IV. Student Access to Networked Information Resources

In making decisions regarding student access to telecommunications and networked information resources, the Monroe County Community School Corporation considers its own stated educational mission, goals and objectives. This policy (2521) requires that all instructional and library media materials support and enrich the curriculum while taking into account the varied instructional needs, learning styles, abilities and developmental levels of the students. Telecommunications, including video, audio and text services, because they may be connected to any publicly available source in the world, will open classrooms to electronic information resources which may not have been specifically chosen or previewed for use by students of various ages.

In particular, the Internet is a collection of interconnected computer networks around the world that makes it possible to share information almost instantly. The networks are owned by countless commercial, research, governmental and educational organizations. The Internet expands classroom and library media center resources by making information, images and even computer software from places otherwise impossible to reach available to students, teachers, librarians and media specialists. Access to these resources can yield individual and group projects, collaboration, curriculum materials and idea sharing. Internet access also makes contact with people all over the world, bringing into the classroom experts in every content area.

The following principles guide student access to networked information resources:

1. Responsibility: Access is a privilege, not a right. Access entails responsibility.
   • The Board expects that staff will integrate thoughtful use of networked information resources throughout the curriculum.
     
   • Student access from the MCCSC to telecommunications and networked information resources shall follow guidelines developed for the selection of appropriate instructional materials contained in Policy 2521 and shall be directed to resources evaluated prior to use.
     
   • Since access could extend beyond evaluated or previewed resources, the staff will supervise and provide developmentally appropriate guidance and instruction to students in the appropriate and effective use of such resources.
     
   • Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks, just as in classrooms and other areas of the school corporation. Communications on networks are often public in nature.
     
   • Outside of school, families are responsible for setting and conveying the same standards that their children exercise in the use of television, telephones, radio, movies and other media to the use of telecommunications and networked information resources. Therefore, the Monroe County Community School Corporation supports and respects each family's decision whether or not to apply for student access and to request alternative activities not requiring access.
     
   • The educational value of student networked information resources access is the joint responsibility of students, parents, and employees of the school corporation.
     

2. Rights and Privileges: The network services are provided for educationally-related communication, research and other activities. Access to MCCSC network services will be provided to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner.
   • Students will submit a properly signed Acceptable Use Agreement, which includes staff and parental/guardian permission, to the network administrator.
   • A network account will include a username and private password, assuring that access is the responsibility of the student. In some cases, the MCCSC system administrator may issue a limited "class" account to groups of students which may be used for specific purposes for a specific amount of time.
   • Each student or "class" with network access shall be assigned storage space on the corresponding file servers which may be treated like school lockers.
   • Network security is designed to allow access to these spaces only by the assigned user; however, network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly.
   • Users should not expect that files stored on district resources will always be private.

3. Restrictions: The following activities are not permitted on MCCSC electronic resources:
   • Accessing, uploading, downloading, transmitting, displaying, or distributing obscene or sexually explicit material; transmitting obscene, abusive, or sexually explicit language.
     
   • Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks; vandalizing, damaging or disabling the property of another person or organization; debilitating or disabling computers, systems or networks through the intentional mis- or overuse of electronic distribution or the spreading of computer "viruses" through the inappropriate use of files or diskettes.
     
   • Violating copyright, or otherwise using another person's intellectual property without his or her prior approval or proper citation; using another person's passwords; trespassing in another person's folders, work or files.
     
   • Violating local, state or federal statute.

4. Disclaimers: The MCCSC makes no warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied, for the access being provided.
   • The staff, the school and the MCCSC are not responsible for any damages incurred, including, but not limited to, loss of data resulting from delays or interruption of service, for the loss of data stored on MCCSC resources, or for personal property used to access MCCSC resources.
     
   • The MCCSC will not be responsible for the accuracy, nature, or quality of information stored on MCCSC resources or gathered through corporation-provided access.
     
   • The MCCSC will not be responsible for unauthorized financial obligations resulting from use of corporation-provided access.
     
   • Further, even though the MCCSC may use technical or manual means to regulate access and information, these methods do not provide a foolproof means for enforcing the provisions of this policy.
     

5. Sanctions: Disciplinary action related to student access to electronic resources may be determined at the building and/or classroom level in accordance with existing practice regarding inappropriate language or behavior, as stated in policies and guidelines contained in the general category 5500 -- Student Conduct, in particular, but not limited to Policy and Guidelines 5517 -- Student Harassment.
   • Violations of the school and/or MCCSC acceptable use policies may result in a loss of access to electronic resources.
   • Additional sanctions for inappropriate behavior and communication shall be governed by Policy and Guidelines 5600 -- Student Discipline.
   • When appropriate, law enforcement agencies may be involved.

The Board authorizes the Office of the Superintendent to prepare appropriate Guidelines for implementing this policy and for reviewing and evaluating its effect on instruction and student achievement. Both the Policy and the Guidelines shall be available for review by parents, guardians, students, staff, and other members of the community. Further, all provisions of both Policy and the Guidelines are subordinate to local, state and federal statute.

Adopted: January 25, 1996
[Effective date: January 31, 1996]