Please take a moment to review the infographic below, which outlines the guidelines for responsible technology use at AISJ. It provides an overview of key practices. The entire guideline document is available just beneath the infographic for a more comprehensive understanding.
Embedded Files
Technology Acceptable Use Infograph
Technology Acceptable Use Infograph
TECH POLICY (2).pdfAISJ's Student Technology Acceptable Use Guidelines
AISJ's Student Technology Acceptable Use Guidelines
1. Tech Use & Shared Resources
1. Tech Use & Shared Resources
Device Care: All devices provided by AISJ or used within its environment should be treated with utmost care. This involves avoiding exposure to liquids, extreme temperatures, and physical impacts. Regular maintenance checks and updates should be conducted to maintain their efficiency and extend lifespan.
Shared Resources: AISJ invests in technology to benefit all students and staff. That's why it's really important to use these resources we all share carefully and wisely. This means avoiding bandwidth-heavy activities during peak times, minimizing wasteful printing, and promptly logging out of shared systems.
School Device: It is your responsibility to bring a charged working laptop to school and to keep your laptops charged throughout the day.
Ethical Usage: Accessing, altering, or deleting files without proper authorization is considered unethical. The same applies to attempts at hacking, spreading malware, or using the school’s technology resources for illegal or harmful purposes.
2. Internet & Network Use (Including Appropriate Online Behavior)
2. Internet & Network Use (Including Appropriate Online Behavior)
Ethical Browsing: The internet is a vast resource, but not all its contents are appropriate or safe. It's crucial to navigate responsibly, avoiding sites that might host harmful or inappropriate content. This protects the individual and ensures that AISJ's network remains uncompromised.
Productive Network Use: The network should primarily serve educational and operational needs. Activities like video streaming or large downloads should be done responsibly to avoid hampering network performance.
Mission Alignment: All online communication—whether for academic, professional, or personal purposes—should align with the values and expectations of the AISJ community. This includes engaging in respectful dialogue, sharing accurate information, and representing oneself and the school in a positive and responsible manner.
Site Tracking: For security and educational purposes, AISJ tracks website and communication use through its network. This ensures that inappropriate sites are blocked and that students stay within educational parameters.
Respectful Online Behavior: Whether engaging in a class discussion forum, using social media, or commenting on public platforms, your online interactions should reflect the values of AISJ—truthful, respectful, and constructive. Posts made through personal or school accounts can have far-reaching consequences. If you’re unsure about posting something, take a moment to reflect. If it isn’t positive, necessary, or could be misunderstood, it’s better not to post. Be especially cautious when sharing personal information or engaging with unknown online contacts
Digital Footprint Awareness: Be aware that your digital footprint—the trail of your online activity—can have lasting consequences. Everything you post, comment on, or share online contributes to how others perceive you. Think carefully before posting or engaging online, even in private spaces.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (GenAI): AI tools must be used as a "Co-Pilot, not the Pilot." Students must maintain "Human-in-the-Loop" accountability, meaning they are fully responsible for the accuracy of their work and must fact-check AI for biases or "hallucinations" (false facts). AI work use must follow the AISJ AI Traffic Light Framework indicated by the teacher for the specific assignment. Passing off AI-generated content as original work without disclosure is a violation of Academic Integrity.
3. Computers, Tablets & Personal Tech
3. Computers, Tablets & Personal Tech
Purposeful Usage: Technology tools are primarily meant to enhance learning and teaching experiences. While personal tasks and leisure activities are natural, they shouldn't overshadow or interfere with academic or operational priorities.
Personal Tech Restrictions: Using personal mobile devices during instructional time should be restricted to academic tasks. These devices should be on silent during classes and meetings to avoid disturbances.
4. User Responsibility & Cyber Security
4. User Responsibility & Cyber Security
Online Representation: Whether using a personal or school-provided online account, the content shared and interactions made should be respectful and constructive. Negative or harmful posts can have far-reaching consequences and reflect poorly on the individual and the institution.
Data Protection: Regularly backing up important data prevents loss during system crashes or malware attacks. Using trusted antivirus and malware protection software and being wary of suspicious emails or links further fortifies this protection.
Anti-bullying: The online space should be an extension of the respectful environment within AISJ. Any form of cyberbullying, be it through social media, messaging apps, or other platforms, is strictly unacceptable.
5. Data Privacy & Security
5. Data Privacy & Security
Expectation of Privacy: While AISJ respects the privacy of its community, it's essential to understand that the school's primary duty is to ensure the safety and functionality of its systems. This might occasionally require access to individual data, but this is always done with the utmost discretion and for legitimate reasons.
Legal Adherence: The POPI Act serves as a guiding principle to protect personal information within the school's digital ecosystem. All data handling and processing should adhere to the standards and protections laid out by this act.
AI Data Privacy (Protecting PII): Students must never input Personally Identifiable Information (PII)—including their full name, home address, personal phone numbers, private student IDs, or the private information of classmates/teachers—into any Generative AI tool. Students must recognize that public AI platforms are third-party services, and data entered may be used to train future models.
Age Compliance for Third-Party Tools: Students must adhere to the age restrictions (typically 13+ or 18+ with parent permission) outlined in the Terms of Service for any AI tool they use, unless they are accessing the tool through a secure, school-managed account provided by AISJ.
6. Passwords, Encryption & Data Security
6. Passwords, Encryption & Data Security
Password Protection: A password serves as the first line of defense against unauthorized access. Hence, it's vital to choose strong passwords, keep them confidential, and change them periodically. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like "password123" or "AISJ2023".
Device Encryption: Encrypting devices adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that even if a device is lost or stolen, the data within remains inaccessible. This is especially crucial for devices containing sensitive information.
7. Email & Communication
7. Email & Communication
Email Etiquette: Emails, especially those sent from official AISJ accounts, should be composed with clarity, politeness, and professionalism. It's advisable to re-read emails before sending, ensuring the content is accurate and free from emotional or reactive language.
Data Respect: Every individual's digital communication, be it emails, chats, or shared documents, should be treated as confidential. Forwarding, sharing, or accessing someone else's communication without permission is a breach of trust and can have legal implications.
8. Physical Safety & Well-being
8. Physical Safety & Well-being
Prolonged Use Concerns: Over time, extended technology use can result in health challenges, such as repetitive strain injuries, posture issues, and vision concerns. Proper posture, regular screen breaks, and eye exercises can help mitigate these effects.
Recommendations: To counteract the effects of prolonged screen usage, the 20-20-20 rule is helpful: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to gaze at something 20 feet away, alleviating digital eye strain.
9. Data Back-up Protocol
9. Data Back-up Protocol
Importance of Backups: Data loss can be a significant setback, whether it's a student's assignment or crucial administrative data. Having backup protocols in place can prevent the disruption caused by accidental deletions or system failures.
Recommendations: Students and staff should be introduced to and encouraged to use trusted cloud services, and external drives for backing up essential files. It's also wise to have multiple backup points for redundancy.
10. Software Updates & Patches
10. Software Updates & Patches
System Vulnerabilities: Cyber threats are ever-evolving, and older software versions can become targets for breaches. Updates and patches often contain security improvements that protect against known vulnerabilities.
Regular Updates: By setting devices to auto-update or having regular update checks, users ensure they are protected. This applies to all software, from the operating system to individual applications.
11. Non-compliance & Consequences
11. Non-compliance & Consequences
Addressing Violations & Outcomes: For any breach of this Technology Acceptable Use Guideline, please take a look at the Code of Conduct, which details specific behaviours and possible consequences. Our primary objective is to educate and instill responsible digital conduct
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