Acceptable Use of the Internet at Strathearn School

To all pupils, parents, staff and governors
This documentation is based on materials produced by the UK Association of Co-ordinators and Information Technology Teachers (ACITT), which in turn is based on work from Bellingham Public Schools in the USA.

Contents

1 Introduction
2 A Brief Guide to the Internet
3 The School Rules for Internet Use

1 Introduction

As part of the school’s curriculum, we offer pupils access to the Internet, the global network of computers, reflecting its increasing use in our society in general. Access to the Internet enables pupils to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards while exchanging messages with other Internet users throughout the world.

Families should be warned that some material accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive. The computer system in Strathearn has a filter in place which aims to prevent access to unacceptable material. However, it is widely believed that there is no present or future technical solution which can completely guarantee the prevention of access to unwanted Internet material.

Whilst our aim for Internet use is to further educational goals and objectives, pupils may find ways to access other materials as well. We believe that the benefits to pupils from access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed any disadvantages. But ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources.

During school, teachers guide pupils towards appropriate materials. We reinforce good behaviour in this area by firm adherence to the rules set out on the last page of this document.

Outside of school, families bear the same responsibility for such guidance as they exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, movies, radio and other potentially offensive media.

2 A Brief Guide To The Internet


What is the Internet?

The Internet is a large number of computers all over the world linked together with cables. In most cases, each of these computers is also linked to a number of other computers, in a local network. It is possible for someone using one of these computers to access information on any of the others. This system was established by those working in Universities and Government organisations for the fast and efficient transfer of largely text-based information around the world directly from one computer to another.

It is possible for other people, outside these local networks, to connect to the Internet by using standard telephone lines between their computers and those already connected to the Internet. A number of companies specialise in providing this service.


What is the World Wide Web?

To make the appearance of information available through the internet more attractive, and to assist people in finding information more easily, it is now possible for special pages of information to contain text, colours, and pictures, sound and even video. These pages, collectively, make up what is known as the World Wide Web.
Most of these pages include information on the location of other pages on the World Wide Web, and it is possible to follow up links between pages with similar or related content. Moving from one page to another, regardless of where in the world they might be located, is called browsing, or surfing the net or web. Many of these Web pages contain information that may be useful in the classroom, and is presented in a way which is often easy to use.

Most schools, including Strathearn, have their own website. Strathearn’s website may be found at http://www.strathearn.org.uk.


What is Electronic Mail (E-mail)?

This is a way of sending messages from one person to another via the Internet. Each internet user has a unique e-mail address (such as anybody@msn.com) and by sending a message to this address, the recipient can read the message the next time he or she connects to the Internet. Internet e-mail addresses are usually provided along with a school’s connection to the Internet and each Strathearn pupil is given her own individual e-mail address.

What are News Groups?

These are collections of messages written for public readership rather than addressed to an individual. Each collection of messages is about a particular subject or theme.

Individuals can reply to these messages, and these replies are also public. In this way it is possible track a multi-way conversation about an important issue of the day. At present there are many thousands of different topics available for discussion, from specialist science research to support groups for asthma to fans of James Bond movies. Most of the press concern for pornography on the Internet refers to newsgroups but they are the easiest for school Internet providers to police.


What are the dangers of the Internet referred to in the media?

It is true that there is some material on the Internet that would be offensive to most people, such as pornography, racist and fascist material, and it is possible for children to find access to this.

Electronic filter systems aim to prevent access to inappropriate material; however such technical efforts are unlikely to be completely effective.

An alternative approach is to educate pupils and encourage acceptable use through partnership between home and school in dealing with the less savoury side of Internet use.


How can I get more information?

We will continue to strive to provide the best experiences for the pupils in this area. However, if you have any further queries, please contact the school and ask to speak to the IT co-ordinator.

3 The School Rules for Internet Use


Pupils are responsible for good behaviour on the Internet just as they are in a classroom or a school corridor. General school rules apply.

The Internet is provided for pupils to conduct research and communicate with others. Access is a privilege, not a right and access requires responsibility.

Individual users of the Internet are responsible for their behaviour and communications over the network. It is presumed that users will comply with school standards.

Staff will regularly inspect files and communications in computer storage areas to ensure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on servers or disks would always be private.

The following are not permitted :

1 Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures
2 Using obscene language
3 Harassing, insulting or attacking others
4 Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks
5 Violating copyright laws
6 Using others’ passwords
7 Trespassing in others’ folders, work or files
8 Intentionally wasting limited resources

Sanctions

1 Violations of the above rules will result in a temporary or permanent ban on the use of all electronic communication.
2 Additional sanctions may be added in line with the School Discipline Policy on inappropriate language or behaviour.
3 When applicable, police or local authorities may be involved.

The above examples of misconduct are not exhaustive. The Principal reserves the right to decide how any other example of misconduct will be dealt with.