Policy+Statement

=**SACS Middle School Technology Use Guide (draft)** =

**This document entitled "SACS Middle School Technology Guide contains the following:** **1. Definition of technology use for middle school students.** **2. The SACS AUP (Acceptable Use Policy)** **3. General 1 to 1 Laptop Guidelines**

**Mission** **and Belief**– SACS Middle School administration and faculty believe it is essential that students be provided with the proper 21st Century tool set that promotes student success now and in the future. In the past few years a multitude of new and exciting technology devices and technology applications have become available. The internet and Web 2.0 allow collaboration, blogging, student construction, wikis, and personal productivity tools. Devices including cell phones, mini laptops, tablets, PDA’s and mp3 players are making great inroads with our students. The school-wide network has the potential to provide and facilitate a learning experience beyond the classroom walls. All of these technologies, when properly used, will promote educational excellence while creating a true culture of learning by promoting collaboration, communication, creativity, innovation, problem solving, research, inquiry, and productivity within the school day. Furthermore, these new technologies allow a rigor and relevance that will supersede the school walls allowing for learning opportunities that include the community, state, nation, and world providing students real world learning experiences. These opportunities are essential for our students whose future includes a highly competitive high school, college, and workforce environment. With this in mind, all students must understand that the implementation of these new technologies makes it imperative that SACS Middle Schools provide a **//SACS Middle School Technology//** //**Guide**// in addition to the **//SACS AUP//** so that the specific needs of SACS middle school students can be addressed and provided for. Students must understand that illegal, unethical, inappropriate, and distasteful use of the technologies mentioned can have a consequence harming the school and all of its stakeholders, including its students. The **//SACS Middle School// //Technology Use Guide//** has been provided to minimize the likelihood of any negative outcomes by educating students, staff, and parents while setting expectations and standards to protect Woodside and its stakeholders. Digital resources, information, and interaction are essential for the education of today’s digital native. The intent of the **//SACS Middle School Technology Use Guide//** is to facilitate the learning of academic, citizenship, and social skills necessary to be successful in an ever increasing digital environment. The development of the **//SACS Middle School//** **//Technology Use Guide//** is in direct correlation with the 2010 statewide adoption of **//ISTE 2007 NETS Student Standards.//** This includes developing the skills for the standards listed below. A quick review of these standards provides a basis for integrating new technologies in the educational setting. The **//SACS Middle School//** **//Technology Use Guide//** puts a special emphasis on **//Standard Five//** entitled **//Digital Citizenship//**. This standard sets the roadmap and expectations for delivering the other five essential 21st Century standards 1. **Creativity and Innovation** - Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. 2. **Communication and Collaboration** - Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. 3. **Research and Information Fluency** - Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. 4. **Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision** **Making** - Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. 5. **Digital Citizenship** - Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior. Students advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology. 6. **Technology Operations and Concepts** - Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.

**Responsibility of the Middle School Technology User -** SACS Middle School technology users are expected to maintain the high standards required and enforced by the **//SACS Middle School Technology Use Guide.//** Please note that the SACS Middle Schools and the SACS school district comply with the rules of (CIPA) **//Child Internet Protection Act//**. CIPA requires schools using E rate discounts to operate //"a technology protection measure with respect to any of its computers with Internet access that protects against access through such computers to inappropriate resources and websites that could be harmful to minors.”// Such a technology protection measure must be employed during any use of such computers by minors. Even with these protections in place, as students use the internet for learning it is possible, **by accident or intent**, that a student will see objectionable website material. Although school district teachers and technicians are taking reasonable steps to prevent students from such experiences, it is impossible to eliminate all inappropriate material all of the time. Teachers and other responsible adults will supervise students at school just as parents and guardians supervise students at home. The purpose of district-provided internet access is to facilitate communications in support of research and education. To remain eligible as users, students’ use must be in support of, and consistent with, the educational objectives of SACS Middle Schools. **Access is a privilege**, and is not considered a right. With this in mind, access entails responsibility. As stated earlier, students are required to use the internet and district technology equipment for school sponsored educational purposes only. It may not be used for personal reasons. Student utilizing district-provided internet access must first have the permission of, and must be supervised by, the school’s professional staff. Students utilizing school provided internet access are responsible for good behavior online, just as they are in a classroom or any other area of the school. The same school rules for behavior and communications apply as students use the internet and all of its collaboration, communications, and creativity capabilities. It is imperative that all users understand that files stored on school-based computers, devices, school district networks, or other cloud based services will be monitored. This includes keystrokes entered into any site, such as Google during a search. All student digital activity in reference to school owned equipment, networks, and service provider resources will be treated like school lockers. Administrators and faculty may review all activity to maintain system integrity and ensure that users are acting responsibly. SACS reserves and intends to exercise the right to review, analyze, edit or otherwise supervise all uses of the internet while regulating use by students. Any violation of **//SACS AUP//** or the **//SACS Middle School Technology Use Guide//** may result in loss of district provided access to the school technology equipment and the internet. Additional disciplinary action may be applied at the building level in keeping with existing procedures and practices regarding inappropriate language and/or behavior. Please understand that where applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In conclusion, review the guidelines set forth in this guide. Also understand that SACS is not responsible for any disruption of network services or the loss of content that resides on the school machines, network, cloud based services, or related infrastructure. It is always wise to make backups of all work! All students are expected to comply and will be held accountable for adhering to the rules of the **//SACS Middle School Technology Use Guide//** along with the **//SACS AUP//** as supplied in the **//Student VISA//**.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">** Student Guidelines ** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. **Educational Purpose and Proper Use** - All use of school equipment, networks, supporting networks, and student devices connected to the network must be in direct correlation with the learning process. These actions must take place with permission and under the direct supervision of a teacher. Appropriate use also means no use of private and personal accounts including audio/video, social networking sites, unrelated chatting, or buying and selling of materials. //Note -// //Personal devices are used and brought to class only with teacher permission. They must be turned off when entering the classroom. If permission is granted to be turned on, all use is directed toward class work, and only **school network connections** are permitted.// //Students are responsible for their personal property and the school assumes no liability for student property.// <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. **Copyright/Intellectual Property** - All resources obtained/used should be properly cited. All students are expected to respect the rights of and the intellectual property of others in accordance with Federal Copyright Law and Fair Use Policy. This includes written work, pictures, graphics, audio, and video files. Even multimedia owned by the student or downloaded at home must abide by rules of //Fair Use//. If a student is granted permission to post on the web it will be under the direct supervision of a teacher and will comply with the **//SACS Acceptable Use Policy//** as stated in the //**Student VISA**//. //Note -// //Any form of plagiarism is considered a violation of copyright. Such infractions may result in disciplinary action in regards to both academic and discipline policy.// <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. **Student Identification** – In direct compliance with CIPA, SACS Middle Schools attempts to provide privacy to all of its students. Woodside students are also responsible for the act of protecting their own and others’ identity. This includes but is not limited to the following items. Students will not post or submit name, personal identifying information, address, location, identification or telephone numbers. **Keep in mind that this includes not just oneself, but all other students.** This includes submitting information that is requested by websites whether educational, contest, or membership oriented. //Note – In some cases classes may use Web 2.0 applications such as Google Docs, Kidblog, or Edmodo. These same identifying features will **not** be used by any such services which may also include, but are not limited to, e-mail, blogs, wikis, chats, phlogs, glogs, web pages, forums, or any other curricular or non-curricular locations on the network or internet. If in doubt, students will check with their teacher and/or the **SACS Acceptable Use Policy**// //found in **Middle School Student VISA**.// <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4. **Digital Citizenship** - Electronic and/or digital communications should be tasteful and school appropriate. All communication should be polite. Remember that one is communicating with other human beings whose culture, language, and humor have different points of reference from your own. Never forward others information without their knowledge and approval. Understand when it is proper to use text messaging jargon. //Note – Remember the school network, and all other networks are not private. On the school network your actions are monitored. Be a good Digital Citizen.//

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">5. **Appropriate Behavior** - No student shall use the Internet, school network, coordinating networks, school machines, or personal devices in any manner, which could be deemed offensive or disruptive to the educational process. For the intended purpose of this guide, offensive or disruptive conduct is any use of the Internet to communicate or to receive communication and/or products, documents or any other tangible means of expression, that contain sexual implications, racial slurs, gene-specific comments, or any other statement that offensively addresses a person’s age, sexual orientation, religious or political beliefs, national origin or disability. Any bullying, harassment, threats, degradation of individual(s) will be considered a breach of rules in regards to **//SACS//** **//District Policy//**, the **//SACS VISA//**, **//SACS AUP//**, and the **// SACS Middle School Technology Use Guide //**. Inappropriate behavior also includes searching, contributing, downloading, and/or viewing inappropriate material, threatening individuals or organizations, breaking local/state/federal laws, disrupting and damaging district property/ networks, digital cheating, or bypassing district network filters. Such infractions will be disciplined at the school and district levels, and may be turned over to area law enforcement officials. //Note – Inappropriate internet activity can be determined when using school resources, and/or personal devices both in and out of school when logged in on school networks or affiliated networks. Disciplinary action will result when such activity is deemed offensive or disruptive to the educational process.// <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">6. **Log In And Password Etiquette** – Each student has been given a student login and password for various school resources. This login and password is not to be shared with others. Students will not use another student’s login and password to gain access to and fraudulently use another’s account. Students will not seek to gain access to other students’ accounts by any means including, but not limited to, looking through others’ materials or by watching another student log in. //Note - To protect your privacy always log on and off each machine you use at school and in other public locations. Never accept a browser’s request to remember your login information.// <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">7. **Personal Electronic and Mobile Devices** - Use of any technology oriented device at school should have an educational focus. Users must adhere to the **//SACS AUP//** and the **//SACS Middle School Technology Use Guide//** regarding the use of additional electronic devices including, but not limited to, personal digital assistants (PDAs), calculators, gaming devices, cellular phones, digital camera/flip videos, tablet pcs, laptops, iPods/mp3s, and electronic books. Access will be determined by the administrator of the school. The **//Guide//** and **//SACS AUP//** apply in regards to authorization, use, responsibility, integrity, intellectual property, and network monitoring. If a particular mobile device is to be used for educational purposes, the school administration and/or teacher will provide parameters for this use. //Note - Text messaging, email, voice over IP, chat rooms and instant messaging, regardless of device or network id, used inappropriately may be deemed offensive or disruptive to the educational process resulting in disciplinary action. All devices should remain off when entering and exiting classrooms and should only be used with teacher permission// <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">8. **Email, Text Message, Posts, and Chats –**Such services if available and necessary for curricular facilitation will have access provided by SACS. Such access does not imply permission of use unless integrated within the classroom learning environment. In these cases students, will be directed to use specific resources and will be expected to abide by regulations provided in **SACS AUP**, **SACS Middle School Technology Use Guide,** and the **SACS 1 To 1 Initiative Guidelines.** This is to include all aspects of proper Digital Citizenship defined in these documents. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">9. **1 To 1 Laptop Initiative –** All middle school students are issued a laptop with school network connectivity for the purpose of enhancing their educational experience while facilitating a 21st century educational experience. This initiative promotes student learning, inquiry, innovation, collaboration, creativity, production, communication with emphasis of important content standards and increased rigor. Students are expected to abide to all mandates stipulated in the **//SACS AUP//** and **//Middle School Technology Use Guide//** which includes expectations and requirements for the **//1 To 1 Laptop Initiative.//** It is important to read the policy stipulated in the **//1 To 1 Guidelines.//**

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**__ General 1 to 1 Laptop Guidelines __**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The laptop and all of its components are the property SACS Schools.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Students should have no expectation of privacy of information stored on, accessed from, or used with the laptop. SACS reserves the right to inspect laptops and files at any time.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">If technical issues arise, students must notify a teacher immediately.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Under no circumstances (except in emergencies) may laptops be left in unsupervised areas. These areas include and are not excluded to the school grounds and campus, cafeteria, locker rooms, library, unlocked classrooms or hallways.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">If laptop fails, student maybe required to complete hand-written work until loaner is provided.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Files/documents may not be deleted by anyone other than the original creator/owner.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">All Sound will be muted at all times unless permission is obtained from the teacher.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Inappropriate content (refer to AUP and Tech Guide) will not be allowed on laptops.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Students must log in under their assigned username/password and will not share this information
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Student work will be stored on designated desktop area, network or cloud provided services.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Student use of the Internet must comply with district guidelines. All files are subject for review.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Each computer is assigned to an individual student.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Students should never share their computer with another student.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">If the computer is damaged or not working properly, notify your teacher. It will be turned in to SACS Technology Staff for repair. Please do not attempt to repair the computer.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**__Responsibilities__** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**//Student//** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**// Parent //**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Students must understand and agree to the “Laptop User Agreement”. (Signatures maybe required)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Students are responsible during school hours for their assigned laptop.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Students are responsible picking up their laptop in assigned area of school each morning.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Students are responsible for carrying their laptop in provided laptop bag at all times.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Students should not loan their laptop or any laptop component to another student.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Students are responsible for shutting down, returning laptop, and charging battery daily.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Students are responsible for reviewing and abiding by SACS AUP and Middle School Tech Use Guide.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Parents must understand and agree to the “Laptop User Agreement”. (Signatures maybe required)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Parents/guardians are responsible for reviewing the SACS AUP found in VISA and Middle School Tech Use Guide with their student.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Parents/guardians should monitor their student’s Internet activities on a regular basis.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**__Laptop Care & Maintenance__**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Laptops must be transported in the provided case or other case designed for a laptop.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">To prevent damage, laptops need to be either shut down or put in sleep mode when not in use.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Never leave a laptop unattended including on the floor where it could be stepped on.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Do not place food. Liquids or other substances near the laptop that could result in damage.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Do not place heavy objects on top of the laptop. This is also important when placing in a locker.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Never attempt to repair, reconfigure, or download a program to laptop or any of the peripherals.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Do not write, draw, stick, tape, or adhere anything to the laptop.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Do not personalize the case or laptop using markers, stickers, etc. Identification will be provided.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Keep the laptop and other electronic storage media away from electromagnetic fields.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Do not expose the laptop to direct sunlight, or prolonged extreme temperatures.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Do not place the laptop on surfaces such as paper, cardboard, or carpet while it is turned on.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Do not carry the laptop while the screen is open or carry by the screen.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Do not place anything on top of the laptop nor lean or sit on it when it is closed.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Do not place anything in the laptop bag that may press against the cover or damage the laptop.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Do not touch the screen with anything. (This includes fingers, pens, pencils, etc.)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Do not place anything on the keyboard before closing the lid (e.g., pens, pencils, paper, etc.)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Take care when inserting cords, cables and other removable storage devices to avoid damage to the laptop ports.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Clean screen, touch pad, and laptop with only approved material… and machine unplugged. See teacher

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**__ Laptop Storage __** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**__ Laptop Repair Procedure __** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**__ Year End Procedure __**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Laptops will be labeled with a district-approved label. Label may not be removed for any reason.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Laptops, cords, bags and accessories are the property of SACS.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Students’ laptops will be stored at school each night, including weekends.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">A laptop in need of repair will be reported to teacher or SACS tech staff.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Students are issued a “loaner” laptop for use during repair. Loaner may not have all capabilities.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Policies outlined in this handbook also apply to loaner laptops.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">A loaner laptop may not be issued if damage is determined to be purposeful or due to negligence.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">At the end of the school year students will leave the laptop and all accessories at school.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The laptops and accessories will be inventoried and inspected for damage.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">All laptops and accessories will be secured in a designated storage room for the summer.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">** References ** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">[][|http:// www.kleinisd.net/docs/1-fs.it.aups.pdf] [] [] []