The “Cedar network” referred to in the following document includes all wireless Internet signals available on campus and the Cedar LAN network.

Cedar International School provides its community with the technological tools to enhance learning and teaching. All members of the Cedar International School community shall understand that these tools must be used with good judgment, common sense and integrity. The use of the Internet, the Cedar network and its related computer facilities opens limitless possibilities, but with such opportunities comes responsibility.

The purpose of this policy is to define what Cedar International School considers to be the appropriate use of technology on campus. Technology includes the school’s computers, personal computers, peripheral equipment and the Internet (all wireless and LAN signals available on the Cedar campus). This usage policy is applicable to all Cedar International School students and personnel and refers to all information resources whether individually controlled, student shared, stand alone or networked. If use of external networks is involved, policies governing such use are also applicable and must be adhered to. Violations of this policy will be processed by the Area Heads and the Director.

General Computer Use:

Downloading:

Students are prohibited from downloading any files from the Internet and the LAN network unless they have explicit permission from a Cedar faculty member. These files include, but are not limited to, music, movies, games, TV shows, and Podcasts.

Chatting:

Students shall not use any chat or collaboration programmes to communicate with others through the Cedar network unless a faculty member authorises them to do so.

This prohibition includes the use of e-mail, unless specifically told otherwise.

Audio:

Computer audio can be distracting and disruptive, therefore the volume setting and use of earphones is at the discretion of the teacher.

Computer Games:

Computer games shall not be played unless authorised by a teacher or administrator. Permission may be granted for a limited period of time.

Harmful Files:

The use of virus programs or other intentionally harmful programs is prohibited and will be dealt with seriously.

Other People’s Laptops:

No student shall use another person’s laptop without that person’s consent.

This prohibition especially includes sending out messages or pretending to be that person on the network.

Internet Use

Parent Implied Consent

Cedar International School operates under an "opt out" policy for students regarding Internet access. This means that students will be assumed to have parent(s)/guardian(s) permission to access the Internet while at school unless Cedar International School has received a written statement from the student's parent(s)/guardian(s) that the student does not have Internet access permission. Please understand that in accessing any Internet signal available on the Cedar campus, students will be expected to adhere to this policy.

Inappropriate Use

The Internet shall be used for scholarly research and as a means of obtaining needed information. Cedar International School has filters in place on its wireless Internet network to protect users from much inappropriate content. However, filters are not able to screen out all inappropriate sites, and unsecured Internet signals are available in some spots on the Cedar campus. Users should not access inappropriate sites. These include, but are not limited to, sites that contain pornographic, militant/extremist, racist, and gambling-related content.

Evaluation

Websites can be created and contributed to by anyone. Therefore, no information or content should be taken at face value. Users must investigate the source of the information before using it.

Documentation

Students must properly document all material obtained through research on the Internet for use in academic work. They should cite their Internet sources using the MLA style

Safety and Privacy

The owners of a site may retain information that users enter into a website. Users must employ discretion or seek advice when choosing to disclose information about themselves or others on the Internet. Having a username and password for a website does not ensure that the user’s words, pictures or videos are private, or shall remain private.

Disclosing Personal Information

Users must be very cautious about disclosing any personal information over the Internet. No one should ever disclose another student's or faculty member’s personal information without his or her consent. In addition,e-mail addresses of students, alumni, faculty, and staff must not be published without consent.

Bulletin Boards & Chat Rooms

Students shall not access bulletin boards and chat rooms during school hours unless authorized by a teacher or administrator.

Security

Users are responsible for their computers. Cedar International School assumes no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged computers.

Monitoring

In an effort to protect students, personnel and the Cedar network, Cedar International School will monitor online actions, including, but not limited to, logging website access, bandwidth use, and network use.Users waive any right to Internet-usage privacy when using the Cedar network.

Limitation of Liability

Cedar International School makes no warranties or representations, express or implied, in relation to the Cedar network and will not be responsible for any damages, costs, expenses or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of use of the Cedar network (including, but not limited to, the loss of data resulting from delay, non-delivery, deliveries made in error or service interruptions and/or from computer viruses) save for any damages, costs, expenses or liability arising from the misconduct of Cedar International School or any of its faculty, staff or agents.

Compliance

Any user who violates the terms of this policy will be referred to the appropriate Area Head and/or the Director for disciplinary action. Cedar International School has the right to inspect any computer, peripheral equipment or storage media in use on its campus. Failure to grant access will result in disciplinary action. Consequences will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may include revocation of access privileges, suspension of access to school computers, other school disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action. All Secondary students are required to sign the acknowledgement form below.

I understand that by signing this document, I agree to adhere to the Laptop, Computer & Network Acceptable Use Policy of Cedar International.

 

1. Student Full Name:                       ____________________________   Date:   _____/_______/_______   Student Signature:   ____________________________

2. Parent/Guardian Full Name:                    ____________________________   Date:   _____/_______/_______   Parent/Guardian Signature:            ____________________________

  Return the signed document to your homeroom teacher

This document may also be found on Google docs by searching for the name:

“Cedar International School - AUP - Acceptable Use Policy”