Computer Use Policy

Computer Use Policy

INTRODUCTION

The Toronto District School Board is committed to making our students lifelong learners with access to the widest possible variety of learning opportunities. Use of the Internet for educational projects will assist in preparing students for life and work in the 21st century. The use of the Internet also brings with it the need for students to understand and practise the proper, safe and ethical use of the technology. For this reason, an ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY has been developed for student use of the Internet in schools. Students will be allowed Internet access only under the conditions set out in the STUDENT ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY.

 A. Student Internet and Computer Access

  • All students are provided with space on the server to save their school work. They are not allowed to save or download onto the hard drive of the computer.
  • Students will have access to computers through their classroom, School Library Information Centre, and/or school computer labs.
  • Log on instructions will be posted in the Library and in all computer computer labs. Students and parents/guardians must sign a Student Internet Agreement for the student to be granted permission for Internet access at Woburn.
  • Parents/guardians may refuse or withdraw their approval by providing written notice to the school. It is expected that students treat all computers with care and respect. Any damaged or missing components must be reported to the teacher immediately.

B. Personal Responsibility
Students are expected to use the Internet and the computers in a responsible manner consistent with the educational purposes for which it is intended. Responsible, ethical use includes the following:

  • respect for the rights of others and the computer (computers are for the use of all students, therefore settings/preferences, etc. must not be changed or modified);
  • adherence to codes of conduct, such as the Online Code of Conduct Board policies, the Ontario Human Rights Code, Copyright Act, the Criminal Code of Canada and other laws.

This policy is an extension of Woburn's Code of Behaviour. Our Code of Behaviour also applies to the use of the Internet.

C. Netiquette (Internet Rules of Use)
Personal Safety
  • Never provide personal information to someone you have met online.
  • Never agree to telephone or meet with someone you have met online.
  • Never assume that a message you sent to someone else will be confidential.

Inappropriate Activities
Inappropriate or unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Using obscene, threatening, harassing, or disrespectful language.
  • Posting information that may cause damage or endanger persons or property.
  • Posting false or defamatory information about a person or an organization.
  • Reposting a private message without the permission of the sender.
  • Using the school's Internet access for commercial purposes and using e-mail for chatting purposes (unless authorized by a teacher).
Copyright Infringement and Plagiarism
  • You must respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when you reproduce a work without the permission of the copyright owner. Do not copy images, text, graphics, or other materials, unless the source provides permission. If you are not sure, ask your teacher.
  • Plagiarism is taking the ideas, writings or images of others and presenting them as if they were yours. If you make use of information from the Internet for projects, assignments or essays, you must acknowledge the source of the information either in a footnote or bibliography
Access to Controversial Materials
  • If you mistakenly access inappropriate information, you should immediately tell your teacher. This will protect you against a claim that you have intentionally violated the Student Acceptable Use Policy.
Statement of Liability
The Board makes no warranties with respect to the provision of Internet access and specifically assumes no responsibilities for:
  • any information that may be lost, damaged or unavailable due to technical or other difficulties or for any interruptions, delay or failure of the service;
  • the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through the Internet;
  • any costs, liabilities or damages caused by or incurred due to student's use of the Internet;
  • the privacy of electronic communications sent through the Internet; access by the student of inappropriate materials on the Internet;
  • unauthorized use of the Board's Internet access facility or the failure of the student or another student to comply with the policy;
  • any personal or psychological injury suffered by the student as a direct or indirect result of the student's use of the Board's Internet access.