Instruction

Acceptable Use of Technology 

Section I. - Purpose of Technology Use

Hinsdale Township High School District 86 provides access for students, staff and community to resources from around the world through an electronic communication system which includes internet and email access. These technologies are provided solely for the purpose of enhancing learning and communication in Township High School District 86.  Therefore, access to the District’s electronic network(s) must be for educational purposes only.

Section II. - The Opportunities and Risks of Technology Use

The Board of Education believes that the value of information and interaction that technology offers outweighs the possible hazards of its use. Making network access available, however, carries with it the potential that some network users will encounter sources that may be controversial or inappropriate. Because information on networks is transitory and so diverse, the District cannot completely predict or control what users may or may not locate.

In accordance with the children’s Internet Protection Act, the District installs and operates filtering software to limit users’ internet access to materials that are obscene, pornographic, harmful to children, or otherwise inappropriate, notwithstanding that such software may in certain cases block access to other materials as well.  At the same time, the District cannot guarantee that filtering software will in all instances successfully block access to materials deemed harmful, indecent, offensive, pornographic, or otherwise inappropriate.  The use of filtering software, does not negate or otherwise affect the obligations of users to abide by the terms of this policy and to refrain from accessing such inappropriate materials.

No technology is guaranteed to be error-free or totally dependable.  Among other matters, the District is not liable or responsible for:

1.       any information that may be lost, damaged, or unavailable due to technical or other difficulties,

2.       the accuracy or suitability of any information that is retrieved and/or produced through technology,

3.       breaches of confidentiality, or

4.       defamatory material.

In addition, the District will not be responsible for any unauthorized charges or fees resulting form access to the Internet/Telenet.

Section III. - Privileges and Responsibilities

The District’s Electronic Network is part of the curriculum and is not a public forum for general use.  Users may access technology only for educational purposes.  Access to the District’s network is a privilege, not a right.  The District will strive to provide equitable opportunities for the use of technology, and the administration will take reasonable measures to inform students and staff of the rules and regulations regarding network use in staff and student handbooks.  This policy shall apply to all users (faculty, students, administrators, staff, Board of Education, community, etc.) of the District’s technology.

Users of technology will:

·         Use or access District technology only for educational or administrative purposes.

·         Comply with copyright laws and software licensing agreements.

·         Understand that email and network files are not private.  Network administrators and other designated school officials have access to all email messages and may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and monitor responsible use.

·         Respect the privacy rights of others and maintain confidentiality of all personnel and student records stored or accessible by means of District technology.

·         Be responsible at all times for the proper use of technology including proper use of access privileges, complying with all required system security identification codes, and not sharing any codes or passwords.

·         Maintain the integrity of technological resources from potentially damaging messages, physical abuse, or viruses.

·         Abide by the policies and procedures of networks and systems likened by technology.

·         Respect the rights of others to use equipment.

Users of technology will not:

·         Access, submit, post, publish, display or create any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially/religiously offensive, harassing, illegal or other material unsuitable in the educational setting or unrelated to the District’s educational program.

·         Interfere with, or disrupt Network use by other users; create and/or propagate unsolicited advertising, political lobbying, chain letters, pyramid schemes, computer worms, viruses, or other acts of vandalism.  Vandalism includes any attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet, the District’s Network or any other network.  This includes, but is not limited to, uploading downloading, creation or knowing transmission of computer viruses.  If a user is uncertain whether his or her conduct is permissible, he or she should contact the Systems Administrator.

·         Use another user’s account or password.

·         Distribute user passwords, copyrighted or plagiarized material or material protected as a trade secret.

·         Misrepresent themselves or others.

·         Trespass in others’ folders, work, or files, or gain unauthorized access to resources or entities.

·         Post personal contact or other private information about oneself, a student or staff member, or otherwise invade the privacy of individuals or violating the Illinois School Student Record Act or Federal Right to Privacy Education Act.

·         Use District technology for non-school purposes, personal financial gain, or for any illegal purpose or activity.

·         Forge or anonymously transmit email or other electronic materials.

·         Attempt and/or breach security measures or remove hardware/software, networks, information, or communication devices from the District or other network.

·         Represent personal views as those of the District or those that could be interpreted as such.

·         Use the Network while access privileges are suspended or revoked.

Section IV. - Disciplinary Actions

Violations of this policy, or any administrative regulations and/or guidelines governing the use of technology, may result in disciplinary action which could include loss of network access, loss of technology use, suspension or expulsion  (in the case of students), suspension with or without pay or termination (in the case of staff), or other appropriate legal or disciplinary action.  Violations of local, State, or federal law may subject staff and students to prosecution by appropriate law enforcement authorities.

Any expenses incurred by virtue of violation of this policy, including telephone long distance, per-minute or line charges, are the sole responsibility of the user.

Section V. - No Expectation of Privacy

The District retains control, custody and supervision of all computers and the Network.  The District reserves the right to monitor all computer and network activity by students and staff.  Users have no expectation of privacy concerning information transmitted or received via the network or contained or stored on the District’s computers.  In addition, users must recognize that there is no assurance of confidentiality with respect to access to transmissions and files by persons outside, or from persons inside, the District.

Section VI. - Staff Responsibilities to Students

Staff members utilizing the Network for instructional purposes with students are responsible for supervising such use.  In selecting technology for teaching purposes, staff shall comply with the selection criteria for instructional materials and library-media center materials.  Staff members are expected to be familiar with the District’s policies and any administrative rules concerning student computer and Network use and the enforce them.  When, in the course of their duties, staff members become aware of student or other staff member violations, they are expected to stop the activity and/or inform the building Systems Administrator and the Building Level Administrator.

Section VII. - Application of this Policy

For the purposes of this policy, District “staff” includes all District employees, volunteers and Board members.

Section VI. -Additional Rules/Actions

The Superintendent may establish procedures and guidelines and shall take appropriate action to implement this policy.

ADOPTED:            March 21, 2005