General User Policy

Guidelines for Acceptable Use of Computers,

Networks, and Telecom Systems

The Ethics of General Technology Use

Computers, networks and telecom systems put enormous power at the fingertips of all users; however, they also place responsibilities on all users. Ethical questions surrounding computers and the networks are no different than those in other spheres of our lives. Lone Oak Independent School District (hereinafter LOISD) staff members shall report to the appropriate administrator any incidents of unauthorized or unacceptable technology access or use—including names of those responsible, if known. The following ten statements of computer ethics are to be adhered to by all technology users in LOISD.

• All files and programs on the computer belong to someone. Users shall not erase, rename, or make unusable anyone else’s files or programs.
• Users should not authorize others to use their name, login, password, or files.
• Users shall not use LOISD computers, networks, or telecom systems for any purposes other than legitimate learning purposes. Users also must not use a computer for unlawful purposes, such as the illegal copying, installation, or storage of software.
• Users shall not attempt to discover another user’s password, either at LOISD locally or at a remote location.
• Users shall not copy, change, or transfer any software provided by LOISD, teachers, or another student without permission from an LOISD administrator or designee.
• Users shall not illegally copy copyrighted software provided by LOISD, an instructor, or any other source. Note that, except as noted in the Copyright Notice at the end of any software document, it is generally illegal to copy any software which as a copyright. The use of illegally copied software is considered a criminal offense subject to prosecution.
• Users shall not intentionally 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 some similar name.
• Users shall not deliberately use the computer to annoy or harass others with unacceptable language, images, or threats. Users also shall not deliberately access any unacceptable, obscene, or objectionable information, language, or images.
• Users shall not intentionally damage the system, intentionally damage information not belonging to them, intentionally misuse system sources, or allow others to do so.
• Users shall not tamper with the computers, networks, printers or other associated equipment except as directed by the authorized personnel.

Computer Network Rules

The purpose of installing Local Area Networks (LANs), setting up the Wide Area Network (WAN), and providing access to the Internet is to advance and promote education in the Lone Oak Independent School District. The WAN, with its access to the Internet, is intended to assist in the collaboration and exchange of information between and among schools, offices, regional education service centers, and other worldwide educational entities.

• LOISD expects users to have consideration for the personal and material rights of others. Electronically bullying others, destroying property, and stealing from others are totally unacceptable behaviors. Obtaining a password, access to another’s directory, or electronic messages on the network is a form of theft just as real as using a stolen key to enter someone’s home. Taking advantage of a student who inadvertently leaves a computer without logging out is no different from entering an unlocked room and stealing, reading a personal letter, or destroying their property.
• The rules of conduct concerning the use of electronic mail require some special mention. LOISD treats electronic mail as analogous to ordinary paper mail. We expect students to respect the privacy of electronic personal mail unless the recipient gives viewing permission. Only the recipient of an electronic message may choose to share it with others. One should not, however, share an electronic message with a wide audience unless the author has agreed. Similarly, the contents of one’s files on the network will be considered private. An exception is made for ‘executable’ files and programs, which may affect the operation of the network. LOISD reserves the right to inspect user directories for such files, and to remove them if found. Public electronic messages (e.g., those posted on one of the Bulletin Boards, electronic messaging system, or news groups) may not include personal attacks, and should follow ordinary rules of appropriate public language. Since such messages are, by their nature, public, they should not contain any language or content which the author would not be willing to share from the podium at school.
• Another issue is the use and transferal of stolen (some call it “pirated”) software. Commercial software is copyrighted and each purchaser must abide by the licensing agreement published with the software. There is not justification for the use of illegally obtained software. Students can expect this to be handled as a disciplinary matter, much as shoplifting from a local store might be handled.
• LOISD expects users to be honest with others in what they do and say. It is worth remembering that honesty in dealing with each other is one of the most important rules of conduct. Writing an electronic message masquerading as another is an offensive form of dishonesty and will be treated as such.

General Guidelines for the Use of the Internet

LOISD students and faculty have access to the Internet, which may include electronic messaging and the ability to access computers at other locations. As a new privilege, this brings new responsibilities and risks. The Internet is intended as an educational resource to enrich school experiences for all LOISD students and faculty. In order for users to benefit from this resource, it is necessary that they learn acceptable use of the Internet. All students who use the Internet must have received instruction for appropriate uses and acceptable Internet behavior. Users will be held accountable for their behavior while accessing the Internet.

When using the Internet through LOISD’s connection, users are representatives of LOISD. In that role, users must conduct themselves in a way that is not hurtful to others or their property. It is not permissible to post harassing messages neither on public spaces nor in private electronic mail. It is not permissible to use the LOISD connection to attempt to circumvent the security provisions of another computer on the Internet. It is not permissible to send messages under the name of another or anonymously. It is not permissible to access or use any unacceptable, obscene, or objectionable information, language, or images. In short, all of the restrictions described in the Ten Statements of Technology Ethics and the Computer/Network Rules also apply to the use of computers and electronic messaging across the Internet. Violations of these rules may result in suspension of network privileges and/or disciplinary actions.

There are risks involved as well. Among the millions of Internet users, just as among the millions who live in a city, there are people who are dangerous. There have been instances of criminals who have identified potential victims using the Internet and then proceeded to approach them and injure them. To protect our children, LOISD prohibits student Internet users from giving out personal information to other users on bulletin boards, chat boards, or other public systems, just as one would not give his/her address to a stranger on the street. Special variances for projects must be approved by the Campus Principal.

Many benefits can be gained through the Internet. Students and faculty have access to great resources and information. They will “meet” people with similar interests from around the globe, and will advance their own education. Guidelines concerning Internet access are intended to assist in maintaining and improving this system.

All of the above policies and procedures for acceptable use of computers and networks are intended to make the computers and networks more reliable and consistent for the users who depend upon them daily. They are also intended to minimize the burden of administrating the networks, so that more time can be spent enhancing services. If there is any question regarding the acceptable use of computers and networks, contact the LOISD Technology Coordinator at (903) 662-5427.

If there are any genuine needs that cannot be met by following these rules, please let any LOISD administrator know.

Consequences

Violation of LOISD’s policies and procedures concerning the use of computers and networks will results in the same disciplinary actions that would result from similar violations in other areas of LOISD life. Any or all of the following consequences may be employed.

• Loss of computer privileges/Internet access, with the duration to be determined by the administration after considering the Technology Coordinator’s recommendations.
• Campus-based disciplinary consequences, including suspension as deemed appropriate by the administration.
• Expulsion may be considered in flagrant violations when students have used LOISD Internet access to violate the law or to compromise another computer network. Actions that blatantly corrupt the educational value of computers or the Internet may fall into this category. Punishments will be determined by the administration after considering the Technology Coordinator’s recommendations.

Acceptable Use Policy—eChalk

• You are entirely responsible for all activities conducted through your eChalk account.
• You will not use your eChalk account to:
• Transmit or cause the transmission of any harassing, threatening, or otherwise abusive messages, data or information
• Post or transmit any unsolicited advertising, promotional or marketing materials
• You will not violate any privacy rights or rights of publicity of any person.
• You will not attempt or assist others in attempting to compromise the security or integrity of your school’s eChalk system.
• Violations of this Acceptable Use Policy may result in the termination of all privileges relating to the use of you school’s eChalk system.