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INTERNET POLICY (DET)

The Internet provides an opportunity to enhance students’ learning experiences by providing access to vast amounts of information across the globe. Email communication links students to provide a collaborative learning environment and is intended to assist with learning outcomes. Today’s students are exposed to email and the Internet in their community. They have the right to expect secure access to these services as part of their learning experiences with the NSW Department of Education and Training.

Use of the Internet and email services provided by the NSW Department of Education and Training is intended for research and learning and communication between students and staff. Access to Internet and email at school will assist students to develop the information and communication skills necessary to use the Internet effectively and appropriately.

Responsible use of the services by students, with guidance from teaching staff, will provide a secure and safe learning environment.

Students using Internet and email services have the responsibility to report inappropriate behaviour and material to their supervisors.

Students who use the Internet and Email Services application provided by the NSW Department of Education and Training must abide by the Department's conditions of acceptable usage. They should be made aware of the acceptable usage policy each time they log on.

Students should be aware that a breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action in line with their school’s discipline policy.

This policy applies to all school students located at NSW Government schools who access Internet and email services within the NSW Department of Education and Training network and from any external location.

This policy document takes account of the Memorandum Student Access to the Internet of 18 July 1997 and the Memorandum DN/04/00215 – Review by Schools of their Student Access to the Internet Policies.

This policy document should be read as consistent with school discipline, child protection, anti-discrimination and anti-racism policies.


Students will:

  • not disable settings for virus protection, spam and filtering that have been applied as a departmental standard.
  • ensure that communication through Internet and Email Services is related to learning.
  • keep passwords confidential, and change them when prompted, or when known by another user.
  • use passwords that are not obvious or easily guessed.
  • never allow others to use their personal e-learning account.
  • log off at the end of each session to ensure that nobody else can use their e-learning account.
  • promptly tell their supervising teacher if they suspect they have received a computer virus or spam (i.e. unsolicited email) or if they receive a message that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable.
  • seek advice if another user seeks excessive personal information, asks to be telephoned, offers gifts by email or wants to meet a student.
  • never knowingly initiate or forward emails or other messages containing:
    • a message that was sent to them in confidence.
    • a computer virus or attachment that is capable of damaging recipients’ computers.
    • chain letters and hoax emails.
    • spam, eg unsolicited advertising materia
  • never send or publish:
    • unacceptable or unlawful material or remarks, including offensive, abusive or discriminatory comments.
    • threatening, bullying or harassing another person or making excessive or unreasonable demands upon another person.
    • sexually explicit or sexually suggestive material or correspondence.
    • false or defamatory information about a person or organisation.
  • ensure that personal use is kept to a minimum and Internet and Email Services is generally used for genuine curriculum and educational activities. Use of unauthorised programs and intentionally downloading unauthorised software, graphics or music that is not associated with learning, is not permitted.
  • never damage or disable computers, computer systems or networks of the NSW Department of Education and Training.
  • ensure that services are not used for unauthorised commercial activities, political lobbying, online gambling or any unlawful purpose.
  • be aware that all use of Internet and Email Services can be audited and traced to the e-learning accounts of specific users.
  • never publish or disclose the email address of a staff member or student without that person's explicit permission.
  • not reveal personal information including names, addresses, photographs, credit card details and telephone numbers of themselves or others.
  • ensure privacy and confidentiality is maintained by not disclosing or using any information in a way that is contrary to any individual’s interests.
  • never plagiarise information and will observe appropriate copyright clearance, including acknowledging the author or source of any information used.
  • ensure that permission is gained before electronically publishing users’ works or drawings. Always acknowledge the creator or author of any material published.
  • ensure any material published on the Internet or Intranet has the approval of the principal or their delegate and has appropriate copyright clearance.


Students will be aware that:

  • they are held responsible for their actions while using Internet and Email Services.
  • they are held responsible for any breaches caused by them allowing any other person to use their e-learning account to access Internet and Email Services.
  • the misuse of Internet and Email Services may result in disciplinary action which includes, but is not limited to, the withdrawal of access to services.

Students will report:

  • any Internet site accessed that is considered inappropriate.
  • any suspected technical security breach involving users from other schools, TAFEs, or from outside the NSW Department of Education and Training.

 
 
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