WELLESLEY HIGH SCHOOL
COMPUTER USE POLICY
2006/2007
Description
Wellesley High School provides numerous computer tools, including Internet access, to enhance teaching and learning. The computer can be a powerful research tool in a school setting, providing information beyond what is available in local print resources. Through this technology, students have the opportunity to access and explore local, national, and international resources. The information available touches on every area of the curriculum. In order to become lifelong learners, it is important for students to gain electronic information retrieval and evaluation skills and to become responsible members of the global community.
Rights & Responsibilities
Computers enable students to conduct research and communicate with others. Access to computers, research and communications tools, and the Internet, will be provided only to those students who agree to act in a responsible manner. This policy has been developed to outline the responsibilities students must assume in order to maintain user privileges. Each student must respect and maintain the rights of all other users. Responsible, ethical, and legal behavior is expected from each student.
Rules and Regulations
Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations outlined in this policy, as well as those indicated by faculty and staff. Any student who does not follow these rules may lose computer privileges, face school disciplinary action, and even appropriate legal action.
Unacceptable use of technology includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Using the computer/network for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts and plagiarism.
2. Using the computer/network for financial or commercial gain.
3. Abusing or disrupting equipment, software, or system performance, wastefully using finite resources (i.e. paper, ink, etc.), or violating computer system security.
4. Gaining unauthorized access to servers or server accounts other than one’s own.
5. Invading the privacy of individuals, including vandalizing data and using an account owned by another user.
6. Posting personal communications without the original author’s consent.
7. Accessing, downloading, storing, creating, or printing files or messages that are profane, obscene, or that use language that offends or tends to degrade others.
8. Sending “chain letters,” or “broadcast” messages to lists or individuals, and any other types of use which would cause congestion of the network or otherwise interfere with the work of others.
9. Using impersonation, anonymity, and/or pseudonyms.
10. Using the computer / network for the purpose of harassing, threatening, or terrorizing any individual or group.
11. Using online instant messaging or chat room services.
12. Playing any type of computer game unless it is a school sanctioned activity.
Online Etiquette
Below are the generally accepted rules of online etiquette. Students are expected to abide by these rules when using any form of online communication:
1. Do not reveal personal addresses or phone numbers of yourself or anyone else.
2. Remember that e-mail is not guaranteed to be private. Be careful what you say.
3. Be polite and use appropriate language. Do not swear or use offensive language.
Disclaimer
Wellesley High School does not endorse any material that is available over the Internet. Internet filtering software is installed on all school computers, blocking many inappropriate sites. Students must also take the responsibility of making smart decisions about the sites they visit at school.
Students who visit inappropriate web sites, e.g. online social networking and online gambling, first time, will lose library and computer access for one week, second infraction, suspension and further loss of library and computer privileges.