Electronic
Communication and Data Management Guidelines
Laredo
Independent School District
Revised:
August 2010
User’s Guidelines
Purpose and Availability of
Access
All
district guidelines and procedures for acceptable use of technology are
intended to make the district’s technology equipment, applications/programs and
the system network more efficient, accessible and reliable for all “users.”
“User”
is defined as Laredo ISD students, employees, volunteers, community members,
and guests (including vendors’ representatives and consultants, service
providers, and employees of subcontracted companies) with access to a computer,
Internet, and other technological equipment and software through the district.
Purpose and Availability of
Access: To
prepare students for an increasingly computerized society and facilitate
employees’ work productivity, the District has made a substantial investment in
providing its students and employees with access to computing equipment,
systems and local network functions. Use of these resources is primarily for
instructional and administrative purposes and in accordance with administrative
regulations. Limited personal use of the system shall be permitted if the use:
1) imposes no tangible cost on the district; 2) does not unduly burden the
District’s computer or network resources; and 3) has no adverse effect on an
employee’s job performance or on a student’s academic performance
The use of the District’s
technology equipment and the participation in any online communication services
(i.e. Internet,
e-mail, distance learning, Intranet and web pages) is a privilege and not a right.
All
users shall be required to acknowledge receipt and understanding of all
administrative regulations, Electronic Communication and Data Management Guidelines
and shall agree in writing to allow monitoring of their use and to comply with
such regulations and guideline. Students under age 18 will require parental
permission.
Noncompliance
with applicable regulations and guidelines will result in disciplinary action
consistent with District policies and regulations. (See LISD Student Code of
Conduct, and Local DH Code of Ethics and Standard Practice for Texas Educators,
Regulations) Violations of law may result in criminal prosecutions as well as
disciplinary action by the District.
Audits and monitoring
User
shall understand LISD will periodically audit, inspect, and/or monitor all use
of LISD information technology inclusive of remote and/or online resources and
storage media, inclusive of remote and/or online resources and media.
Audits – Electronic auditing shall be implemented
within all unclassified networks that connect to the Internet or other
publicity accessible networks to support identification, termination, and
prosecution of unauthorized activity.
These electronic audit mechanisms shall be capable of recording:
·
Access to the system, including successful and
failed login attempts, and logouts;
·
Inbound and outbound file transfers;
·
Terminal connections to and from external systems;
·
Sent and received e-mail messages;
·
Web sites visited, including uniform resource
locator (URL) of pages retrieved;
·
Date, time, and user associated with each event;
·
Access to remote desktops.
·
Downloaded
material, including files deleted from a user’s account.
All
Laredo Independent School District’s electronic information technology
equipment inclusive of internal / external storage devices and related media is
to be used for school business (instructional and administrative purposes) Instructional purposes include academic
research, communication, publishing, technology integration, technology
proficiencies, software training and any activities that support the District’s
instructional goals and objectives. The
district has the right to monitor, audit, and review any files produced and/or
stored in any district electronic data devices and/or on any district-funded
electronic storage systems as deemed appropriate to support identification,
termination, and prosecution of unauthorized activity.
Laredo
ISD computers are programmed to delete any infected files. LISD will not be responsible for the loss of
files due to the failure of not having disk, CD or other media scanned
on designated computers prior to using them on LISD office or instructional
computers. To prevent deletion of files,
please scan any diskettes, CDs, pen drives, or storage media at any of the
campus’ library computers or designated Virus Eradication Centers in
administrative offices.
Laredo
ISD computers require a windows login and password to access to
computer/network resources. If there
inactivity for a predetermined time, the computer will automatically log user
out. User is responsible to log out at
the end of his/her use of the equipment.
1. Users shall protect the security
and privacy of LISD’s systems and network.
2. Users shall treat technology
equipment with care. Information in
proper care is provided by the Instructional Technology Department upon
request.
3. Users who check out technology
equipment/software shall be responsible and must make sure that equipment is
operating properly prior to being checked out.
It is also the responsibility of the user to return the technology equipment/software
in the same condition it was checked out. (Normal wear and tear accepted).
4. The District has the right to
monitor all electronic data usage.
5. Users shall obtain permission
before opening, moving, deleting, or duplicating the computer files of others.
1. Users shall not hack or otherwise
alter programs or files belonging to other users.
2. Users shall not take actions that
are harmful to the district’s technology equipment (vandalism).
3. Users shall not remove any
district technology equipment from US boundaries.
4. Users shall not install any
software.
5. Users shall not use the
computer/technology equipment in any way that may harass, defame or demean
others with language, image or threats.
6. Users shall not use
computer/technology equipment for personal use such as for commercial purposes,
financial gain, advertisement, and seeking/interacting with professional
unions, political lobbying, and supporting illegal activities.
7. Users shall not use/download any
peer-to-peer (PTP) software such as Napster, Imesh, Webshots, Morpheus, Kazza, etc.
because of network security issues.
8. Users shall not make any changes
to the computer/technology equipment configurations (i.e. network settings,
display settings including backgrounds and screen savers).
9. Users shall not use unauthorized
administrative logins and passwords without the written approval from the
Director of Instructional Technology or Chief Technology Officer.
10. Users shall not write, produce,
generate copy, propagate, or attempt to introduce any computer code designed to
self-replicate, damage, or otherwise hinder the performance of any computer’s
memory, file system, or software. Such
software is often called a bug, virus, worm, Trojan Horse,
or similar name.
11. Users shall not use a diskette/CD/external
storage media without initially running district approved virus scan software
found at any computer in the library.
12. Users shall not assemble or
disassemble computers/technology equipment without written permission from
Director of Instructional Technology or Chief Technology Officer.
13. Users shall not move
computer/technology equipment from designated areas without the written
permission of the Technology Trainer or Campus / District Administrator. (An
Inventory Transfer Form must be completed and turned in to campus designee
before move is made.)
14. Users shall not waste district
resources (paper, ink, disk space, diskettes, etc.) for example storing
numerous songs, music selections.
All
software purchase or acquisitions must follow outlined district guidelines.
- All software must first be
approved by the Curriculum and Instruction Department for content then by
the Information or Instructional Technology Department so that it may be checked
for compatibility with District technology equipment before purchase. A pilot of the installation may be
required in order to check compatibility; this will be determined by Chief
Technology Officer or Director of Technology.
- After software arrives, a
work order must be filled out by person who ordered the software. It must include specific room numbers,
and computers to have installation be done on. It must also include the PO# (of the
software purchase) needed to verify the number of licenses purchased.
- Depending on the number of
stations that will need installation, the IT Department will determine if
the installation is to be done remotely or individually by Technician or
Technology Trainer
- Software must be purchased
for all the grade level or department.
- Software may not be
purchased solely for individual use unless approved by technology
administrator.
- Software loaded on computers
in the District must be consistent with District standards and be properly
licensed.
1. District technology staff has the right to
remove any unauthorized software on any district/campus computers. This includes but is not limited to:
- any peer-to-peer (PTP) software
such as Napster, Imesh, Morpheus, Kazza, etc.
- screen savers or desktop
themes
- software
without license or documentation
- unauthorized
downloaded software
- software
that has not been approved or was not obtained through a purchase order
3.
LISD prohibits the use of games for
staff and students with the exception of educational software that has been
approved by the District.
4.
LISD prohibits the use on unauthorized
access points or satellite software which can access LISD’s network. All such technology equipment and software
must be approved by Chief Technology Officer before purchase is made.
Acceptable Conduct
1. Users who record student
attendance will annually certify in writing that all such records are true and
correct to the best of his or her knowledge and that the records have been
prepared in accordance with laws and regulations pertaining to student
attendance accounting.
2. Users shall input correct and
true data to the best of his or her knowledge.
Limitation of Uses
1.
Users
may not install any type of software, screensavers, demos, files, or plug ins. If any of these
are needed, a work order for the installation must be completed at the
campus/department level. It must
include specific room numbers, and computers to have installation be done
on. If applicable, it must include the
PO# (of the software purchase) needed to verify the number of licenses
purchased.
2.
Users
should not purchase any software for district computers with district or grant
funding without getting it approved by the Information Technology or
Instructional Technology Departments.
3. Users shall not transmit files
that contain software or other material protected by intellectual property
laws, rights of privacy of publicity, or any other applicable law unless user
owns or controls the rights thereto or has received all necessary consents.
4. Users shall not act, or fail to act,
in use of software, in a manner that is contrary to applicable law or
regulation.
5. Users shall not falsify the
source or origin of software or other material contained in a file that is
transmitted.
6. User shall not install or run any
executable files (.exe, .bat, .com) that can render a computer as a network
device. Installing this type of software
creates network traffic or shares and is not allowed.
7. Users shall not misuse, falsify
or share confidential data including but not limited to the following: Sage, SchoolMax, PEIMS, DDA, TREx, PID/P.E.T.
LISD is
providing access to the Internet with the purpose to facilitate teaching and
learning of the curriculum in accordance with Laredo ISD educational
objectives. Therefore, Internet users must restrict their activities to
endeavors in support of district educational
and administrative objectives. The
district has the right to monitor, audit, and review user’s Internet access in
district computers and any district’s information technology; inclusive of
remote and/or online resources and storage media; as deemed appropriate to
support identification, termination, and prosecution of unauthorized
activity. In accordance with the
appropriate certification, the District shall monitor the on-line activities of
minors. 47 U.S.C. 254(h)(5)(B) [CQ Legal]
In accordance with the
appropriate certification, the District operates a technology protection
measure that protects minors against access to visual depictions that are
obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors; and protects adults against
access to visual depictions that are obscene or child pornography. 47
U.S.C. 254(h)(5)(B), (C) (Board Policy – CQ Legal)
The
district uses Internet content management software to filter content and sites
that are considered inappropriate. This
software allows the district to run reports detailing all activity on
individual accounts. The district has
the right to generate a User Access Report detailing all violations. A report will be generated if the user is or
is suspected of abusing the privilege of Internet access, violating any of the
guidelines, or misusing the Internet.
System users and
parents of students with access to the District's system should be aware that,
despite the District's use of technology protection measures as required by
law, use of the system may provide access to other electronic communications
systems in the global electronic network that may contain inaccurate and/or
objectionable material. (Local regulation CQ)
Any system user
identified as a security risk or as having violated District and/or campus
computer use guidelines may be denied access to the District's system. The
individual in whose name a system account is issued will be responsible at all
times for its proper use. (Local regulation CQ)
The
following procedures will be applied at all campuses and departments:
1.
At
the campuses, the classroom teacher with or without the assistance of the
Technology Trainer will provide training in the proper use of the system and
ethical and safe use of this resource.
Teacher will provide all users, who have received training, with copies
of these acceptable use guidelines. All training in the use of the District's
system will emphasize the ethical and safe use of this resource. (Local regulation CQ).
At
the departments, the district assigned trainer will provide training in the
proper use of the system and ethical and safe use of this resource. Trainer will provide all users with copies of
these acceptable use guidelines. All training in the use of the District's
system will emphasize the ethical and safe use of this resource. (Local
regulation CQ)
2. After the training, the
students/staff will be given a form to sign that they will abide by these
Electronic Communication and Data Management Guidelines. Students under 18 years of age will require
for parent(s) to sign form.
3. Completed forms needs to be
turned in to the Technology Trainer so account may be created or renewed. Account log ins will
be issued to each who has completed training and turned in signed required
forms.
1. Users shall use the Internet for
educational and administrative purposes and as a tool to enhance teaching and
learning in the classroom.
2.
Users will be required to change all passwords
at least once every semester.
3.
All
passwords must remain confidential and should not be shared. (Local regulation CQ)
4.
Users
will be required to sign a user agreement annually for issuance or renewal of
an account. All such agreements will be
maintained on file in the principal's or supervisor's office. (Local
regulation CQ).
5. Users shall use Internet
resources in accordance with copyright law.
Copyright is implied in all cases whether or not explicit reference to
copyright is mentioned.
6. Users shall use the Internet in
accordance with civic and federal laws.
7. Users who gain access to
inappropriate material is expected to discontinue the access as quickly as
possible and to report the incident to the supervising teacher / supervisor. (Local regulation CQ)
8. Users shall conserve district
resources (paper in printer, disk space, bandwidth, etc.).
1.
Users
shall not use the Internet for non-educational purposes. The system may not be
used for illegal purposes, in support of illegal activities, or for any other
activity prohibited by District policy or guidelines. (Local
Regulation CQ)
2.
Users
may not disable, or attempt to disable, a filtering device on the District's
electronic communications system. (Local
regulation CQ)
3.
Users
shall not encrypt communications so as to avoid security review by system
administrators. (Local regulation CQ)
4.
Users
shall not use student’s/staff system account without written permission from
the campus administrator or Technology Director/Coordinator, as appropriate. (Local regulation CQ)
5. Users shall not use or
redistribute copyrighted programs or data except with the written permission of
the copyright holder or designee. Such
permission must be specified in the document or must be obtained directly from
the copyright holder or designee in accordance with applicable copyright laws,
district policy, and administrative regulations. Users will be held accountable
for the use of copyright protected material obtained from third parties in the
case where these parties are in violation of copyright law. (Local regulation CQ)
6. Users may not gain unauthorized
access to resources or information. (Local
regulation CQ)
7. Users
shall not use the Internet unless they have received training, returned the
appropriate agreement form signed and parents have agreed to allow use of the
Internet.
8. Users shall not distribute personal
information about themselves or others through the Internet. (Local regulation
CQ)
9. Users shall not maliciously
attempt to harm or destroy district technology equipment or data, or the
equipment or data of any of the agencies or other networks that are connected
to the Internet. (Local regulation CQ)
10. Users shall not use District
Internet access to conduct buying, selling, or promotion of commercial items.
11. Internet users shall not
purposefully access or post materials that are abusive, obscene, sexually
oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another's image, or illegal.
(Local regulation CQ) These items
include but are not limited to the following
categories:
a) Adult -URLs with content intended
for adults only. Examples include:
Images or text that are provocative, suggestive, and erotic.
b) Sites which promote activities
which are illegal for minors (such as drinking alcohol)
c) Other contents which many people
may find repulsive or disgusting.
d) Crime -URLs which are intended to
teach/instruct the reader in skills which are generally only useful for pursuing
criminal activities, such as:
Building bombs or
explosives
Hacking into computer systems
Lock picking
e) Drugs -URLs which promote the use
of illegal controlled substances or instruct the reader how to
grow/make/process these substances.
f)
Entertainment
- URLs, which allow the playing or downloading of games.
g) Gambling - URLs, which allow for
on-line gambling or are dedicated to gambling information and instructions.
h) Intolerance - URLs, which
advocate intolerance or hatred of a person or group of people (gangs).
i)
Violence-
URLs, which show or advocate violence. Examples include: Images containing graphic violence
(blood/murder), promotion of violence or terrorist acts against others.
12. Users may not waste District
resources related to the electronic communications system. (Local regulation
CQ) Examples of resource waste
violations are the following.
·
Printing
items that not educational
·
Downloading
large files, such as games, multimedia programs, music and videos
·
Continuous
playing of music and video.
13. Users are prohibited to bring prohibited materials into the
school's electronic environment. (Local regulation CQ)
Users
shall not participate in blogs, newsgroups or chat rooms. With approval from the Instructional
Technology Department, blogs, chat rooms and newsgroups can be made available
for educational use and only for a limited time. Teachers may assign projects requiring
educational chats with other students/professionals by completing a request
form and notifying their Technology Trainer in advance so arrangements may be
made. Blogs, chat room and newsgroup participation is permissible for employees
based on prior approval from the district.
1. The district has the right to
block blogs/chats/newsgroups/discussion groups.
2. Even if user has district
approval to use a blog/chat line/room, the district has the right to lock out
any user that uses blogs/chats excessively, in an inappropriate manner, and/or
in violation of the guidelines outlined below.
3. The district has the right to
decide which blogs/chat lines/newsgroups/discussion groups are educational.
1. With prior, written permission,
users shall use educational blogs, chat rooms, discussion groups or newsgroup
accessed on the Internet for educational purposes.
2. With prior, written permission
only district approved blogs may be accessed.
3. Teachers will attend training
prior to accessing blogs and will be responsible for moderating student posts.
Users
are prohibited from participating in any blog, chat room, newsgroups, and
discussion groups without proper approval.
1. Users shall not access blogs not
approved by the district.
The
purpose of the school district’s e-mail is to facilitate communications in
support of research and education. Access to the district’s e-mail system is
a privilege, not a right. Users of the district e-mail system are required
to comply with all District rules, regulations, and policies governing
appropriate use of the system.
- Users should be mindful that
use of school-related electronic mail addresses might cause some
recipients or other readers of that mail to assume they represent the
District or school, whether or not that was the user’s intention.
- District has the right to
deny the privilege of using e-mail to any user who is in violation of any
guideline.
- Technology Director/Coordinator
is authorized to monitor or examine all system activities, including
electronic mail transmissions, as deemed appropriate to ensure
student/user safety online and proper use of the system. (Local regulation CQ)
- E-mail transmissions sent
and received by students and employees are not private and may be
monitored if suspicion concerning inappropriate use exists
- Parents have the right to
request copies of e-mail sent or received by their daughter/son. Supervisors have the right to request
copies of e-mail sent or received by staff if suspicion concerning
inappropriate use exists.
The
following procedures will be applied at all campuses:
1. All 1st -12th
grade teachers must review with students the dos and don’ts on using
email.
2. First and second graders will be
able to email within LISD network. They will not be able to send or receive
email from outside LISD network.
3. First
and second graders will be able to email within LISD network. They will not be able to send or receive
email from outside LISD network. District
has the right to monitor and review sent or received mail to ensure proper and
ethical usage of e-mail.
1.
Users
shall use e-mail for educational purposes and must be consistent with the
educational mission of the Laredo Independent School District.
2.
Users
shall attend the district’s training in order to obtain an authorized e-mail
account.
3. Users must purge electronic mail
in accordance with established retention guidelines to ensure proper use of
system. (Local regulation CQ)
4.
Users
shall report illegal or unauthorized use of the e-mail or online systems to the
Technology Trainer and/ supervisor.
5. Users are expected to observe the
following network etiquette: (Local
regulation CQ)
- Be polite; messages typed in
capital letters are the computer equivalent of shouting and are considered
rude.
- Use appropriate language;
swearing, vulgarity, ethnic or racial slurs, and any other inflammatory
language are prohibited.
- Pretending to be someone
else when sending/receiving messages is considered inappropriate.
- Transmitting obscene
messages or pictures is prohibited.
- Be considerate when sending
attachments with e-mail by considering whether a file may be too large to
be accommodated by the recipient's system or may be in a format unreadable
by the recipient.
- Using the network in such a
way that would disrupt the use of the network by other users is
prohibited.
1. Users shall not use the e-mail
system for any illegal activity, including but not limited to violation of
copyright laws (plagiarism, forgery or attempted forgery of electronic mail
messages). (Local regulation CQ)
2. Users shall not share their login
or password with anyone. (Local
regulation CQ)
3.
Users
may not transmit / distribute personal information about students by means of
the electronic communications system; this includes, but is not limited to,
personal addresses and telephone numbers. (Local regulation CQ)
4.
Users
should never make appointments to meet people whom they meet online and should
report to a teacher or administrator if they receive any request for such a
meeting. (Local regulation CQ)
5. Users shall not use e-mail to
sell or to solicit products or services.
Users shall not use e-mail for private or commercial offerings of
products or services.
6. Users shall not use and/or
respond to e-mail in any way that would be considered:
1) Damaging to another’s reputation
2) Abusive
3) Obscene
4) Sexually oriented
5) Offensive
6) Threatening
7) Harassing
8) Illegal
9) Contrary to school policy. (Local
regulation CQ)
7. Users shall not attempt to read,
delete, copy, or modify the electronic mail of other system users, deliberate
interference with the ability of other system users to send/receive electronic
mail, or the use of another person's user ID and/or password. (Local regulation
CQ)
8. Users shall not use the e-mail
system to distribute material or information on behalf of or with regard to
professional unions, collective bargaining, private businesses or associations,
or political campaigns or organizations without the express written consent of
the Superintendent or designee.
9. Users shall not access private
e-mail accounts such as HOTMAIL, YAHOO MAIL, etc. when using the
district’s Internet system.
10. User shall not use e-mail for the
purpose of sending unnecessary or junk mail or chain letters.
11. Users shall not respond to
unsolicited e-mail messages from any source without the permission of the
supervising teacher.
12. User shall not pretend to be
someone else when sending/receiving messages.
13. Users shall not use e-mail for
any purposes that may present a tangible cost to the school or interfere with
the operations of the computer network or with the performance of the student
or employees.
Web sites should be primarily
academic in nature. They may also serve
to support our educational programs by informing our community about events and
activities and reflect the unique personality of each school. Users should be
mindful that publishing a web page on LISD’s web server might cause some
recipients or other visitors of that web site to assume they represent the
District or school, whether or not that was the user’s intention. LISD defines “web page” as any web
accessible file or class page that is published to a district funded web site
regardless of file type or server location.
1.
The
following criteria must be considered when creating and/or posting material to
a web page:
a.
It
is the requirement of the District’s web administrator or campus site manger to
upload campus/district’s web pages.
b.
Maintenance
is required (but is not limited to) for timely updating.
2.
Permission
form must be signed by student (i.e., 18 yrs +) and/or parent prior to the
publishing of the student’s work. These forms must be turned in to the
campus technology trainer.
3.
Web
pages and web page content created by employees belong to the district even if
the employee is no longer in the district.
4.
The
district has the right to deny publishing a school’s or a department’s web page
that does not follow the approved districts web page template.
5.
The
district’s web master or campus web site manger has the right to delete any web
page that uses excessive system resources or network bandwidth or that is in
violation of any of the guidelines outlined below.
6.
Roles
and responsibilities of the developers in the web page creating/posting
process:
a.
Campus
Site Manager: The site manager
is expected to facilitate all site administrator assignments and provide
necessary training for campus site administrators.
b.
Campus
Site Administrator(s): Faculty member(s) assigned site privileges/permissions
to manage user accounts, class pages, group pages, site announcements, site
calendars, and other site resources.
c.
Classroom
Teacher: Each classroom teacher should develop and maintain a class page to
share class materials, resources, and schedules on the Internet. Class pages should be developed according to
current district approved template and should provide resources relevant to
grade and subject areas.
d.
Group
Page Manager: Faculty or student designated to maintain a group page to share
files, establish online discussion boards, schedules and other site resources
among group members. Group pages may be
developed for academic departments, administrative departments, and
extracurricular activities.
1. Users shall publish
school-related web pages. Web pages’
content and the intent shall be in accordance with the Laredo Independent School
District’s Internet policies and guidelines.
2. Users of web pages shall be in
compliance with federal copyright laws.
3. Users shall obtain permission
from originator in order to publish information, graphics or photographs on any
school related web page. All graphics, photos, and art must include site
references.
4. Users shall obtain and file, with
the web administrator, a signed permission form prior to publishing student’s
work in the Internet.
5. Users’ web pages shall be
appropriate in relation to the objectives of the class/campus/district.
6. Users, who publish a school-related web page on the
Internet, shall use only the
campus/district’s web servers to publishing their WebPages.
1. Users shall not use excessive
resources on web pages.
2. Users shall not create campus and
departments’ web pages without using the district’s approved template. Teachers and students individual web pages do
not need to follow the approved district’s web page.
3. Users shall not publish web pages
for commercial or private advertising, commercial offerings of products or
services for sale, or solicit products or services or to raise funds for
non-district related activities or organizations.
4. Users of web pages shall not use
the network to disseminate material or information on the behalf of or with
regard to professional unions, collective bargaining, private businesses or
associations, or political campaign organizations without the express written
consent of the Superintendent.
5. Users who create school-related web pages shall
not publish their work outside of the districts web server. (i.e. local
provider, geocities.com, etc)
6. Users cannot post any personally
identifiable information about a District student on a Web page under the
District's control unless the District has received written consent from the
student's parent. An exception may be made for "directory information"
as allowed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and District
policy. [See CQ(EXHIBIT A) and policies at FL]
7. Users
shall not identify students on school’s web pages. Users shall follow these guidelines: Users
shall not identify students on school’s web pages. Users shall follow these
guidelines:
a.
When appropriate, first initials
and last names or first name along with initial of last name shall be used.
Complete first and last name can be listed with parent permission. When appropriate, first initials and last names or first names
along with initial of last name shall be used. Complete first and last name can
be listed with parent permission.
b.
Student
work shall not reveal family or personal details that may be construed as
invasion of privacy for student or family members.
c.
Student pictures
shall not be published unless written parental permission or student (for
students over 18 years of age) permission is obtained. Group pictures are
recommended, with references to teacher’s class rather than individual names.Student pictures shall not be published unless written parental
permission or student (for students over 18 years of age) permission is
obtained. Group pictures are recommended, with references to teacher’s class
rather than individual names.
On-line
conferences and instant messaging delivers an Internet conferencing solution
with multi-point data conferencing, text chat, whiteboard, and file transfer,
as well as point-to-point audio and video.
When engaged in an On-line conferences and instant messaging,
users should assume that they are representing the district at all times. The purpose of all conferences shall be
educational.
The
following rights apply to all users:
1. The district has the right to
monitor or review any on-line conferences and instant messaging to ensure
proper and ethical use.
2. The district has the right to
deny access to an on-line conferences and instant messaging if the user is
abusing their privilege to use the on-line conferences and instant messaging or
violating any of the guidelines.
1. Users shall use on-line
conferences and instant messaging to enhance the curriculum and for educational
use only.
2. Users shall protect the security
and privacy of LISD’s systems and network.
3. Users shall comply with existing
laws.
4. Users shall encourage responsible
use of the Internet and discourage activities that reduce the usability and
value of Internet services.
5. Users shall preserve the privacy
and security of individual on-line conferences and instant messaging users.
1. Users shall not publish post,
distribute or disseminate defamatory, infringing, obscene or other unlawful
material or information.
2. Users shall not threaten, harass,
stalk, abuse, or otherwise violate the legal rights (including rights of privacy
and publicity) of others.
3. Users shall not intercept or
attempt to intercept private communications not intended for them.
4. Users shall not transmit files
that contain software or other material protected by intellectual property
laws, rights of privacy of publicity, or any other applicable law unless you
own or control the rights thereto or has received all necessary consents.
5. Users shall not transmit files
that contain a virus or corrupted data.
6. Users shall not delete any author
attributions, legal notices or proprietary designations or labels in a file
that you transmit.
7. Users shall not falsify the
source or origin of software or other material contained in a file that you
transmit.
8. Users shall not cause repeated
disruptive incidents.
9. Users shall not act, or fail to
act, in your use of on-line conferences and instant messaging, in a manner that
is contrary to applicable law or regulation.
Distance
learning is two-way communication between a teacher and student separated by
distance, using technology for facilitating and supporting the curriculum. Videoconferencing is one form of distance
learning where two or more distant groups communicate “face-to-face”, in real
time, by using audio and video equipment.
It brings people in one location together with those in another-whether
it is from a university to a medical institution or from a middle school to a
library-allowing them to share their knowledge, experiences, and backgrounds.
Note:
Opinions, advice, services, and all other information expressed by
system users, information providers, service providers, or other third-party
individuals in the system are those of the providers and not the District.
Only
a district employee may request from library media staff to use the distance
learning system and in doing so will be ultimately responsible for use of the
system.
The
District’s system is provided on an “as is, as available” basis. The District does not make any warranties,
whether express of implied, including, without limitation, those of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any
services provided by the system and any information or software contained
therein. The District does not warrant
that the functions or services performed by, or that the information or
software contained on the system will meet the system user’s requirements, or
that the system will be interrupted or error free, or that defects will be
corrected.
1. Users shall be observant that the
use of school-related videoconference system might cause some recipients to
assume they represent the District or school, whether or not that was the
user’s intention.
2.
Users (students) shall follow all rules as specified by
the teacher.
1. Users shall not use the system in
any way that violates copyright laws. Educational institutions and
organizations are not exempt from copyright laws. These laws provide protection for literary
works; musical works, including accompanying words; dramatic works, including
accompanying music. In addition,
pantomimes and choreographic works; pictorial, graphic and sculptural work;
motion pictures and other audiovisual works; and sound recordings are also
protected. In the distance learning
setting, anything considered “fair use” in the traditional classroom may be
transformed into a public performance.
Therefore, educators must have permission from the owner of the
copyright to use copyrighted materials during the “performance.”
2. Users in grades Pre-Kinder
through twelfth shall not participate in the District’s videoconferencing
system with their teachers or facilitator without consent from their parents.
3. Users shall not bring prohibited
materials into the school’s electronic environment.
4. Users shall not say, send, post
messages, or use hand gestures that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented,
threatening, harassing, or damaging to another’s reputation.
5. Users shall not maliciously
attempt to harm or destroy district’s Distance Learning Videoconference system,
or any of the agencies or other networks that are connected to the District’s
system.
6. Users shall not use the system
for illegal purposes, in support of illegal activities, or for any other
activity prohibited by District’s policy or guidelines.
7. Any original work created by
users shall not be included in a videoconference session under the District’s
control unless the District has received written consent from the student and
the student’s parent.
8. Users shall not interfere with
the teaching or learning in the classroom.
Any
communication devices, that are not LISD property, are prohibited to be used in
the Laredo ISD network / premises.
·
Vendors, consultants and representatives may be
allowed to use their own equipment ONLY if they have been given proper
authorization by the IT department when they get their identification card from
Laredo ISD.
·
In order to get proper authorization, vendors
must take laptop and media (diskettes, CDs, pen drives…) to be scanned for
viruses at the IT department where they must also get a
identification card (for visitors).
The
use of District technology in violation of any law, including copyright law, is
prohibited. Copyrighted or licensed software or data may not be placed on any
system connected to the District's system without permission from the holder of
the copyright or license. Only the copyright or license owner, or an individual
the owner specifically authorizes, may upload copyrighted or licensed material
to the system.
No person will be allowed to use
the District's technology to post, publicize, or duplicate information in
violation of copyright law. The District will use all reasonable measures to
prevent the use of District technology in violation of the law.
If a
copyright or license owner reasonably believes that the District's technology
has been used to infringe upon a copyright or license, the owner is encouraged
to notify the Communications or Technology Department.
Students
and staff must follow all District’s Electronic Communication and Data
Management Guidelines when using district computers/technology equipment or
when participating in a school-related activity.
Violations
of the Student Code of Conduct with the use of district’s computers and
networks will result in disciplinary action as stated in the Student Code of
Conduct Handbook.
The
severity of the violation committed using technology will result in the degree
of disciplinary action.
Deliberate
attempts to degrade or disrupt system performance are violations of the
District’s Electronic Communication and Data Management Guidelines and may
constitute criminal activity under applicable state and federal laws. The district will cooperate fully with local,
state, and federal officials in an investigation concerning or relating to the
misuse of any electronic communication and data management system. (Local
regulation CQ)
Vandalism as defined above will result in the
cancellation of system use privileges and will require restitution for costs
associated with system restoration, as well as other appropriate consequences.
[See DH, FN series, FO series, and the Student Code of Conduct]
Termination of an employee's or a student's
access for violation of District policies or regulations will be effective on
the date the principal or District coordinator receives notice of student
withdrawal or of revocation of system privileges, or on a future date if so
specified in the notice. (Local regulation CQ)
The user
causing the system’s damage must reimburse any costs that the district incurs
due to the misuse or abuse of the system.
Any
violations of the limitations of usage within these guidelines will be
considered a Level 1 violation; unless the violation is classified as a Level
II or III violation.
Recommended
Consequences for Level I Violation/Offense
Student
Offenders
These offenses
are prohibited at school or school-related activities and may be punishable by
in school suspension, detention, Saturday school, assignment
of school duties other than class tasks, withdrawal of extracurricular or
honorary privileges, or any other discipline management techniques listed in
Section III of the Code, as determined by the campus principals.
District
Staff Offenders
Please
contact the Human Resources Department to discuss consequences of
violation. Generally, the district uses
a progressive employee discipline system.
This
involves giving the employee a verbal warning for a first offense and a written
reprimand for the second. Third
violations are treated on a case by case basis.
However, if the violation is severe, the employee may be suspended and
dismissed for cause without resorting to progressive discipline.
The
following violations are immediately considered level II offenses.
- Take actions that are
harmful to the district’s technology equipment (vandalism).
- Use the computer/technology
equipment in any way that may harass, defame or demean others with
language, image or threats.
- Attempt to use or discover
any password used for administrative software and hardware to gain illegal
entry.
- Write, produce, generate copy, propagate,
or attempt to introduce any computer code designed to self-replicate,
damage, or otherwise hinder the performance of any computer’s memory, file
system, or software. Such software
is often called a bug, virus, worm, Trojan horse, or similar name.
- Assemble or disassemble
computers/technology equipment without written authorization from the
Information or Instructional Technology Director.
- Malicious attempts to harm
or destroy district technology equipment or data, or the equipment or data
of any of the agencies or other networks that are connected to the
Internet.
- Purposely
access or post
materials that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening,
harassing, damaging to another's image, or illegal. These items include but are not
limited to content filtering software categories under the Internet Usage
section (Limitations of usage, #7).
- Say, send, post messages, or
use hand gestures that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented,
threatening, harassing, or damaging to another’s reputation which using
the video conferencing equipment.
- Hack or alter programs or
files belonging to other users. For
example, erasing, renaming, or making unusable anyone else’s files,
programs, email or disks.
- Knowingly bringing prohibited
materials into the school's electronic environment
Recommended
Consequences for Level II Violation/Offense
Student
Offenders
These
offenses constitute “serious misbehavior” where that term appears in the Code
of Conduct. These offenses are prohibited
at school or school-related activities and will be punishable by suspension,
detention, in-school suspension, Saturday school, assignment
of duties other than class tasks, withdrawal of extracurricular or honorary
privileges, or any other discipline management techniques listed in Section III
of this Code, as in Section II of this Code.
Thus, in most cases, the offenses listed in this section will warrant
greater consequences than those listed in Level I Minor Offenses section. (Example: serious offenses should warrant a
greater number of days spent in in-school suspension than minor offenses.
In some
cases, the offenses listed in this section may also meet the definition of
conduct, which warrants Discipline Alternative Education Program (DAEP)
placement. For instance some of the
offenses listed in this section also constitute “engaging in conduct that is
punishable as a felony,” which is a mandatory DAEP offense. Additionally, some of the offenses listed in
this section (depending on the nature and severity of the incident in question)
might be considered so severe that they constitute conduct that “substantially
interferes with the orderly operation of the campus” or with the “teacher’s
ability to communicate effectively.” If
this occurs, the offense in question is elevated to a Level III offense, and
the campus administration may consider DAEP placement.
For
those students who are already in the Discipline Alternative Education Program
(DAEP), the offenses listed in this section may be grounds for expulsion.
District
Staff Offenders
Please
contact the Human Resources Department to discuss consequences of
violation. Generally, the district uses
a progressive employee discipline system.
This
involves giving the employee a verbal warning for a first offense and a written
reprimand for the second. Third
violations are treated on a case by case basis.
However, if the violation is severe, the employee may be suspended and
dismissed for cause without resorting to progressive discipline.
Reimbursement
must be made for any costs that the district incurs due to the misuse or abuse
of the system. Authorities may be
notified at administrators’ discretion.
All possible legal actions will be taken against offenders. [See Policy
DH]
These offenses are considered to be more serious
than the Level II Serious Offenses listed in this Code.
Recommended
Consequences for Level III Violation/Offense
Student
Offenders
These actions constitute offenses that shall or may
result in placement in the Alternative Education Program located at F.S.
Lara. The terms of a placement under
this section shall prohibit the student from attending or participating in
school-sponsored or school-related activities, including, but not limited to,
extracurricular activities. A principal
is not prohibited from suspending a student immediately prior to the student’s
placement in the Discipline
Alternative Education Program (DAEP).
District
Staff Offenders
Please
contact the Human Resources Department to discuss consequences of
violation. Generally, the district uses
a progressive employee discipline system.
This
involves giving the employee a verbal warning for a first offense and a written
reprimand for the second. Third
violations are treated on a case by case basis.
However, if the violation is severe, the employee may be suspended and
dismissed for cause without resorting to progressive discipline.
Reimbursement
must be made for any costs that the district incurs due to the misuse or abuse
of the system. Authorities may be
notified at administrators’ discretion.
All possible legal actions will be taken against offenders. [See Policy
DH]
The
District is not liable for inappropriate use of electronic communication
resources, violations of copyright restrictions or other laws, mistakes or
negligence, or costs incurred by users. The District is not responsible for
ensuring the accuracy, age appropriateness, or usability of any information
found on the Internet.
The
District's system is provided on an "as is, as available" basis. The
District does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, including,
without limitation, those of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose with respect to any services provided by the system and any information
or software contained therein. The District does not warrant that the functions
or services performed by, or that the information or software contained on the
system will meet the system user's requirements, or that the system will be
uninterrupted or error free, or that defects will be corrected. (Local
regulation CQ)
Opinions, advice, services, and all other
information expressed by system users, information providers, service
providers, or other third-party individuals in the system are those of the
providers and not the District.
The
District will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any
investigation concerning or relating to misuse of the District's electronic
communications system.
STUDENT AGREEMENT FOR ACCEPTABLE USE
OF THE
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
You are being given access to the District's electronic communications system. Through this system, you will be able to communicate with other schools, colleges, organizations, and people around the world through the Internet and other electronic information systems/networks. You will have access to hundreds of databases, libraries, and computer services all over the world.
With this educational opportunity comes responsibility. It is important that you read the District policy, administrative regulations, and agreement form and ask questions if you need help in understanding them. Inappropriate system use will result in the loss of the privilege to use this educational tool.
Please note that the Internet is a network of many types of communication and information networks. It is possible that you may run across areas of adult content and some material you (or your parents) might find objectionable. While the District will use filtering technology to restrict access to such material, it is not possible to absolutely prevent such access. It will be your responsibility to follow the rules for appropriate use.
RULES FOR APPROPRIATE USE
· You will be assigned an individual account, and you are responsible for not sharing the password for that account with others.
· The account is to be used mainly for identified educational purposes, but some limited personal use is permitted.
· You will be held responsible at all times for the proper use of your account, and the District may suspend or revoke your access if you violate the rules.
· Remember that people who receive e-mail from you with a school address might think your message represents the school's point of view.
INAPPROPRIATE USES
· Using the system for any illegal purpose.
· Disabling or attempting to disable any Internet filtering device.
· Encrypting communications to avoid security review.
· Borrowing someone's account without permission.
· Posting personal information about yourself or others (such as addresses and phone numbers).
· Downloading or using copyrighted information without permission from the copyright holder.
· Intentionally introducing a virus to the computer system.
· Posting messages or accessing materials that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another's reputation, or illegal.
· Wasting school resources through the improper use of the computer system.
· Gaining unauthorized access to restricted information or resources.
· Installing executable files that render a computer as a network device.
CONSEQUENCES FOR INAPPROPRIATE USE
· Suspension of access to the system;
· Revocation of the computer system account; or
· Other disciplinary or legal action, in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and applicable laws.
The student
agreement must be renewed each academic year.
EMPLOYEE
AGREEMENT FOR ACCEPTABLE USE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
You
are being given access to the District’s electronic communications system.
Through this system, you will be able to communicate with other schools, colleges,
organizations, and people around the world through the Internet and other
electronic information systems/networks. You will have access to hundreds of
databases, libraries, and computer services all over the world.
With
this opportunity comes responsibility. It is important that you read the
District policy, administrative regulations, and agreement form and ask
questions if you need help in understanding them. Inappropriate system use will
result in the loss of the privilege of using this educational and
administrative tool.
Please
note that the Internet is a network of many types of communication and
information networks. It is possible that you may run across some material you
might find objectionable. While the District will use filtering technology to
restrict access to such material, it is not possible to absolutely prevent such
access. It will be your responsibility to follow the rules for appropriate use.
RULES
FOR APPROPRIATE USE
·
The
account is to be used mainly for educational purposes, but some limited
personal use is permitted.
·
You
will be held responsible at all times for the proper use of your account, and
the District may suspend or revoke your access if you violate the rules.
·
Remember
that people who receive e-mail from you with a school address might think your
message represents the school’s point of view.
INAPPROPRIATE
USES
·
Using
the system for any illegal purpose.
·
Disabling
or attempting to disable any Internet filtering device.
·
Encrypting
communications to avoid security review.
·
Borrowing
someone’s account without permission.
·
Downloading
or using copyrighted information without permission from the copyright holder.
·
Intentionally
introducing a virus to the computer system.
·
Posting
messages or accessing materials that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented,
threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal.
·
Wasting
school resources through improper use of the computer system.
·
Gaining
unauthorized access to restricted information or resources.
·
Falsifying
or not reporting correct data.
CONSEQUENCES
FOR INAPPROPRIATE USE
·
Suspension
of access to the system;
·
Revocation
of the computer system account; or
·
Other
disciplinary or legal action, in accordance with the District policies and
applicable laws.
I
understand that my computer use is not private and that the District will
monitor my activity on the computer system.
Credits
Some of the ideas and/or information were obtained
from the following sources:
Texas Association of School
Boards (TASB) Policy and Regulations on Electronic Communication and Data
Management.
The Center for Distance Learning
Research—Texas A&M University. “Videoconferencing: A Basic Guide to Teaching Using
Videoconferencing Equipment”, p.4
References below are for Developing and Publishing
of Web Pages:
http://www.kckps.k12.ks.us/techplan/interstu.html