Technology and the Law R. Keith Booker, Ed.S Memphis East High School

Technology and the Law Computer Internet

Computer Timeline 1946 – ENIAC Computer Assembly time – 3 years Developed by the U.S. Army 1800 sq ft, 30 tons 17,468 vacuum tubes $500,000 “Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons.” - Popular Mechanics, 1949 “There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.” - Ken Olsen, Digital Equipment Company, 1977

Computer Timeline July 1969 – Apollo 11 DSKY 74k memory Hard-wire programming No external storage 65 lbs $150,000

Computer Timeline First “Portable” Computer IBM Model k RAM 5” monitor 55 lbs $19,975.00

Computer Timeline First Personal Computers Commodore PET Apple II Radio Shack TRS-80

Computer Timeline First Modern PC IBM PC Dual 5-1/4” disk drives 16k RAM 80 x 24 text display $

Computer Timeline First Laptop Computer GRiD Compass Model 1101 Magnesium alloy case First plasma flat screen 10 lbs $

Computer Timeline 1984 – First GUI PC Apple McIntosh Model M k RAM 9” monitor 512 x 342 resolution $

Computer Timeline From models 65 companies Timex Mattel Zenith Panasonic

Computer Timeline Today – Beyond PCs Desktop Laptop iPad iPhone

Internet 1996 – Tennessee completes the Wired Project Benefits Expanded educational resources Improved learning opportunities Expanded teaching methods for teachers

Internet Challenges Lack of built-in controls Access to obscene or harmful material Conducive to a hostile school environment 1996 – Tennessee completes the Wired Project

Students have made bombs based on information found on the internet. School computer systems have been sabotaged by students installing viruses. Students have sent death threats to public officials via the Internet on school computers. For example:

Portland student created web site about his band director and made derogatory remarks. He was suspended from school, sued the district, and won a cash settlement. California student built a school parody web site. Scholarship recommendations were revoked, threatened to sue and settled out of court. For example: Common thread: Absence of policy

Student Use Guidelines Computer use agreement / Parental consent Use proper Netiquette No stand-alone sites All access approved by district Preventive Policies

Student Use Guidelines LEA-assigned user accounts Usage monitoring Understand copyright laws Content is protected in fixed form Understand tort liability Internet is NOT public domain Preventive Policies

Employee Violations Transmission of obscene materials Cyber stalking of student or adult Harassment of student or adult Perpetuating chain letters / spam Running sideline businesses from school Preventive Policies

Employee Guidelines Signed policy on acceptable behavior Observe proper Netiquette at all times Sexual / racial harassment training Pre-approval for downloads / installs Know and follow district guidelines Preventive Policies

There is none. (even if it’s your personal device) Privacy on a school network?

No expectation of privacy Smyth v. Pillsbury Co. (CA No ) Court ruled employee could be fired for communications made by employee to his supervisor over the company . Court said company attempts to prevent inappropriate and unprofessional comments or illegal activity over the outweighed any privacy issues. Privacy?

Teach a code of ethics Hacking is vandalism Installing without purchasing is theft Plagiarism Violations must be reported immediately Teach Netiquette Prevention

QUESTIONS?