Responsible Use Policy

Responsible Use Policy for Student Technology and Network Access

Technology and Network Access

Toledo Christian Schools provides students with access to computer equipment, software, and network services. These tools support learning, collaboration, and educational research related to the curriculum. All technology and network usage must be consistent with these purposes, this Policy, and all provisions of law governing the actions of the user.

The Internet, however, is not designed exclusively for the use of children. While its use in the schools will be subject to supervision, it is possible that students may occasionally access inappropriate material either deliberately or accidentally (even though Toledo Christian currently filters Internet access). Guidelines for Internet use prohibit access to material that is inappropriate in the school environment. We encourage parents to have a discussion with their children about values and responsible behavior while using the Internet. Parents wishing their child not to access online resources must contact their respective building principal.

Responsible Use

Students are expected to use TCS technology equipment, software, and network services for projects assigned by their classroom teachers. The following are some guidelines concerning the use of TCS technology and network services.

Students May:

Use student software to create projects to fulfill classroom assignments.
Use the Internet to access or search for information to fulfill classroom assignments.
Practice netiquette and online safety measures.
Save class assignments on a disk, computer, or server.
Delete their own files.
Use PDA’s, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders or other electronic device in the classroom only with the combined consent of the district technology coordinator and the classroom teacher.

Students may not:

Use technology or network services that do not specifically relate to the curriculum and/or proficiency test outcome.
Access inappropriate material or share information about inappropriate material with other students.
Access personal email accounts (hotmail, yahoo, aol, etc.), without teacher permission and supervision.
Access chat rooms or forums.
Send or receive material that may be hurtful to another person or detrimental to the operation of a computer, software, or network.
Send or post personal information about themselves or others.
Assemble, disassemble, connect, disconnect technology or network equipment.
Install, download, copy, or delete software with out Technology supervisor’s approval and supervision.
Create or change configurations.
Access, modify, or delete files created by another user.
Access or use others’ accounts or passwords.
Share a network account or password with another person or leave an open file unattended.
Plagiarize, burn copyrighted CD’s or break copyright laws.
Use TCS technology or network services for personal, entertainment, political, or commercial purposes.
Waste resources (paper, ink, toner, and other expendables).

Note: Other examples of inappropriate technology and network behavior will be considered on a case-by- case basis.

Students acting under the direction of the District Technology Director, Elementary Technology Director, or building Tech Rep may be exempt from some of the items listed.

Consequences of Irresponsible Use

Student access to computer equipment, software, and network services is a revocable privilege, not a right. Consequences for individuals violating the Responsible Use Policy vary depending upon the nature and seriousness of the violation. Consequences may include disciplinary action, loss of technology access, and/or involvement of law enforcement agencies.

Privacy

Toledo Christian Schools reserves the right to monitor, inspect, copy, and review at any time and without prior notice of all usage of the electronic network and any information transmitted or received in connection with such usage (periodic audits). All such information files shall remain the property of the District.

Warranties/Indemnification

Toledo Christian Schools makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, in connection with its provision of access to and use of its technology, computer networks, and the Internet provided under this Policy. Toledo Christian Schools will not be responsible for any claims, losses, damages, or costs (including attorney’s fees) of any kind suffered, directly or indirectly, by any user or his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) resulting from the use of technology and the electronic network. The user takes full responsibility for his/her use. The parent(s) or guardian(s) agree to indemnify and hold Toledo Christian Schools, its employees harmless from any and all loss, costs or damages resulting from the use authorized under this agreement, including but not limited to any fees or charges incurred through purchases of goods or services by the user over the electronic network. The user and the user’s parent(s) or guardian(s) agree to cooperate with the District in the event of the District’s initiating an investigation of a user’s misuse of his/her access to the computer network and the Internet, whether that use is on a District computer or on another computer outside the School District’s network.