MEDINA ISD TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
We are pleased to offer students of Medina I.S.D. the privilege of access to the district computer network for
educational purposes including applications and the Internet.
Access to e-mail and the Internet enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards while exchanging messages with other Internet users throughout the world. Parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources while still abiding by Medina ISD Board Policy, Student Code of Conduct, the Student Handbook, and the Acceptable Use Policy.
Student Accounts: Each student user is provided a user account by the Medina ISD Technology Dept. These accounts are intended to enhance and expand his or her education. Account privileges vary depending on the school campus and are subject to alteration without advance notice by the Technology Dept. Each user is provided with the following:
1. Login account-required to login to the district computer system. Access to District computers using anything other than the specified individual user login account is strictly prohibited.
2. Network user login and profile
3. E-Mail account-provides access to the network and Internet-based software appropriate to campus level.
o Each student is responsible for all activity that occurs within that individual’s user account, whether the account is within the Medina ISD local network or is an Internet-based Software User Account, such as Study Island. Account activity is constantly monitored by the Technology Dept. Staff and outside vendors. Disciplinary action, detailed below, will be enforced for policy violations.
o Students will, under no circumstances, give any user login information they are provided to another person. Sharing logins and passwords is a violation of network security policy.
o Students MUST use the District provided E-Mail account for all E-Mail communication via District computer systems. Use of Web-based E-Mail, other than Medina’s GMAIL, is prohibited, and web-based E-Mail sites will be blocked from student access. Attempts to access web-based E-mail are logged and will be monitored by the Technology Dept.
Computer Usage by students:
1. Hardware and software are not to be altered, installed, or removed in any manner, including system settings.
2. The student may not use hardware and/or software to violate copyright laws.
3. Vandalism will not be tolerated.
4. All disks, flash drives, etc., used on a school computer must be scanned for viruses by the teacher/librarian/lab manager, etc., prior to use.
5. The student may not place food or drinks (including closed containers) on or near a computer.
Use of Personal Technology Devices at School: A personal technology device (PTD) is any privately-owned device that includes, but is not limited to laptops, cell phones, smartphones, eReaders, iPads, iPods, tablet devices, PDAs, or other current or emerging devices that can be used for word processing, wireless or wired Internet access, recording of images/sound, email, etc. It is a privilege rather than a right for a student to bring personal technology devices to school. Privileges may be taken away and confiscation and/or disciplinary action may occur if policies are abused. Students must abide by the following:
1. Cell phones or other electronic communication devices must be used in accordance with the applicable Medina ISD Board Policy.
2. Responsibility to keep the PTD secure rests with the individual owner. Medina ISD is not liable for any device stolen, infected, or damaged on campus, at school functions, or on the school bus. If a device is stolen or damaged, it will be handled through the administrative office similar to other personal property in similar situations.
3. It is recommended that skins (decals) or other custom identification be used to uniquely identify your device from others. Additionally, protective cases are encouraged.
4. Medina ISD will not be responsible for any device charges to your account that may be incurred by using the PTD, whether or not the use is during approved, school-related use as outlined in this document.
5. Each teacher has the discretion to allow and regulate the use of personal devices in the classroom and for use during specific projects.
6. Approved devices must be in Silent Mode while on school campuses, including the school buses, unless otherwise allowed by a teacher.
7. Devices may not be used to cheat on assignments or tests or for non-instructional purposes (such as making personal phone calls and personal texts/instant messaging.
8. Students may not use devices to record, transmit, or post photographic images, sound or video of a person or persons on campus during school activities and/or hours, unless otherwise directed by a teacher for specific educational purposes.
9. Only the Internet gateway provided by the school may be accessed while on campus. Personal internet connective devices such as but not limited to cell phones/cell network adapters are not permitted to be used to access outside internet sources at any time.
Internet usage by students: Students may not do the following:
1. Send, display, or access offensive messages, pictures, or web sites.
2. Use obscene language.
3. Harass, insult, or attack others.
4. Damage computers, computer systems, or computer networks including attempting to access systems to which the student has no authorization (i.e. hacking).
5. Violate copyright laws/plagiarism due to not asking permission and/or documenting the source.
6. Download software or files. Music and Music Video downloads are specifically prohibited.
7. Use another’s password or account under any circumstances.
8. Use chat or other communication software. Chat is blocked and logged by Medina ISD’s web filter. The activity logs are monitored by the Technology Dept. Staff. Violations will result in disciplinary action, listed under Consequences.
9. Employ the network for commercial use.
Consequences for violation of Medina ISD acceptable use policy:
1. First Offense-Student will receive a disciplinary referral, disciplinary action, and will be held financially responsible for any necessary repairs.
2. Second Offense-Student, parent, teacher, and administrator conference will be required to assess and correct the problem. The student will receive a disciplinary referral, disciplinary action, and will be held financially responsible for any necessary repairs. Students may lose computer privileges for a brief-term, up to the remainder of the current grading cycle, at the discretion of the administrator.
3. Third Offense-Student Computer access privileges will be revoked for the current semester and the student will be held financially responsible for any necessary repairs. Loss of computer access privileges includes removal from all computer lab courses and a final grade of 50 for the semester.
4. Depending on the severity of the offense, an administrator can immediately revoke the student’s computer access and assess monetary fines. Administrative action can include disciplinary or legal action including, but not limited to, criminal prosecution and/or penalty under appropriate state and federal laws.