Acceptable Use Policy for technology

At Sturgeon Heights, we recognize the value of technology as a learning tool within the classroom, so we actively promote the use of technology for students. Technology includes all school technology and personal devices (eg. Phones, computers, cameras, iPods, etc.). At the same time, technology is a privilege, and students need to be responsible with how they use all forms of technology. Each student is responsible for knowing what is acceptable and what is not. The following are a guide of some things you should do, but also some things you should not. This list does not cover every possible student action. It is up to the student to be responsible when using technology. Failure to do so could result in loss of privileges.

The following are expectations within the Sturgeon Heights acceptable use policy:

• I will use technology at school only for school work and projects, unless otherwise directed by a staff member
• I will keep my password safe, and if someone finds out my password, I will change it
• I will only visit websites and use programs for research and work in class
• I will ask permission before I take pictures of anyone, or write anything about another person on any websites or other technology
• I will use responsible language and behavior when using technology
• I will be respectful of materials and only print work when it is ready for handing in
• I will use my personal devices in class only with the consent of the teacher for educational purposes

The following are not acceptable behaviours within the Sturgeon Heights acceptable use policy:

• I will not visit inappropriate websites or use inappropriate programs
• I will not take pictures of people without permission; I will not post pictures of any student without consent
• I will not damage any of the school technology willfully, and will tell staff if I see someone else doing it
• I will not use technology to bully anyone else or write hurtful things about someone
• I will not plagiarize any work as it breaks copyright laws

Furthermore, please understand that:

1. Your Internet account is a privilege and not a right. If you choose not to use it wisely, you will not be able to use it at all.
2. You should think carefully about anything you want to publish. Even if you delete something after you have published it, it can be found on the web for years afterwards. You shouldn’t publish anything you aren't comfortable with people seeing.
3. We expect all students of Sturgeon Heights School to have Internet access, to handle it responsibly and to use it as a learning tool.

NOTE: School Sanctions for students can mean anything from being banned from the computers, to detentions, suspensions.