ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Acceptable Use Policy

These guidelines are intended to help students make the best educational use of the technology available at PLC Sydney. Students should understand the following.

The College provides access to technology to assist them to do Internet based research and to support their academic studies
The equipment and services such as Internet access are shared; therefore the reputation and opportunities of the whole College community are dependent on the responsible and considerate use of technology by each student.

When using PLC Sydney equipment

Students should:

Observe the operating, care and general maintenance instructions relevant to the particular equipment
Observe the recommended posture and exercise routines associated with regular computer use
Report any operating problems to a staff member
Observe the conventions of respect and courtesy for others.

Students should not:

Have mobile phones turned on during any lessons, functions or examinations unless required by the teacher for class activities. Students are responsible for maintaining the security of their own valuables and this includes mobile phones.

2. When using PLC Sydney Internet and Email Facilities

Students need to be aware that:

All activity on the Internet is monitored and logged
All material viewed is scanned for viruses
All the content viewed is scanned for offensive material
Your PLC Sydney email address is to be used for educational purposes only
Personal emails should be sent using a personal email address.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Any breach of the guidelines below may result in exclusion from use of College facilities. Activity deemed to be illegal will be reported to the appropriate authority.

3. Internet and Email Usage

Students should:

Use the Internet only for educational purposes within the College
Be familiar with the College protocols on Appropriate Academic Conduct and the Board of Studies course “All My Own Work” in order to observe the legal protections of copyright
Take great care to ensure their safety and the safety of others by not releasing any personal information (such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, photographs) and not agreeing to meet anyone contacted on the Internet, except where such activities occur within a secure area set up by the College
Be respectful of others at all times by using appropriate language in communicating with teachers, fellow students and others.

Students should not:

Attempt to find or transmit any obscene, pornographic, racist, violent, illegal or other unacceptable or offensive material or comments. They should report the accidental access of any such material to a staff member
Send anonymous emails or attempt to take on the identity of anyone else when using emails or the Internet
Disclose their security details (password) or use the details of any fellow students
Attempt to breach the security systems of the College
Submit any material copied from the Internet as their own work (plagiarism), without using appropriate referencing protocols.

4. Key Points for Years 5 & 6 Parents

Please go through the following carefully with your daughter. It is important that both you and your daughter discuss and understand this agreement.
I am aware of my liabilities and agree to comply with the following:
Carefully note this summary of the main things you will be agreeing to:
It is expected that the Chromebook will be maintained. No food, liquid paper painting, defacement or stickers.
The Chromebook is to be carried around in a protective sleeve at all times.
Management and sensible use of technology in your home is determined by you. It is highly recommended that computers are used in a common area and reasonable time limits adhered to.

Using the Laptops

I acknowledge that keeping my files in the College provided Google Drive is the best insurance against losing work.
I will make sensible use of the College e-mail and communications systems. I will read and follow the guidelines as set out in all College documentation such as this document.

Care of your Computer

I understand that I am required to take ALL reasonable precautions against loss, theft and damage.

I agree to safeguard the laptop by:

Taking reasonable precautions against theft while my Chromebook is on campus and while travelling to and from school.
I will keep the laptop away from food and drink at all times, and store it in a secure and clean location.
I will not leave the laptop where it might be accidentally damaged, such as on the floor. I will make sure the laptop is securely in its protective case when travelling between locations.
I acknowledge that even if a 3rd party damages my laptop I am still responsible.

Software Issues

I understand that unauthorised copies of software or pirated media are a breach of copyright. I also understand that the use of unauthorised software may damage the PLC Sydney network with a computer virus. Therefore:

I will not load games or other software onto the computer, unless under teacher direction.
I will abide by the license provisions of software supplied by the College.
I will notify Technical Services immediately if a virus or malware warning appears on my laptop.

I will seek help if I am uncertain.

Health and Safety

I am aware that PLC Sydney is a health-promoting school. While using computing equipment I agree to:

seek and follow ergonomic advice regarding the use of computing devices.
breaks and vary work to avoid discomfort when using computing devices for extended periods.
avoid tired eyes, by focusing on something distant every few minutes.
listen to my parents who will determine how long I use the computer at home.

Security

I am aware that all students are responsible for maintaining security of the school network and their own files and therefore I agree to:

Accept responsibility for my passwords and keep them secret. I am aware that there are circumstances under which the College can be legally required to identify the author of any message sent by students using College systems.
Use a combination of letters, numbers and punctuation (no spaces) in constructing passwords.
Try to use different passwords on the Internet for different purposes.

Social Media

I am aware that the use of social media is potentially helpful to my learning and also a potential distraction, therefore I agree that:

I will use this technology to promote positive relationships
I am aware that all students at PLC Sydney are expected to respect others in all circumstances. I know that some social media sites exist that allow individuals to post comments that could really hurt other students. Hurt can be caused by name-calling, gossip and swearing at others. The school regularly reviews such sites. These might be available through non-school providers at home and in the community. I will not post comments that are in breach of the 'Respect for Others' document.
I recognise that there are Internet sites that are damaging to the formation of healthy relationships. These include pornographic sites and sites that promote self-harm. I will not visit these sites or encourage others to visit them, either at school or home.
The only pictures that I will post on this computer are those that I know my parent/guardian and my Principal would approve of.
If I am in doubt about any aspect of my use of this computer, I will contact my Year Director to check what I should do before proceeding

Purpose

I acknowledge that this Chromebook is provided to me for College use and to enhance my study and learning. I can use this laptop in any way for private study, provided it does not interfere with my College work. I will not allow anyone else to use this Chromebook. I will also ensure that the Chromebook is available to me at school on school days.

I agree to try and improve my digital skills such as:

researching on the Internet - beyond just simple Google searches.
becoming fast and accurate on the Chromebook keyboard.
validating sources – learning how to be selective and critical of information, with ability to reference and cite sources.
using collaborative cloud computing applications.
blogs, Wikis, Podcasts; their educational and social value.
social bookmarking.
digital security; digital etiquette.
the care and maintenance of technology.
connecting with other devices such as digital cameras, etc.

I will do my best to learn how to use technology to make me a smarter learner, to organise all the school work I have to do, produce work in multimedia formats and to study in a manner that suits me best.

ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT

TECH SERVICES SUPPORT AND REPAIRS

Device Loan and Digital Technologies Acceptable Use Agreement - Year 5 and 6

Click on the link above to sign the Years 5 and 6 Device Loan and Digital Technologies Acceptable Use Agreement.

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ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY