Our goal is to utilize technology as a tool to improve and promote student learning. We encourage students and teachers to be responsible users of technology as they access computers in the library or classroom. In the spirit of supporting student learning, safety and protecting computer equipment, the following "Rules of Ethical and Responsible Use" are emphasized.

Rules of Ethical and Responsible Use 10 Basic Rules of Netiquette

In the spirit of supporting student learning, safety and protecting computer equipment, these guidelines for the use of technology in our district must be followed.

1. Students will respect the proper care and functions of the equipment and immediately report any hardware or software problem or it will be assumed that the student is responsible. Students will not alter any program, hardware, or software in any way. Actions which cause damage, impair effective use, or defeat the protective security software, will result in severe consequences. Any student found to be intentionally damaging any hardware or software can be held financially responsible for repair costs.

2. Students will not use food, gum, candy, drinks, or magnets around any technology equipment. Some schools might monitor student use by requiring students to sign in and out when a computer is used.

3. Students will respect the privacy of fellow students which includes not touching the mouse, keyboard or work of another student without permission, either on individual machines or documents on the server. Consequences will occur if a student inappropriately alters or trashes the work of another student.

4. Students will use only computer disks, CD ROM's and software programs provided by MVSD. Students may not bring in disks, CD's and software from home to be used or installed on any MVSD computer, either in the Lab, the library or in the classrooms. Exceptions to this rule can be made by teachers when necessary.

5. Students will observe software copyright laws. All school software is the property of MVSD and may not be copied, put on another computer or removed from the school for home use. Any software, including freeware and shareware, must be reviewed for its instructional value by the technology specialist before being installed on any computer.

6. Students will use computers for school assignments/projects only. Internet use is restricted for school activities and searching the internet for personal use must be approved by an adult.

7. Students will edit all documents on the screen as carefully as possible and will ask permission before printing anything, including class assignments and internet resources. Internet information can be copied and pasted into a ClarisWorks document in order to get just the information needed and eliminate paper waste before printing.

8. Students are responsible for cleaning up personal work space when finished, clearing the computer desktop, closing all windows, and quitting any applications.

9. Students will only download files and graphics from the internet onto the computer hard drive/server with adult approval. Attempting to browse inappropriate internet sites will result in immediate consequences.

10. Students will observe fair-use guidelines and be aware of ethical and legal copyright issues for using text and graphic sources. All electronic sources, including CD ROM and the internet, should be properly cited in correct bibliography form for any type of research report, assignment, stack or web page.

11. Any material published by students and/or teachers for school and/or classroom web sites must be met by final approval by both the school webmaster and the principal. If necessary, editing for content, design, grammar, spelling and appropriate nature will occur.

12. The use of computers in MVSD is a privilege. Respect for equipment and people must be shown at all times. Intentional damage, inappropriate equipment use, theft, or disrespect may result in one or more of the following consequences: Time off of computer with alternative assignment; Parent Phone Call; Detention Time/Clean Up Duty; Behavioral Referral to Principal; Permanent loss of computer privileges.