Policy on the use of blogs, wikis, and social network sites
Access to the Internet will give students an exchange of information and ideas from around the world. This is an important learning experience which has benefits that outweigh the disadvantages. Although the purpose of accessing blogs, wikis, and social networks at school are for educational purposes, students and their families need to be aware that some material on the Internet may be inaccurate, illegal and/or offensive. Students should follow internet safety rules and guidelines set forth by their teacher and parents/guardians.
Access to network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. The network is provided for students to research and communicate with others. Students' code of conduct must be consistant with school rules on communication and general behavior set forth in the student handbook. Communication on the network is public in nature, so users must act accordingly. Network administrators may access files and communications to ensure that it is being used in the manner intended. Access is a privilege, not a right, and entails responsibility. The district is responsible for teaching, not controlling the communications of individuals using the network. Freedom of speech and access to information will be honored within reason, however, misconduct by students will result in loss of Internet privileges.
Blog
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Any student participating in a class blog must have a signed permission slip from the parent or guardian. The teacher directing the blog will keep the permission slip on file for the remainder of the school year.
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When using blogspaces, students will conduct themselves in a manner which is appropriate and proper as a representative of the school and community.
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Student use of a blog on school property or on school grounds must meet the division Acceptable Use Policy requirements. Should the student not meet these requirements, the student may be denied access to the technology available on campus.
Wikis
- Students must adhere to the division Acceptable Use Policy requirements. Students who do not meet these requirements may be denied access to the Internet available on campus.
- Any student participating in a classroom wiki must have a signed permission slip from the parent or guardian. The teacher monitoring the wiki will keep the permission slip on file for the remainder of the class.
- Students using wikis on school grounds will adhere to school rules regarding communications as set forth in the school handbook.
Social Networking Sites
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As a library media center it is our responsibility to provide students and teachers with access to information. It is our belief as a school that social networking sites offer students a valuable forum to develop information literacy skills. It is also our belief that social networking sites are websites that allow people to share ideas, collaborate, and interact with each other and therefore should not be blocked by the school library.
- The first step for ensuring the safety of our students is for the library media specialist to educate students about social networking sites and the dangers these sites can pose for them. The media specialist needs to explain to students the possible uses for these sites and how to properly use them. The LMS will also be responsible for holding an in-service meeting for teachers about social networking sites so that teachers can also monitor the use of these sites and answer questions their students may have. It is essential that the librarian offers workshops at several different times for parents so that they too will better understand social networking sites and will also understand the rules and regulations associated with their use.
- Once the students have learned about social networking sites and have had the opportunity to ask questions, students will be required to sign an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) to ensure that they are adhering to school rules when interacting with others on social network sites. Students who do not meet these requirements may be denied access to the Internet available on campus.
Comments (1)
Emalee Owens said
at 2:30 pm on Nov 16, 2007
Or maybe we could add it to the "policy" page on the sidebar
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