Virtual School Library ITEC 7090-Summer 2008

Group 1 Policy Project

Diane Griffin, Stacey Hall, Heather Clegg, Sylvia Gay

 

Acceptable Use for Teachers and Students

 

Acceptable Use Policy for Virtual Library 2.0

 

The Internet is provided for educational and communicational needs consistent with the goals of {SCHOOL DISTRICT} BOE.

 

Each user is offered the benefits of use of the Internet provided he or she accepts the fact they he or she is personally responsible for actions taken when connected to the network and Internet. It is up to the user to know when his or her actions are in violation of policy as there is no warning system should the user violate the policy. This document is designed  to serve as the policy to which all students, faculty, staff, and other users shall follow.

 

Every student is expected to follow the guidelines set forth in this policy, as well as those given orally by the faculty and staff, and to demonstrate good citizenship and ethical behavior at all times.

 

This is a living document, and subject to revisions. The {SCHOOL DISTRICT} may modify these rules and guidelines at any time by publishing modified rules. The signatures on the AUP at the end of this document are legally binding and indicate that the parties have read the terms and conditions carefully, understand their significance, and agree to abide by established rules. (Haddonfield BOE, 2007)

 

Source: http://www.haddonfield.k12.nj.us/district_info/Instruc_Tech/AUP.htm 

 

   [The following portion is adapted from Columbia County, Woodward Academy, a variety of websites, and my own ideas. All sources are cited below.  Columbia County's policy covers appropriate and inappropriate behavior and use and requires signatures, however, it needs updating to take into consideration rapidly evolving Web 2.0 applications. Woodward Academy's AUP  is very current and addresses most of the Web 2.0 tools currently being used. The responsible behaviors expected are stated in the agreement the student and parent signs.]

 

Internet Protection

   

 

The {SCHOOL DISTRICT}, in compliance with the 2000 Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), provides an Internet screening system that blocks user access to a large number of inappropriate sites. This software works by scanning for objectionable words or concepts as determined by the school system. The {SCHOOL DISTRICT} Department of Technology acknowledges that every effort is made to prevent access to inappropriate materials via the Internet, however, if a user accesses such materials, he/she must immediately disconnect from the site and notify a teacher or supervisor, and Technology personnel must be notified immediately as well. {SCHOOL DISTRICT} restricts unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal  information regarding minors. Teachers and staff are expected to monitor all Internet activity of students. 

 

APPROPRIATE USE OF THE {SCHOOL DISTRICT} TECHNOLOGY NETWORK

 

User access to the Internet from any school/system computer shall comply with the district’s USE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM. The superintendent reserves the right to designate administrative staff members to monitor all Internet activity by users including e-mail.

 

The use of the Internet is a privilege. Inappropriate use may result in cancellation of this privilege by the system administrator. Users violating the conditions in the {SCHOOL DISTRICT} shall be subject to evocation of these privileges and potential disciplinary actions including possible legal action.

 

INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE {SCHOOL DISTRICT} TECHNOLOGY NETWORK

 

[INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO USERS] 

 

 • Using the identity or password other than the user’s own

 

• Accessing, sending, creating or posting materials or communications that could be inconsistent with the district’s educational needs and goals 

                                                                                          

• Sending verbally abusive, obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, disrespectful or threatening electronic messages and images 

 

• Placing unauthorized or unlawful information on the system that could cause damage, danger, or disruption, or engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial, discriminatory, or harassing attacks or knowingly or recklessly posts false or defamatory information about a person or organization. Please be advised that student’s home and personal internet use can have an impact on the school and on other students. If a student’s personal internet message creates a likelihood of material disruption of the school’s operations, students may face school discipline and criminal penalties. Our school system takes bullying and harassment by computer very seriously. Students shall not use any Internet or other communication device to intimidate, bully, harass, or embarrass other students or staff. Students who engage in such activity off campus and create a material disruption of school operations shall be subject to penalties for bullying and harassment contained in the {School District} School System Code of Conduct as well as criminal penalties.

 

• Vandalizing the system including uploading/creating computer viruses/worms (“hacking”) 

 

• Violating state and/or federal laws including copyrights, confidentiality, computer fraud and abuse

 

• Using the system for financial gain, product advertising, commercial activities, or fundraising that has not been approved by the Board of Education

  

• Providing personal information such as phone numbers, addresses, social security numbers, etc. without proper authorization

 

• Engaging in non-educational games and monopolizing resource time and materials

 

(Any user becoming aware of inappropriate use of the {SCHOOL DISTRICT} Technology Network should report the inappropriate use to his/her immediate supervisor. In the event of a claim that a student has violated this policy or procedure, the school system will provide the student with notice and an opportunity to be heard in the manner set forth in the {SCHOOL DISTRICT}  Code of Conduct.)

 

As a student enrolled in {SCHOOL DISTRICT},I understand that my school network and email accounts are owned by the school system and are not private. {SCHOOL DISTRICT} has the right to access my information at any time. 

Safe and Responsible Blogging (Adapted from Arapahoe High School, 2007)

The most basic guideline to remember when blogging is that the blog is an extension of your classroom. You should not write anything on a blog that you would not say or write in your classroom. Use common sense, but if you are ever in doubt ask your teacher or parent whether or not what you are considering posting is appropriate. If you are going to err, err on the safe side. Here are some specific items to consider:

1.       The use of blogs is considered an extension of your classroom. Therefore, any speech that is considered inappropriate in the classroom is inappropriate on a blog. This includes, but is not limited to, profanity; racist, sexist or discriminatory remarks; personal attacks.

2.       Blogs are used primarily as learning tools, either as extensions of conversations and thinking outside of regular class time, or as the basis for beginning new classroom discussions. Either way, be sure to follow all rules and suggestions that are offered by your teachers regarding appropriate posting in your class.

3.       Blogs are about ideas – therefore, agree or disagree with the idea, not the person. Freedom of speech does not give you the right to be uncivil. Use constructive criticism and use evidence to support your position. Read others’ posts carefully – often in the heat of the moment you may think that a person is saying one thing, when really they are not.

4.       Try not to generalize. Sentences that start with words like “All” (e.g., “All teachers,” “All administrators,” “All liberals,” “All conservatives”) are typically going to be too general.

5.       Blogs are public. Whatever you post on a blog can be read by anyone and everyone on the Internet. Even if you delete a post or comment, it has often already been archived elsewhere on the web. Do not post anything that you wouldn’t want your parents, your best friend, your worst enemy, or a future employer to read.

6.       Blog safely. NEVER post personal information on the web (including, but not limited to, last names, personal details including address or phone numbers, or photographs). (Note: The advice to not use your last name is for your protection. Teachers may choose to use their last names for their posts/comments.) Do not, under any circumstances, agree to meet someone you have met over the Internet.

7.       Because your login to the blogging site (e.g., Blogger) is typically linked to your profile, any personal blog you create in class is directly linked to your class blog and must follow these blogging guidelines. In addition to following the information above about not sharing too much personal information (in your profile or in any posts/comments you make), you need to realize that anywhere you use that login links back to your class blog. Therefore, anywhere that you use that login (posting to a separate personal blog, commenting on someone else's blog, etc.), you need to treat the same as a school blog and follow these guidelines. You should also monitor any comments you receive on your personal blog and - if they are inappropriate - delete them. If you would like to post or comment somewhere and not follow these guidelines, you need to create a separate login to the blogging site so that it does not connect back to your class blog. You may not use that login from school computers. We would still recommend you follow the portion of these guidelines that address your personal safety (e.g., not posting personal information, etc.)

8.       Linking to web sites from your blog or blog comments in support of your argument is an excellent idea. But never link to something without reading the entire article to make sure it is appropriate for a school setting.

9.       Use of quotations in a blog is acceptable. Make sure that you follow the proper formatting and cite the source of the quote.

10.   Pictures may be inserted into a blog. Make sure that the image is appropriate for use in a school document and copyright laws are followed. Do not post any images that can identify yourself or others. 

 

Successful Bloggers

 

The following are some traits of successful bloggers:

1.       Their posts (or comments) are well written. This includes not only good content, but – because these are school-related blogs – also follows writing conventions including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

2.       Their posts (or comments) are responsive. They respond to other people’s ideas – whether it is a post by a teacher, a comment by a student, or an idea elsewhere on the Internet. The power of blogs is in their connectedness – they are connected to a larger community of ideas. Participate in that community.

3.       Their posts (or comments) include textual references to support their opinions. Adding quotes or links to other works strengthens their response.

4.       They are respectful of others. It’s okay to disagree; it’s not okay to be disagreeable. Be respectful of others and their opinions, and be civil when you disagree. (Arapahoe High School, 2007)

 

Blogging Policy: http://arapahoe.littletonpublicschools.net/forStudents/AHSBloggingPolicy/tabid/1486/Default.aspx

 

Government Laws

 

I will use computers in conformity with laws of the United States and the State of Georgia. Violations include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Criminal Acts – These include, but are not limited to, “hacking” or attempting to access computer systems without authorization, harassing email, cyberstalking, child pornography, vandalism, and/or unauthorized tampering with computer systems.
2. Libel Laws - Publicly defaming people through the published material on the internet, email, etc…
3. Copyright Violations - Copying, selling or distributing copyrighted material without the express written permission of the author or publisher (users should assume that all materials available on the Internet are protected by copyright), engaging in plagiarism (using other's words or ideas as your own).

    

Netiquette and Responsible Use

 

1. I understand that passwords are private. I will not allow others to use my account name and password, or try to use that of others.
2. I will be polite and use appropriate language in my email messages, online postings, and other digital communications with others.  I will not use profanity, vulgarities or any other inappropriate language as determined by school administrators.
3. I will use email and other means of communications (e.g. blogs, wikis, chat, instant-messaging, discussion boards, etc.) responsibly. I will not use computers, cell phones, personal digital devices or the Internet to send or post hate or harassing mail, make discriminatory or derogatory remarks about others, or engage in bullying, harassment, or other antisocial behaviors either at school or at home.
4. I understand that I am an Ambassador for {SCHOOL DISTRICT} in all my online activities.  I understand that what I do on social networking websites such as MySpace and Facebook should not reflect negatively on my fellow students, teachers, or on {SCHOOL DISTRICT}.  I understand that I will be held responsible for how I represent myself and {SCHOOL DISTRICT} on the Internet.
5. I understand that masquerading, spoofing, or pretending to be someone else is forbidden. This includes, but is not limited to, sending out e-mail, creating accounts, or posting messages or other online content (e.g. text, images, audio or video) in someone else's name as a joke.
6. I will use {SCHOOL DISTRICT} computer resources responsibly. I will not retrieve, save, or display hate-based, offensive or sexually explicit material using any of {SCHOOL DISTRICT} computer resources. I am responsible for not pursuing material that could be considered offensive. I understand that I am to notify an adult immediately if by accident I encounter materials which violate appropriate use.
7. I will use {SCHOOL DISTRICT} technology resources productively and responsibly for school-related purposes. I will not use any technology resource in such a way that would disrupt the activities of other users.
8. I will not attempt to bypass security settings or Internet filters, or interfere with the operation of the network by installing illegal software, shareware, or freeware on school computers.
9. I understand that vandalism is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to modifying or destroying equipment, programs, files, or settings on any computer or other technology resource.
10. I will respect the intellectual property of other users and information providers. I will obey copyright guidelines. I will not plagiarize or use other’s work without proper citation and permission.
11. I will not use or access files, software, or other resources owned by others without the owner’s permission. I will use only those school network directories that are designated for my use or for the purpose designated by my teacher.
12. I will follow all guidelines set forth by the {SCHOOL DISTRICT} and/or my teachers when publishing schoolwork online (e.g. to a website, blog, wiki, discussion board, podcasting or video server).
13. I understand the Internet is a source for information that is both true and false; and that the school is not responsible for inaccurate information obtained from the Internet.
14. I understand that {SCHOOL DISTRICT} administrators will deem what conduct is inappropriate use if such conduct is not specified in this agreement. 
15. I agree to abide by all Internet safety guidelines  that are provided by the school and to complete any and all assignments related to Internet safety.
16. I agree to use my personal cell phone, ipod, blackberry, and any other type of wireless device as determined by the administration of {SCHOOL DISTRICT} before and after school and during lunch time only. I will keep it out of site and off at all other times so as not to disrupt or distract from instructional time. I understand it is necessary to follow these guidelines or the {SCHOOL DISTRICT} may confiscate any of these devices and hold them until my parent comes to the school to obtain them. 

 

All students attending {SCHOOL DISTRICT} should sign the Network Responsibility Agreement for Students upon entering Kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade. All transfer students or new students should sign Network Responsibility Agreement upon entering {SCHOOL DISTRICT}

 

CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATION OF THIS AGREEMENT

 

I have read this entire document and I will abide by the above Acceptable Use Agreement. Should I commit a violation, I understand that consequences of my actions could include suspension of computer privileges, school disciplinary action according to the {School District} code of conduct, and/or referral to law enforcement.

 

Student Signature: __________________________________________   Date ______________________

 

Parent or Guardian

 

As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read this document and the Acceptable Conduct and Use Agreement. I understand that computer access is provided for educational purposes in keeping with the academic goals of {SCHOOL DISTRICT, and that student use for any other purpose is inappropriate. I recognize it is impossible for {SCHOOL DISTRICT} to restrict access to all controversial materials, and I will not hold the {SCHOOL DISTRICT} responsible for materials acquired or problems related to the use of the materials acquired on the school network.  I understand that children’s computer activities at home should be supervised as they can affect the academic environment at school and I accept full responsibility for supervision when my child's use is not in a school setting.

 

I hereby give permission for my child to use computer resources at {SCHOOL DISTRICT}

 

Parent or Guardian's Name (please print)___________________________________________________

 

Parent or Guardian's Signature __________________________________   Date ____________________

 

 

Unless a parent objects in writing to the principal of the school where the child is enrolled, the {School District}  and individual schools may periodically acknowledge student work activities, and/or achievements on their web sites. Such information about your child will be limited to photographs, student’s first name, student work, and/or grade level. 

 

Network Responsibility Agreement for Staff of {SCHOOL DISTRICT}

I have read this document and I understand and will abide by the terms and conditions for use of the {SCHOOL DISTRICT} Technology Network. I further understand that any violation of the regulations is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, I understand that my access privileges may be revoked, disciplinary action may be taken and/or appropriate legal action pursued.

{SCHOOL DISTRICT} Staff Member Name:

 

Position & Location:

 

Staff Member Signature:

 

Date:

 

All {SCHOOL DISTRICT} staff members are required to sign a Network Responsibility Agreement for Staff of the {SCHOOL DISTRICT}School System.Staff members who transfer to another school or department should sign a new form at that particular school/department.

 

{SCHOOL DISTRICT} STAFF SIGNED AGREEMENT FORM IS TO BE PLACED IN THE EMPLOYEE’S PERSONNEL FILE MAINTAINED AT THE SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT.)

 

(*This form may also be used for substitute teachers, student teachers, interns, lab students, etc.)

AUP References

 

http://www.woodward.edu/students/policie_agreement.asp

 

 Columbia County Media Policy:

 www.ccboe.net/boe/policies/index.html

  

http://www.edtechmag.com/k12/issues/august-september-2007/aups-in-a-web-2.0.html

 

http://arapahoe.littletonpublicschools.net/forStudents/AHSBloggingPolicy/tabid/1486/Default.aspx

 

http://www.haddonfield.k12.nj.us/district_info/Instruc_Tech/AUP.htm

 

 

Internet Safety

 

The {SCHOOL DISTRICT} shall employ a qualifying "technology protection measure" as the term defined in Section 1703(b)(1) of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) of 2000 that monitors and blocks or filters online activities of users (minors and adults) and provides protection of users against access to visual depictions that, in accordance with the provisions of CIPA protect against access through such computers to visual depictions that are:

(I) obscene

(II) child pornography

(III) harmful to minors

 

The {SCHOOL DISTRICT} is enforcing the operation of such technology protection measure during any use of such computers by minors; and has in place a policy of Internet Filtering that includes the operation of a technology protection measure with respect to any of its computers with Internet access. the Internet Filtering Policy ensures the use of an Internet screening system that blocks user access to a large number of inappropriate sites. This software works by scanning for objectionable words or concepts as determined by the school system. The {SCHOOL DISTRICT} Department of Technology acknowledges that every effort is made to prevent access to inappropriate materials via the Internet, however, if a user accesses such materials, he/she must immediately disconnect from the site and notify a teacher or supervisor, and Technology personnel must be notified immediately as well. {SCHOOL DISTRICT} restricts unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal  information regarding minors. Teachers and staff are expected to monitor all Internet activity of students.

The {SCHOOL DISTRICT} shall have in continuous operation the qualifying "technology protection measure" referenced above and shall continuously maintain the policies referenced above and related procedures and guidelines designed to fulfill the following objectives:

 

(a)    To provide for the monitoring of online activities of users (adult and minor) to prevent, to   the extent practicable, access by minors to inappropriate material on the Internet and the World-Wide Web;

 

(b)    To promote the safety and security of minors when using electronic mall, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications;

 

(c)    To prevent, to the extent practicable, unauthorized access, including so called "hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors; and

 

(d)    To prevent, to the extent practicable, unauthorized disclosure, use, dissemination of personal information regarding minors.

 

The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world with millions of individual subscribers. Our goal in providing this service is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication, it is necessary that students, faculty, and staff understand and practice proper, safe, and ethical use of these new technologies. Those using the {SCHOOL DISTRICT} computer network have access to:

• Electronic mail communication with people all over the world.
• Chat rooms, message boards, blogs and wikis and other communication tools.
• Information and news from research institutions.
• The user is responsible for all of his/her actions involving the network. Examples of prohibited conduct include but are not limited to the following: 

§  Accessing materials or communications that are damaging to another's reputation, abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, contrary to the school's policy on harassment, harassing, illegal, or pornographic.

§  Sending or posting materials or communications that are damaging to another's reputation, abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, contrary to the school's policy on harassment, harassing, or illegal. 

Copyright in a Web 2.0 World

 

The {SCHOOL DISTRICT} employees and system supervised students will be governed by P.L. 94-553, 10-19-76, P.L. 96-517, 12-12-80, and the ensuing House of RepresentativesCommittee Guidelines of 1976 and 1981 regarding copyright law.  Copyright materials shall not be duplicated by system employees and supervised students or duplicated on school district equipment in violation of the exclusive rights of the holders of the copyright on such materials. 

 

All copyright materials, including those materials subject to photocopying, videotaping off the air television, music and computer programs may be duplicated only with prior written permission of the copyright holder, or when duplication consitutes a "fair use" of the materials as the term is defined by the law.  The school district assumes no liability for infringement of copyright by individual employees.  

 

Fair Use

• For Motion Media - 10% or 3 minutes
• Text Material - 10% or up to 1,000 words
• Music & Lyrics - Up to 10% but no more than 30 seconds of an individual work 

  

Regarding Internet Sites

• Assume all material online is copyrighted, the absentee of the copyright symbol does not idicate the material is not copyrighted.
• Seek permission to use any material copied from a website and cite the source of information when using such material just as you would if including in a bibliography or footnotes of a written paper. 

  

Posting Student Work Online

• If any student's work is posted online, permission must be obtained from the student and the student's parents if the student is under the age of 18.  This includes pictures and/or writings.
• When posting a student's work online, only use student first names, never post last names. 
• Do not associate pictures and student names together for privacy purposes.

   

Copyright References

• http://wikis.ala.org/professionaltips/index.php/Copyright
• http://www.bham.wednet.edu
• http://server.remc12.k12.mi.us/lhslib/Copyright.htm
• https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=IFA-R&Sch=4002&RevNo=1.12&C=I&Z=R

 

Works Cited

Hardy, Lawrence. (1998).  Copyright in cyber age.  Electronic School.  Retrieved June 19, 2008 from http://www.electronic-school.com/06998f5.html

 

Internet Filtering

 

The {SCHOOL DISTRICT}, in compliance with the 2000 Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), is committed to ensuring that students are protected from unwanted Internet content and predators while maintaining their rights to intellectual freedom, according to the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution. In full cooperation with CIPA, the {SCHOOL DISTRICT} employs an Internet screening system that blocks user access to a large number of inappropriate sites. This software works by scanning for objectionable words or concepts as determined by the school system. The {SCHOOL DISTRICT} Department of Technology acknowledges that every effort is made to prevent access to inappropriate materials via the Internet, however, if a user accesses such materials, he/she must immediately disconnect from the site and notify a teacher or supervisor, and Technology personnel must be notified immediately as well. The {SCHOOL DISTRICT} restricts unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information regarding minors; and teachers and staff are expected to monitor all Internet activity of students. 

 

In an effort to provide our students with a quality 21st century education, the {SCHOOL DISTRICT} has taken proactive measures to ensure that students and faculty are able to operate in the least restrictive Internet environment possible; while keeping students safe, and adhering to CIPA requirements. The {SCHOOL DISTRICT} has opted to filter the main CIPA categories: “obscene," "pornography" and “harmful to minors,” allowing the district to fulfill CIPA requirements without unnecessarily blocking sites that might have curriculum value.

 

Even with these measures in place, the {SCHOOL DISTRICT} realizes that the method in which the Internet filtering technology blocks unwanted sites may also inadvertently block sites that are not in violation of the CIPA, and which may constitute educational value that is aligned with the curriculum. In order to alleviate such circumstances, the {SCHOOL DISTRICT} has implemented the following measures: 

 

• Teachers and staff are able to contribute to the district's Network Administrator "White List," consisting of URLs, IP addresses, and/ or any special domain names of the host site(s) of subscription services or any other free or fee-based resources to which availability is deemed CIPA compliant and academically beneficial. 
• The district also affords School Library Media Specialists the ability to override the filter or have access to a computer that is completely unblocked in each School Library Media Center in order to review and allow immediate access to questionably blocked sites that are found to be useful.

 

The {SCHOOL DISTRICT} treats requests for specific Web sites blocks as that of any other material challenge, and unless it is deemed to be in direct violation of CIPA, is subject to the {SCHOOL DISTRICT} Materials Reconsideration Policy outlining procedures to follow when a request is made for a resource to be removed from the schools. The {SCHOOL DISTRICT} takes a proactive approach to student Internet use by encouraging media specialists and teachers to articulate personal values when using technology, fostering student trust, allowing students personal use of the Internet, modeling ethical behaviors and creating environments that help students avoid temptation.

 

Internet Filtering References

 

American Library Association, Office for Intellectual Freedom

http://ala.org/ala/oif/default.cfm

 

The Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution

http://www.constitution.org/billofr_.htm

 

Children's Internet Protection Act

http://ifea.net/cipa.html

 

Columbia County Board of Education Policies

http://www.ccboe.net/boe/policies/indexi.html

 

Johnson, D. (2005). Maintaining intellectual freedom in a filtered world.  Learning & Leading with Technology, 32(8), 39-41. Retrieved November 25, 2007 from ERIC database.

 

Schmidt, C. M. (2008). Those Interfering filters: How to deal with the reality of filters in you school library, Library Media Connection, 54-55. Retrieved July 19, 2008 from Academic Search Complete database.

 

Villano, M. (2008) What are we protecting them from, T H E Journal, 35(5) 0192592X, Academic Search Complete database.

 

Media Center Web Page

 

The {SCHOOL DISTRICT}, in compliance with the 2000 Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), again, ensures our commitment to ensuring that students are protected from unwanted Internet content and predators while maintaining their rights to intellectual freedom, as interpreted by the Library Bill of Rights.

 

Web Site Development

 

The World Wide Web provides access to an ever evolving array of information sources and a wide range of voices which are not always accessible through traditional mediums, in addition to serving as an invaluable tool for the system and schools to communicate with a broad range of audiences. The {SCHOOL DISTRICT} Web site is a public relations, communication, information and curriculum tool in many ways. It serves to:

 

• ·         Inform parents, students and others of the activities that take place in the {SCHOOL DISTRICT}.
• ·         Promote the school system and the services it provides for all students. Provide information to the community about their investment in education.
• ·         Promote the accomplishments and activities of the faculty, departments and students of the {SCHOOL DISTRICT}.
• ·         Provide a communication vehicle between the classroom, school and home.
• ·         Provide remote access to the district's Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), subscription databases, information portals, pathfinders, Internet (Web 2.0) tools and information sources compiled by the {SCHOOL DISTRICT} School Library Media Centers.

   

The {SCHOOL DISTRICT} promotes the development of information portals and pathfinders and the use of other online utilities, such as Web 2.0 tools, in order to support the school curriculum, and as an important means of teaching online research skills in order to promote students as lifelong learners; as outlined in the American Library Association's (ALA)  Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning. (Web 2.0 is a term describing the trend in the use of World Wide Web technology and web design that aims to enhance creativity, information sharing, and, most notably, collaboration among users). These tools can include, but are not limited to:

 

• ·         Web logs or Blogs

  A Web site, usually maintained by an individual, with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video.

• ·         Wikis

  A collection of Web pages designed to enable anyone who accesses it to contribute or modify content, using a simplified markup language.

• ·         Podcasts

  A series of digital media files which are distributed over the Internet for playback

• ·         Really Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed

  Aggregates the content from multiple Web sources in one place.

• ·         Social Bookmarking

  A method for Internet users to store, organize, search, and manage bookmarks of Web pages on the Internet with the help of metadata.

• ·         Social Networking

  A method for Internet users to build online social networks for communities of people who share interests and activities or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others. Most services are primarily Web-based and provide a collection of various ways for users to interact, such as chat, messaging, email, video, voice chat, file sharing, blogging, discussion groups, etc.

• ·         Online Surveys

   

It is important that the style and content of our System Web site, School Web sites, School Library Media Center Web Sites and Teacher Web sites speak well for the school and district. 

 

Web Publishing Guidelines

 

Each school should appoint a School Web Publisher (typically the School Library Media Specialist) with the following qualities: problem solving skills, good communication skills among all levels, and confident in the use of technology. The School Web Publisher will receive an annual supplement for Web publishing responsibilities. In addition to keeping the school Web site current, the school Web Publisher may also be responsible for approving teacher Web pages using system provided software. Web pages must adhere to content and technical standards. Such standards are not intended to discourage creativity or to facilitate inappropriate censorship, but exist as recommended in the publication “Weaving a Secure Web Around Education: A Guide to Technical Standards and Security”, produced by the U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences.

 

These standards apply to both “official” and “unofficial” Web pages as described below:

 

• ·         “Official” web pages: Web pages maintained on district server and created using {SCHOOL DISTRICT} software.
• ·         “Unofficial” web pages: Web pages created using other web creation software and/or stored on non-district servers.

 

Content Standards

  

• ·         Content must relate to curriculum and instruction, school-authorized activities, or information about the school/teacher goals.
• ·        All Web pages must be grammatically correct with no spelling errors.
• ·        No unlawful copies of copyrighted material may be placed on the web server.
• ·        All communication via the district Web page must not contain offensive content. This includes but is not limited to, religious, racial and sexual harassment, violence, and profanity. 

 

Technical Standards

• ·         A school Web site must include a link that returns the user to the district website.
• ·         A teacher Web site must include email/voicemail and best time to contact, and a link that returns the user to the school Web site, school web publisher/PR liaison, or principal.
• ·         All other links that do not support curriculum and instruction, such as links to fundraising sites, and personal sites are not permitted. A list of School Partners or Partners in Education is permitted.
• ·         Web pages should be maintained with current and accurate information. At the end of the school year, files not needed should be deleted.
• ·         All material posted to the {SCHOOL DISTRICT} Web site must adhere to all provisions set forth in the Network Responsibility Agreement.
• ·         If teachers create and/or maintain Web pages, they must be logged into the network with their own user ID and password.
• ·         Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) the confidentiality of student records is protected whether records are paper documents or electronic files.

  

Media Center Web Site Selection

 

The mission of the {SCHOOL DISTRICT} School Library Media Center Web site is to allow access to timely, accurate and useful electronic information for students, parents, faculty and the community beyond the physical walls of the library. 

 

The information and links to outside information sources provided on a school website should be subject to the same criteria as listed for Instructional Media Selection Criteria; providing equal access to information and resources to support community discussion and lifelong learning. Links to Internet sites from the {SCHOOL DISTRICT} are selected to broaden, enrich and compliment the school curriculum. These online resources may be selected to provide school or remote access to types of material available in other formats at the library or they may be selected to provide more current and more diverse material than available at the library.  

 

Weeding/Review

Links to Web sites may be removed if they change and no longer meet the {SCHOOL DISTRICT} selection criteria.

 

Evaluation

In addition to the Media Selection Criteria, Web sites and Web 2.0 tools will be evaluated on the basis of their credibility, quality and usefulness in order to meet the needs and interest of the students and faculty. Factors which will be considered when evaluating sites selected include:

 

• ·         Access - stable site, no fees required, consistently available

• ·         Design - well organized, clear instructions, easy to use, uncluttered and cleanly designed, graphics that enhance content, do not frame other sites content

• ·         Content - authoritative, documented, verifiable, accurate, updated regularly, appropriateness of subject matter

• ·         Preference may be given to educational (.edu), governmental (.gov), and non-profit organization sites (.org)

The {SCHOOL DISTRICT} Web site will continue to change in response to the ever-changing nature of the Internet. 

 

Media Center Web Page References

  

American Library Association

http://www.ala.org/

 

American Library Association's Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights

http://ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/statementsif/interpretations/

 

ALA Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning

http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/informationpower/InformationLiteracyStandards_final.pdf

 

American Library Association, Office for Intellectual Freedom

http://ala.org/ala/oif/default.cfm

 

Children's Internet Protection Act

http://ifea.net/cipa.html

 

Columbia County Board of Education Policies

http://www.ccboe.net/boe/policies/indexi.html 

 

(Columbia County Internet Policies)

 

Wikipedia Definitions 

http://en.wikipedia.org/