Acceptable Use

Purpose

SelfDesign’s Community-wide network provides data communication links among all Community sites and a high-speed connection to sites outside the Community including the internet. Internet services and technologies offer valuable learning experiences for students and sources of information for teachers. At the same time, there are potential hazards. For example, learners may receive offensive communications, and may access material which is not appropriate.

As with other methods of communication, there are opportunities with computer networks for learners to create and distribute inappropriate materials and to conduct themselves in ways that are unacceptable. Therefore, the Board is obliged to inform parents/guardians of potential risks and benefits, and impose governance on what learners see and do.

Policy

The Board endorses the provision of Community-wide network and internet services in the SelfDesign Learning Community (SDLC) to support learning. The Board wishes to inform parents/guardians of the benefits of internet access to learners and, at the same time, advise parents/guardians of the potential for misuse that may result from access to the Community-wide network and internet. In providing internet access for learners, the Board also affirms that it will not permit the creation, distribution, or access to any material which is not suitable for distributed learning.

Community Wide Network and Internet Appropriate Use

Following is a list of guidelines and a list of specific behaviors that may lead to disciplinary action under the Community Code of Conduct, and/or suspension or limitation of network access privileges:

• SDLC’s networks are intended only for educational purposes and for the business and administrative functions directly in support of the school Community’s operation.
• Network services, and access to these services, shall only be used by authorized persons. Where password-protected accounts are used, network users are personally responsible for all activity that occurs within their account.
• When interacting with other users on the Community-wide network or internet, users are expected to behave as they would in any other environment where they represent their school. It is important that users conduct themselves in a responsible, ethical, and polite manner in accordance with the standards of propriety in the Community.
• Using the Community’s networks and the internet for illegal, obscene, harassing or inappropriate purposes, or in support of such activities, is prohibited.
• The Community’s networks are shared resources and must be used in moderation. From time to time, users may be asked to limit or relinquish access to high priority processes.
• Users are advised that loaned computers are SelfDesign Learning Community property and may be inspected or monitored at any time if misuse is suspected.
• All above rules apply whether SelfDesign network access is gained from SelfDesign loaned or privately owned computers.
• The following is a list of guidelines and specific inappropriate behaviours and use of network services that may lead to disciplinary action under the Electronic and Communication Policy, and/or suspension or limitation of network access privileges.
• • Users may not use the Community’s networks or computing equipment to:
    • transmit any materials in violation of Canadian laws
    • duplicate, store, or transmit pornographic materials
    • transmit or post threatening, abusive, obscene or harassing material
    • duplicate, store, or transmit copyrighted material that violates copyright law
    • participate in pyramid schemes or chain mail harassment of other users
• • Users may not violate, or attempt to violate, the security of SelfDesign’s loaned computers, data or network equipment or services.
    • Any attempts at unauthorized access of Community data will result in termination of the user’s computer and network privileges.
    • Any attempt to vandalize SelfDesign Learning Community network accounts or systems will result in termination of the user’s computer and network privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another member, the Community, or any of the agencies or other networks that are connected to the internet. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
    • Use of another individual’s password-protected account is prohibited.
    • Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the Community’s networks and services.
• • Users may not:
    • use abusive, vulgar, profane, obscene, harassing, or other inappropriate language;
    • share images or videos containing nudity, sexual content or inappropriate language;
    • criticize the spelling, writing or keyboarding of others;
    • re-post personal electronic mail received to forums (ie Google Communities) without the permission of the author.
    • share password(s) with others;
    • distribute or use anyone else’s account name and password;\
    • reveal anyone else’s personal address, phone number, or picture without parental consent;
    • use network access for business purposes or anything else not related to the individual’s position in the Community.
• SelfDesign will ensure that the program agreements are signed upon enrolment.

 

Change Log

• Policy page updated August 19, 2022
• Last reviewed/updated August 19, 2022