Electronic access to information and communication is dramatically changing the way we live and learn. As technology assumes a greater role in education and lifelong learning, technological empowerment of individuals and organizations becomes a requirement. Increased access to electronic information and communication brings new levels of opportunity, as well as responsibility, to the school community. The Wissahickon School District is pleased to provide its students with opportunities for participation in global communication and the ability to access information through the Internet and district network resources. We believe it is important for today's students to have access to the Internet and other electronic resources as tools for learning. In addition to vast amounts of information for student research, the electronic resources open possibilities for communication with experts and peers around the world, collaborative projects, electronic field trips and adventures, videoconferencing, and student publishing. In the past, library and instructional materials were screened -- prior to use -- by librarians and teams of educators.  Materials were selected according to their value to the learning process. The use of telecommunications opens classrooms to materials which may not have been screened by educators for use by students of various ages. It is impossible to control all material on a global network.  Ultimately, the school staff, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that students should follow when using media and information sources. We expect our faculty to offer students careful guidance and instruction in use of technology and, as much as possible, point students toward resources that have been evaluated in advance. We expect students to exercise self-control, restraint, and judgment when accessing these resources. School officials have a responsibility to inform parents and the public about the educational use of the Internet and network resources. Families should be aware that some material accessible to students via the Internet may contain items that are inaccurate or potentially offensive to some people. In the home, families are responsible for guiding children through Internet use, much as they offer guidance as children make choices relating to other media such as television. In school, users are responsible for their behavior online, just as
they are responsible for their behavior anywhere in our school district. District-provided access is a privilege. With this privilege comes certain responsibilities.

     All use of the Internet, computers or other district electronic resources will be in support of educational activities.
     Electronic storage areas will be treated like school lockers. The privacy of electronic mail cannot be guaranteed.
     Teachers and administrators have the right to
     review files to maintain the integrity of the network and insure that individuals are using the system responsibly.
     Students, staff, parents and teachers have a responsibility to report breeches of network security.
     Students are responsible for the integrity of their own work. Systems occasionally "crash"; files are occasionally lost.
     The District can make no guarantees regarding reliability of the technical system.

The Wissahickon School District is excited about the educational opportunities becoming available to its students. The smooth operation of our district's electronic resources relies upon the responsible conduct of all users.
 

                         Code of Conduct for Student Use of Electronic Resources

All student users are expected to abide by generally accepted rules of computer and network etiquette. For their own safety, students should exercise care and never reveal the personal addresses or phone numbers of students or staff to unknown users.

The following activities are not permitted:

   1.Sending or displaying inappropriate text or graphics.
   2.Using obscene or offensive language.
   3.Harassing others.
   4.Damaging computer workstations or networks, vandalizing, damaging, or disabling the property of another person or
      organization.
   5.Violating copyright laws or use of another person's intellectual property without their permission or proper bibliographic
      reference. This includes copying of commercial software or copying another student's intellectual property and
      representing it as your own.
   6.Using the network for any illegal activity.
   7.Unauthorized access to areas of the Internet.
   8.Accessing another individual's materials, information or files without permission. Unauthorized access to areas of the
      network.
   9.Wasting limited resources.
  10.Employing the network for personal financial or commercial gain.
  11.Misrepresenting or impersonating another user.
  12.Degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance. Intentionally spreading viruses and other destructive
      programs.

Students violating any of the rules will face consequences to be determined by their principal or teacher according to the severity or nature of the infraction.
Violations may result in loss of access and, in appropriate cases, may involve a report to law enforcement agencies. Consequences may include:

   1.Student may be required to attend retraining sessions concerning the use of proper procedures.
   2.Student may be required to make restitution for network or software/ hardware damage.
   3.Student may be banned from using telecommunication facilities for a specified period of time.
   4.Student may be banned from using all technological equipment for a specified period of time.
   5.Student may fail the marking period and/ or the class.
   6.Student may face suspension, detention, expulsion.
 
 

  First Reading:
                 September 24, 1996
  Second Reading:
                 October 28, 1996
  Adopted:
                 October 28, 1996

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