TVLC Computer/Internet Use Policy

Turner Virtual Learning Center encourages students in their quest for knowledge, however due to the complex and world-wide association between so many government agencies and networks on the Internet, all users must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are outlined in detail in the Computer/Internet Use Policy so that students, parents, and teachers are aware of the responsibilities they assume by gaining Internet access.

The Turner Virtual Learning Center makes no warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, for the Internet service provided. TVLC and its employees will not be responsible for any damages or loss of data resulting from service interruptions or equipment malfunctions, regardless of cause. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user’s own risk. TVLC specifically disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy of information obtained through any TVLC Internet Portal. Users should be aware of their actions and the sites they visit. There are many services available on the Internet that may be offensive to certain groups of users. Internet resources and addresses can change rapidly; therefore TVLC cannot eliminate access to all such services. It is, however, a TVLC policy to limit exposure to offensive material by holding individual users responsible for their navigation.

Penalties for violation of guidelines established in the Computer/Internet Use Policy can include any of the following:

If a TVLC staff member suspects internet misconduct, he or she will inform the local online contact listed in the enrollment packet or The TVLC Program Administrator within 10 calendar days (excluding the Education Service Center holidays) of discovering the evidence of possible misconduct. The TVLC administrator will notify the student and the Internet Misconduct Board within 10 calendar days (excluding the Education Service Center holidays) of receiving notification. The Internet Misconduct Board will consist of the Program Director of TVLC, the TVLC administrator, and the TVLC guidance counselor. From the date the student is notified by the TVLC administrator that he or she is suspected of internet misconduct, the student has 10 calendar days (excluding the Education Service Center holidays) to respond to TVLC regarding the suspected misconduct. After the 10-day period has elapsed, the Internet Misconduct Board will convene to examine the evidence of misconduct and the student's response. The Internet Misconduct Board then has 10 calendar days (excluding the Education Service Center holidays) to notify the student of the outcome. The decision of the Internet Misconduct Board is final.

Other consequences for violation of Computer/Internet Use are stated in the Policy. Misuse of computer resources also may result in civil or criminal liability.

All Turner Virtual Learning Center employees will receive a copy of the Computer/Internet Use Policy which contains the procedures for implementing this Policy. This Computer/Internet Use Policy has been prepared for all students and employees. The procedures set forth in this Policy shall be strictly observed and followed.

Responsibilities

TVLC will strive to provide error-free, dependable access to the computing resources associated with the use of the Internet. TVLC will not be responsible for any damages or costs arising directly or indirectly from student or staff activities on the Internet. TVLC will not be responsible for information that is lost, damaged, or unavailable due to technical or other difficulties. TVLC will not be responsible for the accuracy or appropriateness of information retrieved via the network. With access to individuals and computers all over the world, students may come into contact with material that is controversial or inaccurate. TVLC has no control over the nature or content of information residing on other computer systems, and disclaims any responsibility to exercise such control.

TVLC staff

  1. Staff will present guidelines covered in the Computer/Internet Use Policy.
  2. Staff will provide a clearly defined educational purpose and set of instructions on what the students are to investigate on the Internet and where they should go.
  3. Staff will monitor all students who are on-line.
  4. Staff will abide by all TVLC policies outlined in the Computer/Internet Use Policy.
  5. Staff will use all tools provided by TVLC for educational purposes only. They are not available for personal use.

Students

  1. Students will abide by all TVLC policies outlined in the Computer/Internet Use Policy.
  2. Students will use all tools provided by TVLC for educational purposes only. They are not available for personal use.
  3. Students will demonstrate full understanding of all topics covered in the Computer/Internet Use Policy.

Parents (For those students under 18 years of age)

  1. Parents will gain a full understanding of all topics covered in the Computer/Internet Use Policy.
  2. Parents will stress the importance of safe and ethical use of Computer/Internet resources.

Netiquette

Use the network in a way that does not disrupt the use of others.

  1. Do not destroy, modify, or abuse any TVLC computer resources.
  2. This would include, but is not limited to, vandalism of computers, software and/or network devices or intentionally bringing a virus to the network; access program files, or other protected information.

Abide by a common code of ethics understood by all Computer/Internet users.

  1. Do not publish any information that violates or infringes the rights of any other person.
  2. All Computer/Internet users have a right to privacy in their electronic communications.
  3. Do not access, modify, copy, delete or distribute files or data belonging to someone else without their permission. This includes email messages you receive. Messages posted in a public forum (newsgroups, bulletin boards, etc.) may be copied in subsequent communications as long as credit is given to the original author.
  4. Do not transfer or redistribute material that is not your own without the expressed written permission of the owner or authorized person. Copyright violations are punishable under state and federal law.
  5. Do not attempt to use others’ work as your own.
  6. Do not attempt to gain unauthorized access to restricted networks. Such activity may subject the user to criminal prosecution.
  7. Do not read or damage others’ data by deleting, copying or modifying.

Saftey And Security

Personal Security

Since the Internet is faceless, it is easy for people to misrepresent themselves. The identity of the person(s) with whom you are communicating is not certain. It is especially important for students to guard their own privacy and the privacy of their peers.

  1. Do not reveal any personal information (name, address, phone numbers, etc.) about yourself or others over the Internet.
  2. Do not share your Internet or program password(s) with anyone else. TVLC Internet users are solely responsible for any activity conducted on the Internet under their personal logins, and you will be held directly accountable for any violations of applicable law or this Internet Policy which are traced back to your login.
  3. Do not assume the identity of someone else or misrepresent yourself to others on the Internet.

Abide by Community Learning Center guidelines and government laws

Software, graphics and other documents on the Computer/Internet are protected by copyright laws just like books and magazines and should not be copied without written permission of the author.

  1. Do not use the Computer/Internet to promote or encourage illegal activities, including but not limited to: the use of controlled substances, violence, theft of another’s work or other property, defamation of any person or group of persons, or "hacking".
  2. Do not use the Computer/Internet to promote or encourage activities specifically prohibited by the TVLC. Do not intentionally introduce a virus into the network or any other computer system on the Internet. Deliberate attempts to degrade or disrupt the performance of computer systems or networks by spreading computer viruses may subject the user to criminal prosecution. If you believe that a virus may have been introduced into the system, notify your teacher or a school administrator immediately.
  3. Do not send materials which are not directly related to the educational mission of Turner Virtual Learning Center.
  4. Do not download or transmit material, information, or software in violation of any local, state, or federal law.
  5. Do not upload any file or material to any intranet, internet or extranet site without the expressed permission of the system administrator
  6. Do not use any computer resource to host an intranet, internet or extranet site without the approval of the system administrator.

General Use Guidelines

General Network Operating Procedures

  1. Avoid spreading computer viruses. Viruses are easily transmitted from machine to machine and can destroy data or whole programs. Some material acquired from the Internet may be infected with viruses. Always use a virus scan any downloaded files or diskettes used on the network.
  2. Web cameras are solely for classroom use, any other use is strictly prohibited. Suspected misuse should be reported immediately to the system administrator.
  3. Notify your instructor, and peers, of any problems encountered when using a computer resource such as vandalism, breach of copyright, breach of password, or general operating errors.

Use the Internet in ways that support education and research and are consistent with the educational objectives of the TVLC.

The Internet is not a textbook; some of the information accessed may not be accurate.

Be careful researching sources to distinguish the true from the false and the useful from the useless.

  1. Do not create, search for, endeavor to access, view, distribute or save obscene, pornographic, or offensive material while using the Internet. As with any other media or information service, inappropriate material is available. This material does not support the educational objectives of the Greenbush and should not be accessed.
  2. Take care when navigating sites which utilize pop up advertising. Many companies use pop ups to invade computers with Ad-ware and/or Spy-ware, significantly degrading network resources.
  3. Access to Internet POP3 email accounts (i.e. Hotmail, Yahoo mail) is explicitly prohibited without expressed permission of the instructor while in a learning session.
  4. Do not use the Turner Virtual Learning Center network for any product advertisement or endorsement, political lobbying, or commercial purposes.
  5. Do not make purchases or subscribe to any other on-line providers under the name of TVLC, students, or staff. Any costs incurred by a student or staff member are the responsibility of the student or staff and his/her family.

The computer resources are monitored on a regular basis. Hardware, software, and other files deemed not educational or approved for educational purposes will be deleted if found. All information on computer systems owned by TVLC is warranted as non-private and/or TVLC property. If an infraction of the Usage Policy is suspected, the user will be informed, and all data, media, and/or other devices may be reviewed and/or confiscated by the user's immediate supervisor. Data and media includes, but is not limited to : Web cache, documents, programs, downloads, financial records, email, connected network devices, CD's, floppy disks, RAM chips, and any external hardware device such as web-cameras.

By agreeing below, I certify that I have read and understand the policies and guidelines stated in the Greenbush Computer Use / Internet Policy and will abide by all such policies while in the Greenbush program(s).

I Agree