1. Writing an Internet Policy for Your School Kathie Carwile Morgan, ED.D. Liberty University ACSI Washington DC Educator Convention Nov. 22 & 23, 2010 Crystal Gateway Marriott Arlington VA

2. Computer Ownership The school system owns the computers and programs. The school system has every right to control and monitor use. Use of the computers, software and technology is allowed as a privilege.

3. Clearly state that you are monitoring the system The school reserves the right to monitor all traffic on the network. This ensures that the school network will continue to function properly for all of its users, and to protect the students.

4. Address Conduct and Computer Use The network “use policy” is an extension of the school's behavior code. These rules apply to: –vandalism of computer equipment –unauthorized access to information –computer piracy –hacking –tampering with hardware or software. Define clearly the consequences of misconduct.

5. Moral and Ethical Issues Address inappropriate information on the Internet. Acknowledge the fact that these materials exist and that the school is doing everything possible to avoid those materials. State clearly that access to such material in any form is strictly forbidden. Information that does not support classroom learning is to be avoided. Make the student aware that if there is a question or concern regarding any information found that they are to contact the teacher or computer lab operator.

6. Rights of the School Students have the right to information, but the school has the right to restrict any information that does not apply to the approved curriculum. (Library Bill of Rights, 1980

7. Avoiding Gridlock on the Computer The more users there are on a network, the more congested that network becomes. If there are too many users at any given time, the traffic on the network grinds to a crawl. Make your use rules crystal clear. Establish time constraints for use.

8. Make expectations clear The Internet offers many opportunities for “virtual field trips" to distant locations. The rules that apply to student conduct on field trips applies to electronic field trips as well.

9. Student Safety Remind students and parents about the dangers of revealing information over the web. Remind students not to post anything that they would not say to the teacher or a parent.

10. Damage and the Law Remind parents and students that it is against the law to maliciously access, alter, delete, damage or destroy any computer system, computer network, computer program, or data. Explain that acts of this kind will cause the person committing them to face legal charges, as well as disciplinary action by the school and that the person will be punished to the full extent of the law.

11. Be Specific, Be Clear State the Expectations Example are: –removing another user's accounts –changing other user's passwords –using an unauthorized account –damaging files –altering the system –using the system to make money illegally You cannot cause damage to any school property, including the network system.

12. Clarity of disciplinary action Be absolutely clear about specific disciplinary action for misuse. –The punishment should fit the crime. Loss of privileges Suspension Work When the discipline is clearly defined, it need not become an issue at the time of use.

13. Define and Address Plagiarism Make sure the policy defines using another’s words, graphics, music, et cetera, as plagiarism. Explain consequences of plagiarism. Teach the correct way to give credit from material on the Internet.

14. State what the School is NOT responsible for. Such as: –Guarantees with respect to the school network service –The content of any advice or information received by a student from a source outside the school –Costs or charges incurred as a result of seeing or accepting advice or services on-line –Costs, liability or damages caused by the way a student chooses to use the school network access –Any consequences of service interruptions or changes, even if disruptions arise from circumstances under the control of the school

15. Computer Use Consent and Waver Form It is best to address the Computer Use Consent and Waver Form at a Parent Meeting after having clearly explaining it to the teachers and students. Everyone should clearly understand what they are signing, especially the students. Any student that is using the computer for research should be required to sign. Approximately grades 4-5 and higher.