Moving from an Acceptable Use Policy to a Responsible Use Policy

Over the last year the Moultonborough School District's Technology Department has revised our Acceptable Use Policy and transformed it in a Responsible Use Policy. Our Acceptable Use Policy was focused on the school desktops in the computer lab and the portable laptops available in carts in both schools, and discussed what students should not do with technology. By implementing a revised document called the Responsible Use Policy, we reframed what could and could not be done with technology to focus on the responsibilities of the user, and we included our 1:1 iPad program in the policy. Our hope is that this document better highlights responsible use and appropriate digital citizenship.

Here is our summary of the changes that were made to update this document. 

Purpose of This Document

NEW
Moultonborough School District provides resources to facilitate communication, sharing and creation as part of the learning environment. The use of these resources, which include our internal network and applications as well as district-deployed cloud based learning platforms (ie: Schoology, iTunes University, Google Apps), is a privilege and not a right.  While these resources have the power to deliver a vast number of resources to classrooms and enhance education, their effectiveness depends on the responsible and ethical use by every individual. This document outlines efficient, safe, ethical and legal use of these resources.

OLD

Moultonborough School District provides resources to facilitate communication, sharing and creation. These resources include our internal network and applications as well as district-deployed cloud based learning platforms (ie: Edmodo, iTunes University, Google Apps). This document outlines efficient, safe, ethical and legal use of these resources.

• SUMMARY OF CHANGES: Revised language, added statement about responsible use and power of resources

We have changed the title from an Acceptable Use to a Responsible Use as we want our students and parents to do more than just accept this policy but we want to emphasis that we are all committed to helping our students learn and acquire ethical and healthy use of the internet. With the constant access we all have through our many devices, it is important for us all to be

New: Terms of Use       Old: Qualifying for Use

NEW

Terms of Use

The privilege and responsibility of using our technology relies on educated and responsible users.  Inappropriate use may result in disciplinary action, which may be suspension or revocation of privileges. A current copy of this agreement signed by all system users (and a parent, if the student is under 18 years of age) must be on file.  

OLD

Qualifying for Use

The privilege and responsibility of using our technology relies on educated and responsible users.  Inappropriate use may result in disciplinary action, which may be suspension or revocation of privileges. A current copy of this agreement (signed annually), signed by all system users (and a parent, if the student is under 18 years of age) must be on file.  

• SUMMARY OF CHANGES: We removed annually as this is more procedure than policy, changed title.

Internet Access and Safety Policy

NEW:

Internet Safety Policy:

Moultonborough School District educates its students about appropriate online behavior, including cyber bullying, interacting with individuals via social networking, and usage of the online network in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.

Technology Protection Measure:

The Moultonborough School District uses both Internet filtering and security software to filter and monitor materials that are obscene, unlawful, discriminatory, violent, or hateful. The District cannot warrant the effectiveness of its Internet filtering due to the dynamic nature of the Internet. The District cannot ensure or guarantee the absolute safety of students in their use of technology. Parents and students should contact the school immediately with any concerns related to the use of technology. To insure safety and promote responsible use, all users must adhere to the following code of conduct.

OLD:

Internet Safety Policy:

Moultonborough School District educates its students about appropriate online behavior, including cyber bullying, interacting with individuals via social networking, and usage of the online computer network in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.

Technology Protection Measure:

The Moultonborough School District uses both Internet filtering and security software to filter and monitor materials that are profane, obscene, unlawful, discriminatory, violent, or hateful. To further insure safety and promote responsible Internet use, all users must adhere to the following code of conduct when accessing online resources.

• SUMMARY OF CHANGES: Added language about dynamic nature of internet and responsible use of our users.

Code of Conduct

NEW

Users are expected to behave appropriately, respectfully, and agree to the following parameters and conditions:

OLD

Security within the network and resources provided by Moultonborough School District is a maximum priority. Users are expected to behave appropriately, respectfully, and agree to the following parameters and conditions:

• SUMMARY OF CHANGES: Removed first sentence. Did not seem necessary in this area.

Procedures and Proper Usage

NEW:

1. Will not eat or drink in the immediate vicinity of any technology device or network asset.
2. Must register all personal computers and devices with the Technology Department before using them.
3. Will not bypass the network security system or use proxies to access content.
4. Must notify staff about security problems, unacceptable Internet sites or inappropriate communication.
5. Will not use or share a personal hotspot/wifi connection during school hours.
6. Recognize that Network Logs vary depending on the server and are kept for no more than 45 days.
7. Are responsible for making back-up copies of their critical documents.
8. Refrain from cyberbullying, which is engaging in social cruelty by using technology to harass, or harm another.
9. Will not reveal personal information on the Internet or plan to meet people contacted through the Internet.
10. Will not access, create or participate in unlawful, obscene, discriminatory, violent, or hateful materials or activities.

OLD:

1. Will not eat or drink in the immediate vicinity of any technology device or network asset.
2. Must register all personal computers and devices with the Technology Department before using them
3. Will not set up or participate in Internet or LAN-based proxy or sharing applications.
4. Use of Wireless networks that are not approved of or setup by the Technology Department.
5. Must notify staff about security problems, unacceptable Internet sites or inappropriate communication.
6. Shall not install/upload software to district computers or store software on network servers.
7. Recognize that Network Logs vary depending on the server and are kept for no more than 45 days.
8. Are responsible for making back-up copies of their critical documents.
9. Refrain from cyberbullying, which is engaging in social cruelty by using technology to harass, or harm another.
10. Will not reveal personal information on the Internet or plan to meet people contacted through the Internet.
11. Will not access or create profane, obscene, unlawful, discriminatory, violent, or hateful materials.

• SUMMARY OF CHANGES: Remove references to outdated technology language and updated language.

Privacy

NEW

1. No guarantee of privacy is given including files or communication.
2. Internal or external resources provided by the district are to be treated as school property.
3. Software is employed that enables remote control and monitoring of devices while in use.  
4. Parents have the right to review the contents of their student’s files and communications.
5. All users must respect the privacy of other network users and the confidentiality of passwords.
6. Users will not share their account information or leave their account open.

OLD

1. No guarantee of privacy is given including files or communication.
2. Internal or external resources provided by the district are to be treated as school property.
3. Software is employed that enables remote control and monitoring of computers while in use.  
4. Parents have the right to review the contents of their student’s files and communications.
5. All users must respect the privacy of other network users and the confidentiality of passwords.
6. Users will not share their account information or leave their account open.

• SUMMARY OF CHANGES: NONE

Copyright and Plagiarism

NEW:

1. Violation of copyright (including software, music, film and images) is considered a violation of this policy.  
2. Plagiarism is expressly forbidden. (Plagiarism is the claiming of another person’s work as your own.)
3. Proper citations will be used when citing electronic information.

OLD:

1. Violation of copyright (including software, music, film and images) is considered a violation of this policy.  
2. Plagiarism is expressly forbidden. (Plagiarism is the claiming of another person’s work as your own.)
3. Proper citations will be used when citing electronic information.

• SUMMARY OF CHANGES: NONE

OLD District Web Site

New: District & School Internet Presence

NEW:

1. Sites may display school activities and projects and may include photos, student names and work.
2. Sites are considered a public document and must comply with Federal School District Guidelines.
3. Sites shall not encourage the use of tobacco, alcohol, or controlled substances or otherwise promote any other activity prohibited by district policy, state or federal laws.

OLD:

1. Web pages display school activities and projects and may include photos, student names and work.
2. Web pages are considered a public document and must comply with Federal School District Guidelines.
3. Web pages shall not encourage the use of tobacco, alcohol, or controlled substances or otherwise promote any other activity prohibited by district policy, state or federal laws.

• SUMMARY OF CHANGES: Updated language from Web Site to Internet Presence to include various social media sites and applications

Vandalism

NEW:

1. Vandalism is defined as a malicious attempt to damage the physical devices, software, network or data.
2. Vandalism may include suspension of use and possible referral to legal authorities.
3. Individuals will be held financially responsible for damages including:

• Attempts to move, remove or damage software, hardware, or files.
• Attempts to hack into any network or computer environment.
• Physical damage to any device and/or its accessories.

OLD:

1. Vandalism is defined as a malicious attempt to damage the physical devices, software, network or data.
2. Vandalism may include suspension of use and possible referral to legal authorities.
3. Individuals will be held financially responsible for damages including:

• Attempts to move, remove or damage software, hardware, or files.
• Attempts to hack into any network or computer environment.
• Physical damage to a device while it is assigned or checked out to them.

• SUMMARY OF CHANGES: NONE

Email/Direct Communication

NEW:

1. Network users will be polite and courteous in their electronic communication.
2. District email accounts are maintained and/or archived in accordance with applicable policies.
3. Email accounts are for academic use and not to be used for illegal, immoral or for-profit ventures.

OLD:

1. Network users will be polite and courteous in their electronic communication.
2. District email accounts are maintained and/or archived in accordance with applicable policies.
3. Email accounts are for academic use and not to be used for illegal, immoral or for-profit ventures.

• SUMMARY OF CHANGES: NONE

District iPad Use (TOTALLY NEW SECTION)

To Be Issued an iPad

• Students must agree to and abide by all school rules as outlined in the Student Handbook.
• Students and parents/guardians agree that inappropriate use of the iPad may include loss of iPad use.
• Parents agree to monitor student use of the iPad while out of school.
• Parents agree to monitor student use of the iPad while out of school. A content filter cannot be guaranteed when using the iPad off school grounds.
• Students and parents/guardians acknowledge that the iPad may be inspected at any time to verify contents.
• Students leaving Moultonborough School District must return the iPad and all accessories.

Expectations of Use

• Students will use their iPad for educational pursuits. Any games must be educational in nature and will not be used unless approved by a teacher.
• Students will use the iPad appropriately per teacher direction.

• Students will use the camera appropriately and will not distribute illicit or illegal video or photographs.
• Students will use district-deployed cloud based learning platforms to share and save work. These platforms include a district Google apps domain and Schoology.

• SUMMARY OF CHANGES:  Added this section to replace the iPad Agreement that was a separate document.

Violations of the Acceptable Use Policy

NEW:

The Moultonborough School District places a high value on the appropriate and responsible use of its network and Internet resources. A violation of any of the rules outlined in this agreement will result in the following consequences:

Student Users

Depending on the type of infraction, students will be placed in the appropriate zone as determined by administration.

• Yellow Zone:
• Students have not met all expectations for school or home use.
• iPad will remain at school and can only with be used with teacher discretion.  
• Orange Zone:
• Students who have abused the privilege of having personal apps on the iPad.
• Apps will be removed from device and access to iTunes/App Store disabled.
• Red Zone:
• Student has lost all use of device and access to the network.

All infractions of the policy will be disclosed to parents in writing. Infractions of this policy may result in further disciplinary action based on the rules of the Student Code of Conduct.  Any illegal Infractions will be reported to legal authorities.  School administrators reserve the right to modify the consequences outlined above if deemed appropriate.

OLD:
The Moultonborough School District places a high value on the appropriate and responsible use of its network and Internet resources. A violation of any of the rules outlined in this agreement will result in the following consequences:

Student Users

First Infraction: removal from the computer network for 5 school days.

Second Infraction: removal from the computer network for 10 school days.

Third Infraction: removal from the computer network for 1 calendar month. (i.e.: 14th of Sept - 14th of Oct).

All infractions of the policy will be disclosed to parents in writing. Infractions of this policy may result in further disciplinary action based on the rules of the Student Code of Conduct.  Any illegal Infractions will be reported to legal authorities.  School administrators reserve the right to modify the consequences outlined above if deemed appropriate.

• SUMMARY OF CHANGES:  Added Zones to this document. Removed exact infraction regulations and time periods, this was moved to the revised Expectations of Use documents for each building as it follows more procedures. (attached). Revisions and expectations were revised after  meeting in February 2017 with school board, administrators and some teachers. The "expectations of use" was shared with students at assemblies in Spring 2017 and will be sent home with the RUP. RUP was revised and shared with administrators in spring 2017 to then be sent to policy committee

For Parents of Younger Students

NEW:

This is a legal document and must be signed by parents and students. We understand that legal language is confusing for younger students.  Please discuss responsible use with your younger children emphasizing personal safety and care of technology resources.

OLD:

This is a legal document and must be signed by parents and students. We understand that legal language is confusing for younger students.  Please discuss acceptable use with your younger children emphasizing personal safety and care of technology resources.

• SUMMARY OF CHANGES: NONE