Internet Acceptable Use Policy
The Internet is a vast, global network, linking computers. Through the Internet, one can communicate with people all over the world through a number of discussion forums. In addition, many files are available for viewing or downloading on the Internet, many of which are of educational value. Because of its enormous size, the Internet’s potential is boundless. However, with such great potential for education also comes potential for abuse. The Internet at Notre Dame Academy is to be used with proper use and intent. Use of the Internet and related technologies is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in cancellation of this privilege.
Educational purposes include:
Google Accounts (Grades 2-8)
Google Apps Education Edition offers a free (and ad-free) set of customizable tools that enable teachers and students to work together and learn more effectively. The account established is a service provided by Google that allows users to communicate and collaborate effectively in a digital educational environment. Students will use Google for educational purposes. The Google account assigned to your child was created by the school and assigned to your child. No student’s personal information was collected by Google in creating these accounts. The school is in control of which Google services it provides for student use. Teacher supervision, school filters, and spot checking student’s accounts will be used to ensure that student’s use of digital tools adheres to school policy.
Students will use these tools available to all Google Account Members:
The school has a registered Google domain and students will be monitored when using Google Apps Tools at school. The administrator of the domain can turn off a student’s services based on the items stated in this Acceptable Use Policy.
- All students with parental/guardian permission will have access to the Internet and the World Wide Web information resources through their classroom, library, and/or school computer labs.
- Students and their parents/guardians must sign an Internet Use Agreement to be granted Internet access privileges. This agreement must be renewed annually.
- Students must take full responsibility for their actions. NDA, along with the other organizations (contracted Internet service provider) will not be liable for the actions of individual students participating on-line through the school. All users of the Internet at NDA will assume full liability, legal, financial, or otherwise for their actions.
- NDA takes no responsibility for any information or materials that are accessed or transferred through the Internet.
- If a student finds materials that may be deemed inappropriate, he/she should refrain from downloading it, refrain from continuing to browse that particular site, he/she will not identify the location to other students, and he/she will report the location to a faculty member.
Educational purposes include:
- Classroom activities, educational and career development and limited high quality self-discovery activities.
- NDA has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the material students access
- Students may not use the Internet for commercial purposes (purchasing products or services)
- Students will not use the Internet to perform any act that may be construed as illegal or unethical, including the use of the connection to gain unauthorized access to the other systems on the network.
- Posting personal contact information about herself or other people.
- Accessing personal E-mail accounts or participating with on-line chat rooms.
- Logging on through another person’s account or accessing another person’s file.
- Making deliberate attempts to disrupt the computer service or destroying data by spreading computer viruses or by any other means.
- Using the Internet at the Academy to engage in any other illegal act, such as arranging a drug sale or the purchase of alcohol, engaging in criminal activity, threatening the safety of a person, etc.
- Illegally distributing software, otherwise known as pirating. Any student caught transferring such files through the Internet, or any student who accounts are found to contain such illegal files, will immediately have their Internet privileges permanently revoked.
- Using inappropriate language in public messages, private messages, and material posted on Web pages.
- Using obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language.
- Engaging in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks.
- Harassing another person.
- Plagiarizing works that he/she finds on the Internet. All students must respect the rights of copyright holders. Copyright infringement occurs when you inappropriately reproduce a work that is protected by a copyright.
Google Accounts (Grades 2-8)
Google Apps Education Edition offers a free (and ad-free) set of customizable tools that enable teachers and students to work together and learn more effectively. The account established is a service provided by Google that allows users to communicate and collaborate effectively in a digital educational environment. Students will use Google for educational purposes. The Google account assigned to your child was created by the school and assigned to your child. No student’s personal information was collected by Google in creating these accounts. The school is in control of which Google services it provides for student use. Teacher supervision, school filters, and spot checking student’s accounts will be used to ensure that student’s use of digital tools adheres to school policy.
Students will use these tools available to all Google Account Members:
- Custom email address to log in to the users account (the mail function has been disabled for our students)
- Calendar to enter assignments and activities
- Individual or shared online word processing document (similar to Microsoft Word),
- Presentation documents (similar to PowerPoint) and spreadsheet documents (similar to Excel)
- Google Earth and Maps
The school has a registered Google domain and students will be monitored when using Google Apps Tools at school. The administrator of the domain can turn off a student’s services based on the items stated in this Acceptable Use Policy.