ANTP: Technology - English - Page 5
TECHNOLOGY
The future our children will live in depends on their ability to use technology. The Arcadia Unified School District is providing students with access to and experience with cutting-edge technology. Each student has daily access to technology and receives instruction in the appropriate use of this technology. While AUSD regularly updates blocking software to limit access to inappropriate resources and information, it is impossible to restrict access to all controversial materials. Users of district computers, software, services and internet access have no expectation of privacy and are notified that district staff may monitor or examine all system activities to ensure proper use of technology. Electronic communications, student work and downloaded material, including files deleted, may be monitored or read by district officials through direct or automated means. Students are to follow all rules and regulations governing technology and Internet conduct. Any violations of these rules and regulations will result in disciplinary action based upon the AUSD Discipline Matrix and/or appropriate legal action. Students are responsible for their use of technology and technological resources and must sign an Acceptable Use Agreement annually. [BP 6162.7]
Middle and High School Student Use of the Computers and the Internet
Access to computer technology and the Internet is available in all Arcadia Unified classrooms, libraries and labs. The Arcadia Unified School District recognizes the educational value of instructional technology. Our goal in providing access to computer technology and the Internet is to promote educational excellence by building student telecommunications and research skills, and supporting critical and creative thinking. Arcadia Unified School District will make reasonable efforts to protect students and staff from adverse consequences as a result of their experiences with the Internet. However, all users must exercise individual vigilance and responsibility to avoid inappropriate and illegal interaction with Internet service.
Listed below are the provisions of the contract for use of computers and the internet that all middle and high school students will be required to sign. If any user violates these provisions, disciplinary action will be taken under the terms of the school’s Code of Conduct. In addition all users should be aware that the inappropriate use of Internet resources can be a violation of local, state and federal laws and can lead to prosecution.
- Personal Responsibility. As a representative of this school, I will accept personal responsibility for reporting any misuse of the network or abuse of equipment to a teacher or staff member. Misuse can come in many forms, but it is commonly viewed as any information sent or received that indicates or suggests pornography, unethical or illegal solicitation, racism, sexism, inappropriate language, and other issues described below. I understand that all the rules of conduct described in the Student Handbook apply when I am using computer and/or technology resources.
- Acceptable Use. The use of computer technology must be in support of education and research and comply with the educational goals and objectives of the Arcadia Unified School District. I am personally responsible for the following provisions at all times when using technology resources:
- Technology resources shall be utilized for conducting research, participating in telecommunications projects and creating products for classroom assignments. Analysis and citation of sources is an integral part of using Internet resources.
- Use of networks and/or computing resources must comply with rules appropriate to that network.
- Participation in on-line or electronic CHAT is not allowed unless facilitated by an AUSD staff member.
- Transmission of any material in violation of any United States or other state organizations is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Use of product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited.
- Respecting and maintaining the standard appearance and accessibility of the desktop, hardware and software resources is imperative. Changing the desktop, wallpaper or other settings is not allowed. Disconnecting, altering, or otherwise damaging any technology equipment is prohibited.
- Appropriate installation and use of hardware and software with required licensing on site is mandated. Downloading software from the Internet is not acceptable. All software and hardware installation must be approved by the teacher and the Technology & Information Services Department.
- Privileges. The use of technology resources is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in disciplinary action. Before anyone is given access to technology, she/he will participate in a discussion with an Arcadia Unified School District staff member as to proper behavior and use of all technology resources. The classroom teacher, school Principal and/or the Director of Technology & Information Services (operating under the aegis of the AUSD Governing Board and District Office) will decide what is appropriate use and his/her decision is final. The system administrator(s) may deny access at any time deemed necessary. The administration, staff, or faculty of Arcadia Unified School District may request that the system administrator deny, revoke, or suspend specific user access.
- Network Etiquette and Privacy. Ready access to technology and, specifically, Internet resources can be found in all classrooms, library media centers and labs. Student access to electronic mail and telecommunications is determined by classroom and curricular objectives. Network users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette including:
- utilizing technology resources for educational research and projects;
- respecting other students’ work that is stored on any classroom or school computer;
- following basic rules for using electronic mail when access to e-mail is granted:
- E-mail should be respectful in tone and nature.
- Flaming (abusive or absurd communication), sarcasm, poor language, inappropriate comments, poor attempts at humor and so on, should be avoided.
- E-mail is a tool wholly owned by the district, which reserves the right to monitor mail should policy abuse be suspected.
- Mail containing lewd or inappropriate content is unacceptable.
- Chain letters are prohibited.
- In general e-mail will remain private but privacy is not guaranteed.
- The district retains the right to monitor mail if abuse is suspected.
- Users should take steps to ensure that their passwords stays private.
- No mail should be larger than 1MB.
- Attachments from graphic-intensive programs such as PowerPoint should be zipped before sending.
- The district uses a secure e-mail system, however, no system is completely secure.
- Users should use their best judgment in sending confidential messages over the system.
- Students should not send messages from someone else’s account.
- Services. Arcadia Unified School District makes no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for the service it is providing. AUSD will not be responsible for any damages suffered while utilizing technology resources, including the Internet. These damages include loss of data as a result of delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by the system or by user errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the information system is at the user’s own risk. AUSD specifically disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy of information obtained through its services.
- Vandalism. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy research, data or documents including web pages of another user or any other agencies or networks that are connected to the system. This includes but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. Vandalism includes damage to hardware and software, also. Any vandalism will result in the loss of computer services, disciplinary action and legal referral.
- Updating. With the rapidly changing nature of technology and information resources, it may be necessary to update and/or modify this Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Each user will be required to review and sign this policy annually. All users are responsible for notifying the designated system administrator or any AUSD staff member of changes in personal information that may compromise the integrity of the user’s Acceptable Use Policy.
Elementary School Student Use of Computers and the Internet
Computers and the Internet are found in every classroom and the library media center of the elementary school. Students use computers for school projects and research. Teachers help students learn to use computers and the Internet properly so they will be prepared for the future. Arcadia Unified School District will work to protect students from any dangerous or inappropriate material found on the Internet. It is the student’s job to use the computer properly and responsibly. Students must report any vandalism or dangerous and inappropriate material found on the Internet to their teacher or school employee.
- Personal Responsibility: Students are expected to know that the computer must be used correctly.
- Students are expected to know that school rules must be followed on the computer network.
- Students are expected to know that if anything is not right or makes me uncomfortable, I will tell the person in charge.
- If a student finds something that is not appropriate on the Internet, they are expected to leave it right away and tell an adult.
- Students are expected to understand that all the rules described in the discipline matrix apply when they are using the computer and/or the Internet.
- Acceptable Use: Students are expected to understand that computers should be used for learning, research and creating classroom projects.
- If a student copies anything from the Internet or a software program and pastes it into their project, they are to give credit to the author.
- Students are expected to follow the rules of the network.
- Students are expected to participate in Chat Rooms at school only if told to do so by a teacher or staff member.
- Students are expected not to try to buy, sell or advertise anything on the school network.
- Students are expected to understand that the computer belongs to the school district and are not to change the way the computer desktop looks or works.
- Students are expected not to download any commercial software from the Internet.
- Network Etiquette and Privacy: Students are expected to follow school rules and use manners when using the computer and the Internet. Some rules are:
- Use the computer and the Internet for classroom projects or research.
- Respect other students’ work on the computer. Do not change or remove another student’s work from the computer.
- Only use e-mail with my teacher’s permission
- Take care of the computer and any other equipment as if it belonged to me.
- Services: Arcadia Unified School District has no control over the Internet. Teachers and staff will work with students to protect them from inappropriate material on the Internet. They will also teach students how to save and protect their work so that they are successful computer-users.
- Vandalism: I will not harm or change the computer hardware, software, student work or messages belonging to others.
- Privileges: Using the computer network is a privilege I must earn and keep. If I don’t use the computer correctly, I will face disciplinary action and my parents will be notified.
- Chromebook Device Usage Agreement
(6-12 Grade Students Only)
Providing and issuing Chromebooks for instructional use to Arcadia students is an important part of our district's instructional program. The student will use the device every day to support and guide his or her learning. Certain guidelines are necessary to protect the Chromebook and the school network. These guidelines are also in place to ensure that this technology serves as an effective instructional tool.
Students and their parents/guardians must agree to the following:
- The student will bring the issued Chromebook fully charged to school every day.
- The parent and student agree to follow all Arcadia Unified School District regulations and policies governing the use of the Chromebook as well as all applicable State and Federal laws including copyright and intellectual property law pertaining to software and information.
- The parent and student are responsible at all times for the care and appropriate use of the issued Chromebook and must adhere to these terms each time the device is used, including when it is not on school property.
- The student will not deface the device or adhere stickers or other markings unless directed to by district staff.
- The parent and student agree to ensure the device is secure and safe. The student agrees to handle the device carefully and protect it from potential sources of damage. When not in use, the Chromebook should always remain in the district-provided carrying case or equivalent.
- The parent or student must report theft (or suspected theft), loss, damage, or malfunctioning of the Chromebook to school personnel immediately.
- Upon request, the parent and student agree to deliver the issued Chromebook to Arcadia Unified School District staff for technical inspection or to verify inventory or other information.
- The student will understand and complete the district's Acceptable Use Policy.
- The Chromebook is the property of the Arcadia Unified School District. All such issued Chromebooks shall be returned to the Arcadia Unified School District prior to the conclusion of each school year and prior to the student's withdrawal from the district if earlier than the conclusion of the school year.
- All activity on the Chromebook will be filtered and monitored by Arcadia Unified School District, including when the Chromebook is not on the district's network.
The Arcadia Unified School District will cover one repair to the Chromebook due to accidental damage each school year, subsequent repairs will be $35 each. As with other instructional materials (i.e. textbooks), the family and student will assume the cost of replacement (Currently $249) due to theft, destruction or loss. Devices reported as stolen outside of school require that parents notify police and provide a copy of an official police report to the school administration.
For additional information on AUSD Chromebooks click HERE.