Policy #197 ACCEPTABLE INTERNET USE

A. Introduction

In the academic setting computers are used to support learning, enhance instruction, improve communication and access sources of information. It is the general policy of the Woodbridge Township School District that all computers, whether in a classroom, lab, or the media center, be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner (i.e. copyright issues, illegal access to information, illegal use of credit cards, etc.)

Internet access is available to students and teachers in the Woodbridge Township School District. The Internet offers vast, diverse, and unique resources to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing this service to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence in schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. Because access to the Internet provides connections to many other computer systems, users (and parents of users) must understand that the Internet is a world-wide entity serving a diverse user population. Since there is no organization which oversees the various sites, virtually anything can be found on the Internet. Library media specialists and other employees in charge of access to the Internet will make every attempt to monitor student usage while developing the information literacy skills of the students; however, the Woodbridge Township School District has no control over the information found through the Internet and is not responsible for its content, timeliness or accuracy, or suitability for student access.

B. Purpose

The Internet, a global electronic information infrastructure, is a network of computer networks used by educators, business, the government, the military, and countless other organizations. In the Woodbridge Township School District the Internet will be used to educate, to access information, to communicate, and to develop the information literacy skills needed for further success in post-secondary education and the work place.

As a learning resource the Internet is similar to books, magazines, videos, CD-ROMs, and other information sources. The Woodbridge Township School District considers the use of the Internet as an educational resource that will follow district guidelines for use and selection. Because the Internet is a fluid environment, the information which will be available to students is constantly changing; therefore, it is impossible to predict with certainty what information students might locate. Just as the purpose, availability, and use of media materials does not indicate endorsement of their contents by school officials, neither does making electronic information available to students imply endorsement of that content.

C. Objectives of Internet Use

The Internet shall be another resource used by the instructional staff to help students and staff to develop the skills needed to:

1. Discriminate among information sources;

2. Identify information appropriate to their age and development levels;

3. Evaluate and use information to meet their educational goals and the goals and objectives of the district's curriculum.

D. Use

Woodbridge Township School District students and staff shall use the Internet to participate in educational activities such as:

1. Asking questions of and consulting with experts;

2. Communicating with other students and individuals beyond the boundaries of Woodbridge Township;

3. Accessing, analyzing, synthesizing and using information that meets their educational needs.

E. Expected Behavior

The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in disciplinary action by school officials and/or the cancellation of those privileges. Students and staff are expected to abide by generally accepted rules of network etiquette. All Internet activity in this school district must be in support of education and research, and consistent with the educational objectives of the Woodbridge Township School District.  

F. Guidelines for Publication of Student Work on the Internet

The Woodbridge Township School District will take all reasonable and necessary steps to protect student confidentiality. When student work is published on the Internet, the following guidelines shall be followed:

1. Students shall be identified by first name or initials only. No personally identifiable information about students shall be published.

2. Pictures of students shall not provide information identifying any student.

3. Student phone numbers, home addresses, and e-mail addresses shall not be published.

4. The only address, phone number, or e-mail address which may be published is that of the school, care of the sponsoring teacher or the teacher's e-mail address at school.

5. If personally identifiable information is to be released concerning a particular student, it will only be released after the parent signs a consent form to allow the release.

G. Disciplinary Action Related to Misuse of the Internet

Student failure to abide by the Woodbridge Township Internet User's Contract may result in disciplinary action following disciplinary procedures established in the school district. Student misuse of the system is defined in the Acceptable Internet Use Regulation #1970. The definitions therein are not exclusive. If a student is clever enough to invent a new way of misusing the system, and it is reasonable that the student would know what he/she is doing is improper, the student may nonetheless be disciplined.    

Date adopted: 8/27/98  

Date revised: 4/25/01