Computer/Internet Technology
Fulton Public Schools

Linking Index

Introduction to Computer Technology

The Fulton Public Schools District believes computer technology can positively affect the work and educational experience for students and staff. It is, therefore, a goal of the school district to make computer technology available for all to use as they need. In order to fulfill this commitment, it is essential to the school district that computer hardware, software, data, and networks be maintained in a secure environment and be used in a responsible manner. This document outlines the privileges and responsibilities of technology users of the school district's computer/Internet technology in furtherance of the school district's goals. It applies to all computers and peripherals whether a part of a computer network or a stand-alone system.

Privileges for Students and Staff

All students and staff in the school district have the privilege to access and use the various computer/Internet technologies within the school district. This privilege extends to the use of computers, printers, software, scanners, the Internet, and any other available peripheral computer equipment in support of their educational goals or work requirements. All students and staff of the school district also have the privilege to utilize the school's electronic file server in order to access other computer networks and the Internet.

Responsibilities for Students and Staff

All students and staff in the school district, by exercising their privilege to access computer technology, imply acceptance of their responsibility to maintain the school district's computer system and respect the property of the school district. Specifically: As technology is available to all in the school district, it is essential that computer equipment be maintained in a functional state. All technology users have the responsibility to refrain from damaging or altering computer equipment provided by the school district. This extends to either the physical damage or the changing of software configurations on any computer equipment and/or related peripherals. Technology users have the responsibility to keep food and drink products away from computers and other technology equipment and out of the computer classroom labs. Technology user-accounts are established for the private use of the person for whom they are created. All technology users have the responsibility to refrain from using other person's accounts under any circumstances without the express consent of that person. Technology users further have the responsibility to protect their own accounts from improper use by other users. It is the responsibility of all technology users to ensure that they do not introduce any software to the computer systems, either as a stand-alone or a part of the computer network, that would be detrimental to the integrity of the total computer system. It is the responsibility of all technology users to ensure they do not introduce computers viruses to electronic files that may damage the school district's computer system. It is the responsibility of all technology users to refrain from deleting or otherwise altering any electronic files they do not own. User ownership of electronic files is defined as those electronic files a technology user may create using an application program such as a word processor, database, spreadsheet, etc. It is the specific intent of the school district to be in compliance with the various copyright laws. Only specifically authorized school district personnel are permitted to introduce and/or to install new software to any computer system owned by the school district. It is the responsibility of all technology users not to copy programs from any computer system for their own personal use, to provide programs to others, or to sell programs. In that there are electronic files and application/programming programs on the various systems used in support of the mission or responsibilities of the school district, it is the responsibility of all technology users not to access any electronic files or application/programming programs for which they have not been given specific permission or authorization. Privacy is a concern of computing systems. All technology users have the responsibility not to violate any other user's privacy by reading or copying electronic files for which they lack authorization. Technology users have the responsibility to consider the needs of others. Therefore, the playing of recreational games is not allowed if this prevents others from using the computer equipment in the furtherance of their educational goals or work requirements.

The Internet for Students and Staff

The school district believes the Internet offers a unique opportunity for research to all users of the school district's resources. However, this opportunity also poses some extra responsibilities and provisions to all who access the Internet. As a technology user of the Internet, the school district has certain responsibilities to our Internet provider. These responsibilities are shared by all who have an Internet access account: Internet users have the responsibility not to attempt to represent themselves as another person, whether by another user of our computer system or someone outside our computer system, nor to use or alter electronic files belonging to other users, accounts belonging to others, or to alter passwords belonging to others. Internet users have the responsibility to respect copyright laws on the Internet as it pertains to programs or electronic files belonging to others. Internet users have the responsibility to respect the integrity of the computer systems and not to introduce programs to harass other computer users or to infiltrate other computer systems and/or damage other computer systems or operating systems. Internet users have the responsibility not to engage in advertising for products or services. Internet users have the responsibility not to involve themselves in the creation or the forwarding of chain-letters to other Internet users. Internet users have the responsibility not to access electronic files considered to be abusive, obscene, offensive, pornographic, or prejudicial against individuals or groups. Internet users have the responsibility to request permission prior to subscribing to news groups or lists from the Internet. Internet users have the responsibility to refrain from sending harassing or abusive E-mail to any other computer user on the Internet and to report the receipt of such E-mail to authorized school district personnel. Internet users have the responsibility to refrain from playing interactive or other types of games on the Internet. The school district reserves the right to monitor the usage of the computing facilities related to the staff and the student use of the Internet to ensure all users are adhering to their responsibilities. The school district further reserves the right to take appropriate disciplinary action against individuals who fail to comply with this Acceptable User for Computer/Internet Technology Policy. To enjoy the technology facilities of the school district, students and staff must sign the Acceptable User for Computer/Internet Technology Form attached. For students and staff under the age of eighteen (18), a parent/guardian signature is also required.

Acceptable User Acceptance Form For Computer/Internet Technology Fulton Public Schools 8060 Ely Highway Middleton, Michigan 48856 I have read and understand the Fulton Public Schools District Acceptable User Policy for Computer/Internet Technology and agree to comply with the rights and responsibilities contained in that document. I understand the failure to fulfill my responsibilities as they relate to the use of computer/Internet technologies in the school district may result in disciplinary action. Print Student/Staff Name: ________________________________________________ Student/Staff Signature:__________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature (if under 18):____________________________________ School Building Location:__________________________________ Grade of Student:________________________ Telephone Number of Parent/Guardian:____________________