceptable use policy. Students may only use the Internet access on school property to download applications and access sites that are educationally relevant. Social networking for joint participation in projects and other school related activities are valuable experiences which should be used with caution. The following activities are deemed unsafe practices and would constitute a violation of the Acceptable Use Policy: Using social media to bully or to threaten another person, student or otherwise Using social media to cheat on assignments that are confined to individual completion Using social media to carry on personal business Sharing of personal information about yourself or others on social networks Using social media to communicate false or misleading information Students are provided connectivity to the Internet by which they can access educationally appropriate materials and resources, which may include access to other people, students, teachers and content experts. Policies governing responsible behavior between adults and minors are applicable in online correspondence just as they would be with any in-person correspondence. Policies which apply include: Policy Code: 1710/4021/7230 Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying.

5 Page5 Deployment Parent/guardian(s) will be informed by letter and/or a Parent Notification call of location, date and time of mandatory orientation/meeting for students receiving mobile computers for the first time. The program and Acceptable Use Policy will be explained. The student user must sign the agreement in order for the student to be issued a mobile computer. 1. Prior to students being issued a mobile computer: Parent/guardians and students have been invited to attend a mandatory orientation/training which provides an opportunity to receive orientation to these policies and procedures and were encouraged to ask questions and receive answers. Student must attend an orientation/training (mandatory). Student user must read, understand, and sign MCS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) before the being issued a mobile computer. **The district will send a report of the model and serial numbers of student mobile computers to local pawn shops and law enforcement agencies to assist in the event of loss or theft. 2. Mobile computer loan: Terms of Loan *McDowell High School will loan a mobile computer to high school students for home use upon compliance with the following: A. Orientation/Training session for all participants (student/parents/guardians) Restrictions *Legal title to the asset (mobile computer) is and all times remains with McDowell County Schools. A student s right of possession and use is limited to and conditional upon full and complete compliance with the Board Policies: Acceptable Use Policy for Technology (3225/4312/7320), Copyright Compliance Policy (3230/7330), Internet Use Guidelines, and other Guidelines as outlined in this Student/Parent Mobile Computer User Guide. *Students may be subject to loss of privilege, fees, disciplinary action and/or legal action in the event of intentional damage and/or violation of policies and guidelines as outlined in this Student/Parent Mobile Computer User Guide as well as in the MCS Internet Use and Acceptable Use Guidelines. *A student s permission to use the mobile computer terminates no later than the last day of the school year unless there is a reason for earlier termination by the District (e.g. drop-out, expulsion, and/or withdrawal, transfer to another school).

6 Page6 Appropriations **All students are required to turn in their issued mobile computer by the last day of the academic school year or when no longer served by McDowell High School (MHS). **Failure to return the property by designated deadlines and the continued use of the mobile computer for non-school related purposes may be considered unlawful appropriation of McDowell County School s property. In the event a student fails to return the mobile computer, either at end of year use or no longer being served by MHS, it will be reported as stolen property to local law enforcement and any associated damage or replacement costs will be assessed. 3. Loss, Theft, or Damage McDowell High and McDowell County Schools recognize that the mobile computer is a valuable asset entrusted to students for its care and maintenance during the school year. Students and families are expected to protect the equipment from damage, loss and theft and to secure the equipment when it is in their possession to prevent damage, loss or theft. During the time the equipment is in the possession of the student, the student is responsible for any intentional damage, loss or theft which results from negligent handling. Each student is required to pay a yearly usage fee of $25. This fee will offset mobile computer maintenance costs and parts in the future. All thefts must be reported to the appropriate authorities within 24 hours of discovery. Failure to report will result in an assessment of the replacement fee (SEE TABLE page 7) to the student s family. McDowell High School and MCS will coordinate with the police department to alert pawn shops and area law enforcement agencies of lost or stolen mobile computers.

7 Page7 Refer to the table below for fees associated with damage caused to the mobile computer while in a student s possession. Type of Damage Damage Fee 1 st Occurrence of Broken Screen $25 2 nd or more occurrences of Broken Screen $50 Intentional Keyboard Damage $50 Liquid Damage/Theft/Loss (1 st Time) $100 Liquid Damage/Theft/Loss (2+) $249 Sticker Removal Fee/Cleaning Fee $25 4. Revocation of Permission to Use Computer McDowell High and MCS reserve the right to revoke permission to use the mobile computer at any time if the student does not fully comply with all terms of this agreement. 6. Modification to Program The district and/or McDowell High may modify these procedures or terms of use at any time. How to Use and Take Care of Your Mobile Computer? Students are responsible for the mobile computers they have been issued. Mobile computers that are broken or not working properly and in need of repair or replacement must be reported to the Media/Technology Department within 24 hours. McDowell High and/or MCS Technology Department will determine whether to repair the computer on site or issue a loaner computer. A limited number of classroom computers are also available for student use. Classroom computers and loaner mobile computers are also covered by all rules and regulations as outlined in this document. All associated repair/replacement fees must be paid before receiving a loaner computer, if applicable. Failure to pay any repair/replacement fees may result in disciplinary action, in addition to being required to be a day user. The Mobile computers are property of McDowell County Schools and users will follow these guidelines, as well as, information detailed within the Acceptable Use Policy.

8 Page8 Mobile Computer Care Guidelines to follow: Always close the lid before moving your mobile computer. For prolonged periods of inactivity, the computer should be shut down completely before closing the lid. This will help to conserve the battery. Storage and carrying of the mobile computer: Please be aware that overloading your protective backpack will damage the mobile computer. Take precaution when placing the protective backpack on a flat surface. Never sit on the mobile computer backpack. When using the mobile computer, keep it on a flat, solid surface so that air can circulate. For example, using a mobile computer while it is directly on a bed or carpet can cause damage due to overheating. Liquids, food and other debris can damage the mobile computer. DO NOT eat or drink while using the mobile computer. DO NOT keep food/drink or food/drink wrappers in the mobile computer backpack. Take extreme caution with the screen. The screens are very susceptible to damage from excessive pressure or weight. In particular, avoid picking up the mobile computer by the screen or placing your finger directly on the screen with any force. When opening your computer, open from the front center tab and never from the sides. Never attempt repair or reconfiguration of the mobile computer. Under no circumstances are you to attempt to open or tamper with the internal components of the mobile computer. You should not remove any screws - doing so will render the warranty void. Take care when inserting cords, cables and other removable storage devices to avoid damage to the mobile computer ports. Do not expose your mobile computer to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight or ultraviolet light for extended periods of time. Extreme heat or cold may cause damage to the mobile computer. This includes leaving them inside a vehicle for long periods of time. Never close objects between the lid and keyboard of the mobile computer. Cleaning of your Mobile Computer Always disconnect the mobile computer from the power outlet before cleaning. Never use liquids on the mobile computer screen or keyboard. Clean the screen with a soft, lightly dampened, lint-free cloth or use anti-static screen cleaners or wipes. Wash hands frequently when using the mobile computer to avoid buildup on the touch pad. Hand lotions can affect the functionality of the touchpad. Grease and dirt can cause the cursor to jump around on the screen. Clean the touch pad with lightly dampened cloth.

9 Page9 Charging and General Use Students are expected to bring his/her mobile computer to school each day with a fully charged battery. Students may be given the use of a loaner mobile computer if he/she leaves his/her mobile computer at home however, repeated offenses will not be tolerated. Students leaving mobile computers at home may be required to complete assignments using alternate means (as determined by the teacher). There is minimal, if any, opportunity to plug in your mobile computer during the school day for charging. In the extreme case of needing to charge your computer, please be mindful not to cause a tripping hazard when it is necessary to plug the mobile computer into a school electrical outlet. Mobile computers are not allowed on overnight trips or field trips without the expressed written approval of the lead chaperone and the parent/guardian. Students should abide by school-based procedures for use of the mobile computer during lunch periods and in areas of the building used for eating and drinking. Some storage space may be accessible from several student accounts for the purpose of collaborative work. Students should respect the collaborative nature of this space and should not delete files that you did not create, or that you do not recognize and are not authorized by the teacher for deletion. Students should follow the procedures established in class for making edits and developing jointly created products. Student mobile computers will be subject to routine monitoring by teachers, administrators and technology staff. Students will provide access to any mobile computer and/or accessories that they have been assigned upon the district s or school s request. An individual search of the mobile computer and other stored student files may be conducted if there is suspicion that laws, policies or guidelines have been violated. There is no expectation of privacy with either the use of or the contents on the mobile computer and/or within cloud services. Electronic messaging and transmitted data stored on servers or in online student accounts established by the district shall not be considered confidential and may be monitored at any time by designated staff to ensure appropriate use. Filtering/Internet Access/Virus Protection As required by the Children s Internet Protection Act, a current filtering solution is maintained by the district for school and home use on this mobile computer. The district cannot guarantee that access to all inappropriate sites will be blocked. It is the responsibility of the user to follow guidelines for appropriate use of the network and the Internet. It is expected for students to be monitored while using the mobile computers in both the school and home environments. MCS will not serve as the Internet Service Provider (ISP) for home use. However, MCS will provide filtering of the mobile computers while connecting to the Internet from home. In order for a student to access the Internet, the parent/guardian must contract with an ISP (e.g., Frontier, Charter, etc.). At home, you would need a wireless router or gateway in order to use your school-issued mobile computer.

10 Page10 General Security Never leave your mobile computer unattended or unsecured. Mobile computers should be secured in a designated storage facility or a secured locker. During after-school activities, you are still expected to maintain the security of your mobile computer. Each mobile computer, accessories, and backpack may have several identifying labels (i.e., factory barcoded serial number, media center barcode, asset tag). Under no circumstances are you to modify or destroy these labels. If one or more of these were to come off, please contact the Media Center. Login Procedures 1. School Use: Students will be given a unique username and password. Always abide by district requirements for maintaining security of these credentials. 2. Home Use: Student login credentials still apply when outside the school and are used to access the computer and online accounts. Home router passwords are not managed by MCS and must be managed with the support of the ISP (Verizon, Frontier, Charter, etc.) with whom the Internet access is purchased. 3. DO NOT share passwords, usernames or other authentication credentials. Students are responsible for anything done using their login. Copyright Compliance with federal copyright law is expected of all. "Copyright" is legal protection for creative intellectual works, which is broadly interpreted to cover just about any expression of an idea. Text (including and Web information), graphics, art, photographs, music and software are examples of types of works protected by copyright. Copying, distributing, downloading and uploading information on the Internet may infringe the copyright for that information. Even an innocent, unintentional infringement violates the law. Failure to following the guidelines for use and care of the Chromebook will be addressed as specified in the MHS Student Code of Conduct.

11 Page11 Glossary of Words to Know #cloud computing: data and software is being managed and stored using remote servers (web-based). Basically, little or no data is stored on a cloud-based device. #1 to 1 (mobile learning): essentially each individual has a mobile device such as a laptop or tablet that is used to carry out tasks in the learning and home environments. (one computer, for each student) #day user: an individual who only has access to a Chromebook during the school day. He/she must check out their device each morning from the media center or other location and check the device back in at the end of the school day. #Chromebook: a mobile computer that runs the Chrome operating system #web-based: apps and software that need access to the internet (web) in order to update and be fully functioning #sync: making files, programs, apps, bookmarks, etc the same on multiple devices Frequently Asked Questions How is this initiative being funded? The MHS Mobile Learning Initiative (1 to 1) is funded through a substantial grant from the Golden Leaf Foundation, and in part by McDowell County and the McDowell County Board of Education. No jobs or positions were negatively impacted by this initiative. Does the Chromebook require an internet connection? The Chromebook has full function using a wireless internet connection. However, it can still be used at a limited capacity without an internet connection. Student WiFi access is provided at any McDowell County school.

12 Page12 What if I don t have wireless internet (WiFi) at home? If you do not have internet access at home, there are several low cost options available in the area. Also, free WiFi access is available in downtown Marion, NC and at some of the surrounding restaurants and stores. Keep in mind, the Chromebooks can work in a limited capacity OFFLINE (not connected to the internet). Any work created while offline will automatically sync when connected to WiFi. What are the parents /guardians responsibilities in respect to replacement or repair costs if the Chromebook is lost, stolen, or damaged? Chromebooks are considered to be comparable to a textbook or any other school-owned educational tool or resource provided to and issued to students. The expectation is that the device, its accessories, and backpack will be returned at the end of each school year (or upon withdrawal, request, or termination of attendance) in good, working condition. Regardless of circumstances resulting in the damage to the Chromebook, its accessories, and/or backpack, the student and parent/guardian who signed for the device are responsible for repair fees and/or replacement costs of the issued Chromebook and/or its accessories and backpack (see Damage Fees table on page 7). Will I be issued another Chromebook if mine gets lost, stolen, or damaged? After you pay the associated damage or replacement fees and depending on the length of repair time, you may or may not be issued a loaner device. What if I fail to pay the associated damage or replacement fees if my Chromebook gets lost, stolen, or damaged? The fees will be added on to your account and may affect your graduation ceremony or other disciplinary action may be taken until the fees are paid. In addition, you may not be able to take a mobile computer home. Does my student have to take a Chromebook home? No. Students will become day users if they choose not to take a Chromebook home. Teachers and teams will be using Chromebooks within the learning environment and will provide suggestions and alternatives to complete assignments.

13 Page13 If my student accepts a Chromebook, do they have to use the school-issued backpack? Yes! At this time, we will require students who have a school issued Chromebook, to use the issued backpack. This backpack serves as a method of protection against minor damage that would otherwise occur in a normal backpack or through hand carrying and provides storage of accessories along with necessary school supplies. How are apps added to the Chromebook? Using Google Apps Store, students can apply apps and shortcuts to their school Google account. Once logged into their account, these changes can be made and applied to their account whenever and wherever they are logged in. How do I monitor my student s use of the internet? The internet usage is filtered through a Lightspeed filter. Therefore, use of a computing device at McDowell High School is filtered through the Lightspeed filter. When the Chromebook is taken home or to another location, the internet is still being filtered through the Lightspeed filter. Even though MCS has deployed these safety measures, when at home, it is ultimately the parent/guardian s responsibility to monitor internet access by their students.

14 Page14 TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (AUP) MCS Board Policy Code: 3225/4312/7320 Technological resources, including computers and other electronic devices, networks and the Internet, provide a unique opportunity to enhance instructional methods, appeal to different learning styles and meet the educational goals of the board. Through the school system s technological resources, users can observe events as they occur around the world, interact with others on a variety of subjects and acquire access to current and in-depth information. Use of technological resources should be integrated into the educational program. Technological resources should be used in teaching the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and in meeting the educational goals of the board. The curriculum committee should provide suggestions for using technological resources in the curriculum guides as provided in policy 3115, Curriculum and Instructional Guides. The board expects that the staff will integrate technology skills throughout the curriculum, supervise and instruct student use, and model the appropriate and ethical use of technological resources. The superintendent shall ensure that school system computers with Internet access comply with federal requirements regarding filtering software, Internet monitoring and Internet safety policies. The superintendent shall develop any regulations and submit any certifications necessary to meet such requirements. A. REQUIREMENTS FOR USE OF TECHNOLOGICAL RESOURCES Before a student may use school system technological resources, the student and parent must sign the Student User Agreement and Parent Permission Form. While the board believes that access to technological resources is a fundamental part of every student s education and that the benefits to students far exceed the disadvantages, the board supports and respects a parent s right to deny the use of technological resources by his or her student by submitting an opt-out form. Each student, after he or she has submitted the signed Student User Agreement and Parent Permission Form, may be given access to a personal or class electronic mail account, a school web portal account, the Internet and a network/computer login unless the student s parent completes the Parental Request to Deny Access to Electronic Resources Form. This form, which is available online and at each school, may be completed and returned to the student s principal at any time. Employees must sign the Staff User Agreement Form each year as a condition of employment. The use of school system technological resources is a privilege, not a right. The board may limit possession, use and/or access to all technological resources on school campuses. Anyone who uses school system computers or electronic devices or who accesses the school network or the Internet at an educational site must comply with the requirements listed below. All students and employees shall receive a copy of this policy annually. Failure to adhere to these requirements shall result in disciplinary action, including revocation of user privileges. Willful misuses shall result in disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution under applicable state and federal law. 1. School system technological resources are provided mainly for school administrative and instructional purposes. Limited personal use, such as reading news feeds or sending personal , is permitted so long as it does not disrupt or displace instructional activities, academic research or administrative tasks. School system technological resources may not be used for commercial or campaign purposes. 2. Students and employees must comply with all board policies, administrative regulations and school standards and rules in using technological resources. All applicable laws, including those relating to copyrights and trademarks, confidential information and public records, apply to technological resource use. Any use that violates state or federal laws is strictly prohibited.

15 Page15 Policy Code: 3225/4312/ No user of technological resources, including a person sending or receiving electronic communications, may engage in creating, intentionally accessing, downloading, storing, printing or transmitting images, graphics (including still or moving pictures), sound files, text files, documents, messages or other material that is obscene, defamatory, profane, pornographic, harassing or considered to be harmful to minors. Cyberbullying (i.e., bullying by posting slanderous comments on, or by uploading harassing photographs or videos to, the Internet) is strictly prohibited. School system technological resources shall not be used to harm other people or their work. 4. Users of technological resources may not send electronic communications fraudulently (i.e., by misrepresenting the identity of the sender). 5. Users may not violate the privacy of any student or employee. When using , chat rooms or other forms of electronic communication, students must not reveal personally identifiable, private or confidential information, such as the home address or telephone number, of themselves or fellow students. In addition, school employees shall not disclose on the Internet or on school system websites or web pages any personally identifiable information concerning students (including names, addresses or pictures) without the permission of a parent or guardian or an eligible student, except as otherwise permitted by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) or policy 4700, Student Records. Users also may not forward or post personal communications without the author s prior consent. 6. Users shall not use technological resources to cheat or plagiarize, for unauthorized surveillance or to avoid performing assignments. 7. Users shall not waste limited resources such as bandwidth, disk space or printing capacity. 8. Users shall not intentionally or negligently damage computers, computer systems, electronic devices, software or computer networks. Users may not knowingly or negligently transmit computer viruses or self-replicating messages or deliberately try to degrade or disrupt system performance. Users must scan any downloaded files for viruses. 9. Users may not create or introduce games, network communications programs or any foreign program onto any school system computer, electronic device or network without the express permission of the technology director or designee. 10. Users are prohibited from engaging in unauthorized or unlawful activities such as hacking or using the computer network to gain or attempt to gain unauthorized or unlawful access to other computers, computer systems or accounts. 11. Users are prohibited from using another individual s computer account. Users may not read, alter, change, execute or delete files belonging to another user without the owner s express prior permission. In order preserve the security of accounts, users shall not share or display their passwords and shall log off of computers, networks and on-line applications when not in use. 12. If a user identifies a security problem on a technological resource, he or she must immediately notify a system administrator. Users shall not demonstrate the problem to other users. Any user identified as a security risk shall be denied access. 13. Teachers shall make reasonable efforts to supervise a student s use of the Internet during instructional time. 14. Views may be expressed as representing the view of the school system or part of the school system only with prior approval by the superintendent or designee.

16 Page16 Policy Code: 3225/4312/7320 B. INTERNET ACCESS The use of the Internet is an integral part of learning and teaching. Through the Internet, students, teachers and staff are able to access current information from news media, businesses, libraries, educational and research institutions, government agencies and a variety of other sources. In addition, students, teachers and staff may benefit from engaging in communications with individuals and groups around the world via blogs, wikis, chats, podcasts, RSS feeds, webinars, videoconferencing and electronic mail, as well as from participating in projects with other schools. It is important that students know where and how to find content relative to their needs and that they gain skills for collaboratively constructing, using and communicating knowledge safely and effectively. The board believes that the educational opportunities provided through access to the Internet far outweigh the possibility that users may encounter inappropriate material. However, users (and parents of users, if the user is under 18 years old) must be aware that some material accessible via the Internet may not be related to the educational program or may contain items that are inappropriate, inaccurate, defamatory, illegal or offensive. The school system does not condone the use of such materials and will take reasonable precautions to prevent students from having access to inappropriate materials, such as violence, nudity, obscenity or graphic language that does not serve a legitimate pedagogical purpose. The school system will install or will ensure that its Internet service provider installs a technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access to audio or visual depictions that are obscene, that are considered child pornography or that are harmful to minors. School officials may disable such filters for an adult who uses a school-owned computer for bona fide research or other lawful educational purpose. The school system will not seek to limit access to the Internet for the purpose of restricting access to political ideas or social perspectives if the limitation is due to a school system official s disapproval of the ideas involved. The board denies responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its Internet access services. C. WEB PORTAL The web-based school/school system content/learning management system fosters improved communication between parents, students and staff and allows access to system, school, course and personal resources including electronic lockers, calendars, announcements, message boards, quizzes and chats. A user account is required in order to utilize the advanced features of the system. The school system makes no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for this service. D. PERSONAL WEBSITES The superintendent may use any means available to request the removal of personal websites that substantially disrupt the school environment or that utilize school system or individual school names, logos or trademarks without permission. 1. Students Though the school system generally does not monitor students Internet activity conducted on non-school system computers during non-school hours, when the student s online behavior has a direct and immediate effect on school safety or maintaining order and discipline in the schools, the student may be disciplined in accordance with board policy (see the Student Behavior Policies in the 4300s). 2. Employees All employees must use the school system network when communicating with students about any school-related matters. Having a public personal website or online networking profile or allowing access to a private website or private online networking profile is considered a form of communication with students. Employees are to maintain an appropriate relationship with students at all times.

17 Page17 Policy Code: 3225/4312/7320 Employees are encouraged to block students from viewing any material or profiles that are not age appropriate. If an employee creates and/or posts inappropriate content on a website or profile and it has a negative impact on the employee s ability to perform his or her job as it relates to working with students, the employee shall be subject to discipline up to and including dismissal. This section applies to all employees, volunteers and student teachers working in the school system. E. PRIVACY No right of privacy exists in the use of technological resources. The Gaggle accounts assigned to students incorporate electronic content filtering (text and images) and human monitoring. Individuals designated by the superintendent have access to electronic mail systems. School system administrators or individuals designated by the superintendent may review files, monitor all communication and intercept messages to maintain system integrity and to ensure compliance with board policy and applicable laws and regulations. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to authorities. The school system will monitor on-line activities of minors who access the Internet via a school-owned computer. F. DISCLAIMER The board makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the electronic services it provides. The board will not be responsible for any damages or loss resulting from delays, non-deliveries, misdeliveries, service interruptions, errors or omissions, negligence, or inaccurate or misrepresented information. The user accepts personal responsibility for any unauthorized costs incurred while using online services and for any information obtained or delivered by the networks. This includes the sharing of personal information. G. OTHER RULES The technology director may also develop and adopt, upon approval by the superintendent, procedures, regulations, standards and guidelines to be followed by all employees and students regarding access to, and use of, any technology related services and/or equipment that is not specifically addressed here. Areas covered by these internal procedures, regulations, standards and guidelines may include hardware and software deployment, equipment maintenance and repair, disaster recovery of data and hardware, website management and password guidelines. These policies, regulations, standards and guidelines shall be published, after approval by the superintendent, on the school system website in the technology department section. School system policies, procedures and guidelines are available on the school system website and at each school. Legal References: U.S. Const. amend. I; Children s Internet Protection Act, 47 U.S.C. 254(h)(5); Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C ; Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. 1232g; 17 U.S.C. 101 et seq.; 20 U.S.C. 6777; G.S. 115C-325(e), -391 Cross References: Curriculum and Instructional Guides (policy 3115), Technology in the Educational Program (policy 3220), Copyright Compliance (policy 3230/7330), Web Page Development (3227/7322), Student Behavior Policies (all policies in the 4300 series), Student Records (policy 4700), Public Records Retention, Release and Disposition (policy 5070/7350),Use of Equipment, Materials and Supplies (policy 6520), Network Security (policy 6524), Staff Responsibilities (policy 7300) Adopted: October 20, 2008

18 Page18 (Revised August 15, 2013) McDowell County Public School System Student Access to Electronic Resources Technology Acceptable Use Agreement School: Homeroom: Grade: I (student name) have read, understand, and hereby agree to comply with the McDowell County Schools Technology Acceptable Use Policy (Policy Code: 3225/4312/7320). I agree to comply with all State and Federal laws, including those related to copyrights and trademarks, cyber-bullying, confidential information, public records and any other applicable laws and regulations pertaining to technological resource use. I agree that I will not use the school systems technological resources to harm other people or their work. I understand that if I violate these policies or laws my access to McDowell County Schools electronic resources may be suspended or revoked. Student (please print) Signature of Student Date Parent/Guardian (please print) Signature of Parent/Guardian Date For School Use Only: Provide copies to the following individuals as appropriate: Each of the student s teachers: Media Coordinator Technology Assistant or Technician Data Manager School Webmaster

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