7540 - COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AND NETWORKS

West Clermont Local School District

Administrative Guidelines

7540 - COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AND NETWORKS

The Technology Network Coordinator (TNC) is responsible for managing the Board of Education's technology system and making arrangements for any networks that may be used to enhance the educational program and/or operations of the District.

S/He also is responsible for implementing the guidelines established for program development (AG 2210A through AG 2252), the selection of materials and equipment (AG 2520A), and verifying that the District's purchasing guidelines (AG 6320A) are followed. In addition, the TNC shall verify that each staff member and student who will have access to Board technology and any networks completes the appropriate agreement Form 7540.04 F1 or Form 7540.03 F1.

All tentative agreements with networks or technology agencies are to be submitted to the Superintendent for review and approval.

Staff members and/or students are to be provided the following information concerning the use of the Internet:

	A.	Use of the Internet is to be related to one or more courses of study and is not to be used by staff or students for discriminatory or unlawful purposes.] All student use is to be supervised by a staff member or approved volunteer who has signed the Staff Network and Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Agreement Form 7540.04 F1.
	B.	Because of the vast amount of information that can be retrieved from the Internet teachers are responsible for training students to use proper research skills when retrieving information. It is inappropriate, costly, and a waste of valuable instructional time for staff and/or students to download large quantities of information that has not been checked ahead of time for accuracy, relevancy, and probable usage. It may be helpful, therefore, for teachers to conduct some controlled exercises with students on how to differentiate between web-sites that are "attractive but superficial or irrelevant" from those that are "attractive, substantive, and relevant."
	C.	Staff members need to have back-up plans or contingency procedures in place for times when the Internet may not be accessible. Since the Internet is primarily a data-gathering mechanism, alternative sources for needed data should be available so that students can accomplish the purpose of the instruction within the established time period.
	D.	The Student and Staff Network and Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Agreements, Form 7540.03 F1 and Form 7540.04 F1, that students and staff members must sign prohibits the use of the Internet for illegal, unethical, or harassing purposes or to obtain information that could be considered obscene, pornographic, or unsuitable for children. If a question of interpretation arises concerning the definition of these terms, the Superintendent and building principal shall have the authority to determine whether the web site is appropriate or the use is permissible. Prior to accessing or allowing access to information that the staff member is unsure about, s/he should consult with TNC.
	E.	As students and/or staff members complete projects that reflect unusual and creative applications of technology, the projects should be shared with the Assistant Superintendent so that proper publicity can be created as appropriate to the project. It is essential that the Student and Staff Network and Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Agreements, Form 7540.03 F1 and Form 7540.04 F1, address the issue of the proprietary rights related to web-site design concerning web-sites and/or pages hosted on the Board's servers and/or created during work time as part of an employee's job responsibilities (staff) or as a class assignment (students).

This information can be provided through written guidelines, professional development seminars, faculty and student meetings, and introductory remarks at the beginning of a course in which the Internet may be used.