Responsible Computer Use Policy for Students
Introduction
By using the Sheldon College Network and ICT Services students agree to accept the terms and conditions outlined in this document. This policy document outlines the rights and responsibilities of Sheldon College students in relation to the use of Sheldon College ICT equipment. Sheldon College reserves the right to alter this document from time to time and as seen fit by the Principal. The Principal may decide to take any action as seen fit in relation to any breaches of this document, or any person’s actions that cause harm or loss to the College’s digital data, network or systems.
Responsible Use
Each student using the Sheldon College ICT Systems agrees that they are responsible for their actions. Students understand that all aspects of use of ICT will be monitored and that the ICT Administration may view students’ files, usage or screens at any time for either maintenance or monitoring. Any breach of these basic requirements could result in costs involved in repair/replacement being payable by students, students’ accounts being suspended or taking other disciplinary action as determined by the Principal.
All users agree not to:
• Eat or drink in any computer lab or whilst using a College computer.
• Deliberately seek to infect, damage or destroy hardware and/or software, College data, network or systems.
• Use a computer lab without teacher supervision.
• Print material that is not school related, e.g. personal photos, party invitations, whilst at school.
• Use computers or mobile devices to bully or harass others.
• Unplug or manipulate electrical and/or network cables for any purpose.
Responsible Use of Computer Facilities
Sheldon College provides computer facilities including access to Local Area Networks (LAN) and Internet resources to support one of the College’s core values, to enhance teaching and learning in a supportive school environment.
The use of such facilities is subject to the following provisions:
• the application of the 4 C’s in the use of all ICT equipment and systems, • the use of equipment only for school related activities,
• treating equipment with care and respect,
• keeping equipment clean and in good working order,
• reporting faulty or damaged equipment immediately to a teacher,
• relocating on a permanent or temporary basis any College owned equipment without prior express permission, and
• abiding by all other relevant Sheldon College Policies.
Computer Access
Computer rooms
• Computer access is available during opening hours (8am – 5pm) in both the Junior and Senior Learning Centres.
• SJ1 is available at lunchtime for general use.
• During lesson times, students must take a permission note and go to the relevant Learning Centre. If this is fully occupied, they can then ask permission of a teacher in a computer lab.
• Black and White printing is available in all computer labs and colour printing is also available in the Learning Centres and Linq Copy Centre.
Viruses
Students must take reasonable steps to ensure that they do not introduce or propagate computer virus infections within the Sheldon College community. Such reasonable steps include:
• regularly scanning any portable drives or CDs/DVDs used for transporting or distributing files,
• not opening email or files that are of a questionable or dubious origin, and
• only opening email attachments or files that are expected or from trusted sources.
Password Responsibilities
Student passwords are reset every semester. Students must ensure that their computer accounts are not used by other students. If a student suspects their computer account is being used by others, they must report it to ICT immediately and obtain a new password.
Music, Photos and Video
Students are permitted to have music, photos/pictures and video files on their Home Drive. However, they must be for curriculum use only. Any such media files can only be copies of your legally owned and/or self-produced multimedia.
Students enrolled in media subjects (i.e. Film, Television and New Media) are to only store music and video files on the Media Network provided by the College. Media of this nature stored on their Home Drive will be removed without notice.
Cyber bullying and Harassment
Cyber bullying through the use of computers and mobile devices is prohibited. Students should report all incidents of bullying/harassment to their Home Group Teacher/Year Level Co-‐ordinator/or College Director. Refer to the Sheldon College Anti-Bullying Policy for more information.
Use of Student Owned Computers, Laptops, Netbooks, Tablets (BYOD)
Sheldon College is committed to providing ICT environments that enable students to develop skills in line with our Student Exit Outcomes. As part of the existing Bring Your Own Device Program, Sheldon College students in Years 5–12 are able to access the College’s Wi-Fi network. The Wi-Fi network is a safe and secure system that enables students to seamlessly connect to a range of eLearning systems and online educational platforms from their device.
What is BYOD?
BYOD or Bring Your Own Device (also known as BYOT or Bring Your Own Technology) is the educational approach allowing students to bring personally owned technology devices to school to enhance their learning experiences and educational use of technology.
Students in Years 9-12 are required to bring a personal computing device to College as part of the College curriculum program. Sheldon College requires the device to meet minimum specifications that are listed on the College website.
College Expectations BYOD
Students who choose to bring a device must comply with the following College expectations:
• The device is only used when directed by the teacher.
• The device is to come to school fully charged. Charging on College grounds is not permitted without staff permission.
• Devices are not to be used before or after school or during lunch times in the playground.
• The device is to be used while supervised by a teacher in a classroom or at the Senior Learning Centre for Years 7-12 and Junior Learning Centre for Years 5 and 6.
• The device is to be used for curriculum purposes whilst at the College. If the device is used for any other purpose, the device will be confiscated and sent to Student Services for parent collection.
• The media content (photos, video, and audio) stored on the device should be appropriate in nature and shouldn’t be accessed within the College grounds unless part of an educational activity. Students who do not follow the guidelines will lose the privilege of using a device at school.
For further information please see the College website for a range of frequently asked questions with regards to the BYOD / Wi-Fi Program at Sheldon College.
Sheldon College provides filtered Wi-Fi and Internet access to the school network for student owned devices. Devices capable of connecting to the Internet using a mobile telephone network (3G, 4G) (e.g.: mobile phones, PDAs, and some Laptops and iPads) are not to use the 3G, 4G connection during College hours. These devices are to use the College Wi-Fi connection, unless teacher permission has been given.
Student use of personal computer devices
Under no circumstances may students attempt to circumvent the College wireless/wired network, by using means such as proxy tunnelling or the use of mobile Internet devices. Students are not to disconnect any electrical or network Ethernet cables for use in their own devices. The appropriate storage of laptops whilst at school is the responsibility of the student. Devices may be stored in bags on the port rack or in homerooms.
To clarify mobile phone usage within the College Grounds, parents and students are advised to refer to the Student Diary for the policy on this matter.
Students and parents/guardians must have their signed copy of this policy lodged with Student Services, along with the details of their ‘Personal Computing Device/s’ section completed, before bringing a device on to campus.
iLinq (Sheldon College Learning Management System)
iLinq is designed, updated and maintained by Sheldon College to support the learning, teaching and operational needs of the College and for communication between members of the Sheldon College Community.
iLinq must only be used to support the learning, teaching and operational activities of Sheldon College.
Use of iLinq
Any information that students contribute to iLinq is identifiable to that student along with the date and time of the contribution. When adding information to iLinq, students must ensure that what they contribute is not offensive, threatening, defamatory, racist, discriminatory or illegal.
Inappropriate use of iLinq may result in the loss of access to iLinq.sheldoncollege.com for those responsible.
The latest version of the iLinq Responsible Use Policy can be obtained from:
Responsible Computer Use Policy for Students Summary
(Note: Please present both pages of this summary document with the required signatures to Student Services.) Prohibited actions include:
1. Network Facilities and Communications Related Equipment:
o to use mobile phones or other unregistered electronic devices within the College grounds between arriving at school and completion of school for the day. Such devices will be confiscated.
o to use another student’s account or let another student use your account. o to divulge your password or allow your password to be given to others.
o to play unauthorised games/music/videos/photos from USB memory sticks (or other devices) on College computers.
o to alter, re-‐configure, interfere with, mistreat or damage equipment.
o to bring to the College via any device or email, any games or other software or any material that is defamatory or obscene or in violation of any law or
government regulation.
o to transmit files or documents which covertly include malware or viruses. Students must take reasonable steps to ensure that they do not introduce or propagate computer virus infections within the College community.
o to attempt to penetrate the computer or network security of the College or any individual.
o to have unauthorised access (or attempted access) to any other person’s computer, network account, email accounts or equipment.
o to plug in any device to College computers other than a simple USB memory stick and/or external hard drives unless a specialist staff member gives permission (i.e. digital camera).
o to save any non-‐school work material (e.g. games, mp3 files, videos, programs, photos) onto the network.
o to remove or disable monitoring software that allows monitoring of computers at the College.
o to breach any other College policy related to the use of ICT.
2. Internet Facilities:
o to publish any materials that brings Sheldon College, its staff or students into disrepute, or is defamatory. In particular, contributions made to web pages, including social networking sites or blogs, must not be harmful to the reputation of Sheldon College, its staff or students. Inappropriate comments will be referred to the Principal and, in serious instances, may lead to police involvement or legal action.
o to be involved in any form of cyber bullying including the use of phones, social websites, game sites, email, Internet chat or instant messaging. This will be dealt with under the Sheldon College Anti-Bullying Policy.
o to use the Internet in class time for recreational purposes.
o to use chat (IRC) sites or instant messaging programs within the College unless approved by your teacher.
o to access or transmit any material that is defamatory or obscene or in violation of any law or government regulation.
o to attempt any hacking activities.
o to transmit files or documents which covertly include malware or viruses. o to breach copyright.
o to attempt to bypass the College proxy in any way in order to connect to the Internet.
3. Email facilities:
o to disclose their email password.
o to write messages that contain words or any material that are defamatory or inappropriate or in violation of any law or government regulation.
o to read email messages of recipients other than your own.
o to send spam, annoying, harassing or abusive emails. This includes ‘chain’ or ‘forward (fwd)’ emails.
o to use the school email account for purposes other than related to College activities, e.g. exchanging files or information not relevant to school work.
Before agreeing to this Responsible Computer Use Policy, read and understand the prohibited actions within this document. This Policy can be viewed at the College in paper format, or on the College website at www.sheldoncollege.com
Student
I understand that my access to the College Local Area Networks and the Internet is a revocable privilege, not a right.
I have read and understand the Responsible Computer Use Policy for Students and agree to adhere to all of the provisions. I further understand that any violations of this contract may result in the immediate suspension of my electronic communication privileges and/or Local Area Network access during ALL CLASSES and OUT OF CLASS ACCESS TIMES, and that as a result of such violations, subject changes out of computer based classes and further disciplinary measures may be taken. I understand that this contract remains in force for the period of my enrolment. Name of Student ___________________________________________________ Signature of Student ___________________ ___________________
Student ID Number College Home Group _______/_______/_______
Day Month Year
Parent/Guardian
I am the parent/guardian of the above named student and have read the Responsible Computer Use Policy for Students.
I accept that, while teachers will always exercise their duty of care, protection against exposure to harmful information should depend finally upon responsible use by students. I am satisfied that my son/daughter understands this responsibility, and I hereby give my permission for him/her to use both the Internet and computer facilities in accordance with the Responsible Computer Use Policy. I understand that students breaking these rules will be subject to appropriate consequences, according to College policies and possibly State and Federal laws. I understand that this contract remains in force for the period of enrolment. _________________________________________________ Name of Parent/Guardian ___________________________________________________ Signature of Parent/Guardian _______/_______/______ Day Month Year
Personal Computing Device/s (BYOD) (Only complete the following if applicable) ____________________________________ (Student’s Name) is fully aware of the responsibilities related to the use of personal computing devices as outlined above and wishes to make use of this
opportunity. He/she agrees to take full responsibility for security and device protection and have the item/s clearly labelled with name, year level and home group for identification purposes.
