Safe Internet Practices Summary:
i-Safe is a curriculum resource that helps students learn how to use the internet safely. It is designed for students in grades five through eight. Teachers can design their own lessons or modify existing i-Safe lessons to also teach Internet Safety. The main points of i-Safe training are listed below.
1.
What do you do when a student lands on an inappropriate site?
2. What should I do about SPAM? How can I keep
from getting it?
5. How can
students guard against Internet Predators?
6. What is the difference between worms,
viruses, Trojan horses and spy ware.
7. Why are some email attachments dangerous to
open? How can you tell before opening
them?
8. How can students avoid plagiarism?
9. Can students install software and what is the
NISD software policy?
10.
How can students install software (spy bots) without knowing it?
11.
How can Teachers protect Students from Internet pitfalls?
When a student hits an INAPPROPRIATE SITE, one in which features pornography, violence, or other adult oriented material, teach the student to use the following escape methods:
--Hit the back arrow.
--Hit the “X” or close box
--Hold down “Alt” and “F4” together to close a looping web site. Looping web sites will try to keep you on site and may not let you go. They may also send you to other sites.
--If all else fails turn the power off by holding in the power button for 5 seconds.
--All inappropriate sites should be reported to the Technology Departments for blocking.
SPAM is defined as any unsolicited email promoting something. Deal with SPAM by using these methods:
--Do not open email from people that you do not know. Delete it.
--Notice that you have a SPAM folder in your folder list in outlook: Check it regularly or your mailbox will fill up.
--If the email contains inappropriate materials, delete it.
--Never reply to SPAM. Delete it.
--Never click on the “take me off your list” or “unsubscribe” link. Delete it.
--Delete by holding down “shift key” and pressing “delete key.”
HOAXES are messages asking users to delete certain files because they contain viruses. Hoaxes can also be used to get users to open attachments that contain viruses. Sometime users may be asked to forward an email to several others in order to receive money or prizes.
A SCAM is email that asks a reader to send money to another person. Scams generally start by stating that someone died in another country and left a sizeable estate that they are willing to share if the targeted mark will send upfront money.
Acquaintances
made from the Internet should not be given personal
A VIRUS is a program that spreads itself by infecting files. When it runs, a virus will wrap a file’s data in its own code. Standard viruses will spread only when an infected file is transferred from one computer to another. WORMS, unlike viruses, do not infect files, but entire disks or computer systems. Because worms can’t rely on file-to file- transfer to spread code, they need to have a way of sending themselves to other computer systems. This is done via email. Typically, this means that worms may be hidden in an email attachment. When opened, this worm sets up its own mail system that mails worms to everyone in the users address book.
Unlike worms and viruses, the purpose of the TROJAN HORSE is not to spread, but to lure a particular target, that is, a computer’s owner, to run the program. A strict definition of a Trojan Horse is any program that does something besides what a person believes it will do. Mass mailing worms are considered to be Trojan Horses because they have to convince someone to open them. Most recently, emails entice users to open a greeting card from a friend, relative, co-worker, or other familiar person. When the user follows the link, they are asked to load software to view the ecard. They are actually loading various Trojans. The invasions may unleash a multitude of different programs that copy email contacts, keystrokes, and turn computers into email servers.
Perhaps the work and most common and most persistent threat to a computer is SPY WARE. Certain web sites install secret programs on your computer when one visits the web site. These programs include adware, menu bars, comet cursors, and also tracking programs that report a user's computer activity to a Spy program. These programs may replicate and cause your computer to run slowly and even go to certain web sites on their own. Music download sites, adult sites, and even legitimate pages may infect a computer with spy ware. Never install programs from the web except for Microsoft service packs and updates, Adobe Acrobat, or Java Runtime. To install other programs on your classroom computer, you must have permission from your Principal or Tech Support.
NISD uses Symantec Antivirus to detect spy ware and viruses. Symantec Antivirus continually works in the background when your computer is on.
Email ATTACHMENTS may be dangerous to open. Red flags that signal problems include email that is forwarded and email that has an attachment with the suffix of .exe, .scr, or .vbs. Never open email attachments from someone that you do not know. Use “shift” and “delete” to remove the email and attachment from the computer. If you are expecting an email attachment and think that it is good do a “save as” before opening the attachment. This will enable virus protection software to scan the file. Safe attachment end with .doc, .txt, .pdf, or .jpg. Other attachment my be removed by the Exchange scanner.
PLAGIARISM is defined as using someone’s work as your own. The methods for properly citing source material include:
--Quote your source.
--Appropriately identify your source.
--Cite References
--For formal papers use footnotes.
--For formal papers use a bibliography
Policy Governing Computer Software
Purchase
of the appropriate number of copies of a software program is necessary for
maintaining legal status, especially if the employee is using machines
connected to a network.
The
Superintendent or his designee must approve all software purchases at NISD.
Prior to this approval the software must be evaluated by a campus administrator
or designated committee relative to:
1.
Expected usage and relation to curriculum objectives.
2.
Initial and reoccurring costs.
3.
Alternative solutions.
a. New purchases may require dropping
existing software.
b. New purchases should avoid duplication
of existing
software.
c. New purchases should offer long term
viability and
functionality.
The
employee initiating the request will submit
Records
and licenses should be kept on file at each campus where the software is
used. District licenses will be kept at
the Central Office.
How can Teachers
protect students from Internet PITFALLS?
--Make sure students and parents
have read and signed the NISD Acceptable Use Agreement.
--Only allow Internet use for
students actually doing appropriate class research. Prohibit SURFING for pleasure.
--Never leave students to use the
Internet unsupervised. Visit the student’s screen frequently. Look for minimized windows.
--Let students know that you check
HISTORY. Randomly ask a student to show
his HISTORY on occasion.
--Make sure students know how to
exit inappropriate sites quickly.
--Report inappropriate sites to
the Technology Department
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION
AND
DATA MANAGEMENT
POLICY, REGULATIONS, FORMS
NOCONA ISD
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION AND DATA MANAGEMENT
The
Superintendent or designee will oversee the District's electronic
communications system.
The
District will provide training in proper use of the system and will provide all
users with copies of acceptable use guidelines. All training in the use of the
District's system will emphasize the ethical and safe use of this resource.
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CONSENT REQUIREMENTS |
Copyrighted software or
data may not be placed on any system connected to the District's system
without permission from the holder of the copyright. Only
the copyright owner, or an individual the owner specifically authorizes, may
upload copyrighted material to the system. No original work created by any District
student or employee will be posted on a Web page under the District's control
unless the District has received written consent from the student (and the
student's parent if the student is a minor) No personally identifiable
on a Web page under the District's control
unless the District has received written consent from the student's parent.
An exception may be made for "directory Privacy Act and District policy. [See
CQ(EXHIBIT) and policies at FL] |
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FILTERING |
The Superintendent will
appoint a committee, to be chaired by the technology coordinator, to select,
implement, and maintain appropriate technology for filtering
Internet sites 'Containing material considered inappropriate
or harmful to minors. All Internet access will be filtered for minors and adults on computers with
Internet access provided by the school. The categories of material considered
inappropriate and to which access will be blocked will include, but not be limited
to: nudity/pornography; images or descriptions of sexual acts; promotion of
violence, illegal use of weapons, drug use, discrimination, or participation
in hate groups; instructions for performing
criminal acts (e.g., bomb making); and on‑line gambling |
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REQUESTS TO DISABLE FILTER |
The
committee will consider requests from users who wish to use a blocked site
for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. The committee will make
recommendation to the Superintendent regarding approval or access. |
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SYSTEM ACCESS |
Access
to the District’s electronic communications system will be governed as
follows: |
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INDIVIDUAL USER The following standards will apply to all users of the
District's ELECTRONIC RESPONSIBILITIES
ON‑LINE
CONDUCT
1.
The individual in whose name
a system account is issued will be responsible at all times for its proper use.
2.
The system may not be used
for illegal purposes, in support of illegal activities, or for any other
activity prohibited by District policy or guidelines.
3.
System users may not
disable, or attempt to disable, a filtering device on the District's electronic
communications system.
4.
Communications may not be
encrypted so as to avoid security review by system administrators.
5.
System users may not use another person's
system account without coordinator, as appropriate.
6.
Students may not distribute
personal
7.
Students should never make
appointments to meet people whom they meet on‑line and should report to a
teacher or administrator if they receive any request for such a meeting.
8.
Students will be eligible
according to established retention guidelines.
9.
System users may not
redistribute copyrighted programs or data except with the written permission of
the copyright holder or designee. Such permission must be specified in the
document or must be obtained directly from the copyright holder or designee in
accordance with regulations.
10. System users should avoid
actions that are likely to increase the risk of introducing viruses to the system, such as opening e‑mail
messages from unknown senders and loading data from unprotected computers.
11.
System users may also download public domain programs for their program.
System users are responsible for determining whether a program is in the public
domain.
12.
System users may not send or post messages that are abusive, obscene,
pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another's
reputation, or illegal.
13. System users may not
purposefully access materials that are abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually
oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another's reputation, or illegal.
14. System users should be
mindful that use of school‑related electronic mail addresses might cause
some recipients or other readers of that mail to assume they represent the
District or school, whether or not that was the user's intention.
15. System users may not waste
District resources related to the electronic communications system.
Nocona ISD Electronic Communication And Data Management
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VANDALISM PROHIBITED |
Any malicious attempt to
harm or destroy District equipment or data or the data of another user of
the District's system or of any of the agencies or other networks that are
connected to the Internet are prohibited. Deliberate attempts to degrade or disrupt
system performance are violations of District policy and administrative
regulations and may constitute criminal activity under applicable
state and federal laws. Vandalism as defined above will result in
the cancellation of system use privileges and will require restitution for
costs associated with system restoration, as well as other appropriate
consequences. [See DH, FN series, FO series, and the Student Code of Conduct] |
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FORGERY
PROHIBITED |
Forgery or attempted
forgery of electronic mail messages is prohibited. Attempts to read, delete,
copy, or modify the electronic mail of other system users, deliberate
interference with the ability of other system users to send/receive electronic
mail, or the use of another person's user ID and/or password is prohibited |
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CONTENT/ THIRD‑PARTY SUPPLIED INFORMATION |
System users and parents
of students with access to the District's system should be aware that,
despite the District's use of technology protection measures as required by
law, use of the system may provide access to other electronic communications
systems in the global electronic network that may contain
inaccurate and/or objectionable material A student who gains access to such material
is expected to discontinue the access as quickly as possible and to report
the incident to the supervising teacher. A student knowingly bringing prohibited
materials into the school's electronic environment will be subject to
suspension of access and/or revocation of privileges on the Districts
system and will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the
Student Code of Conduct. An employee knowingly bringing prohibited
materials into the school's electronic environment will be subject to
disciplinary action in accordance with District policies. [See DH] |
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PARTICIPATION IN CHAT ROOMS (AND NEWSGROUPS) . |
Participation in chat rooms (and newsgroups) accessed on the Internet
is permissible for students, under appropriate supervision, and for
employees. Granting permission may be
left to the discretion of the Building Administrator |
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Nocona ISD
Electronic Communication And Data Management
EXHIBIT A
LETTER FOR PARENTS OF SYSTEM
USERS
Dear Parents:
Your
child has an opportunity to be given access to the District's electronic
communications system and needs your permission to do so. Your child will be
able to communicate with other schools, colleges, organizations, and
individuals around the world through the Internet and other electronic
The
Internet is a network of networks. Through the District's electronic
communications system, your child will have access to hundreds of databases,
libraries, and computer services all over the world.
With
this educational opportunity also comes responsibility. It is important that
you and your child read the enclosed District policy, administrative
regulations, and agreement form and discuss these requirements together.
inappropriate system use will result in the loss of the privilege to use this
educational tool.
Please
be aware that the Internet is an association of diverse communication and
Please return the attached agreement form indicating
your permission or denial of
permission
for your child to participate in the District's electronic communications
system.
Sincerely,
___________________________________________________
Principal or
Technology Coordinator
–Nocona ISD Electronic Communication And Data
Management
EXHIBIT B
NOCONA ISD STUDENT AGREEMENT FOR ACCEPTABLE USE OF THE
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
SYSTEM
You
are being given access to the District's electronic communications system.
Through this system, you will be able to communicate with other schools,
colleges, organizations, and people around the world through the Internet and
other electronic
With
this educational opportunity comes responsibility. It is important that you
read the District policy, administrative regulations, and agreement form and,
ask questions if you need help in understanding them. Inappropriate system use
will result in the loss of the privilege to use this educational tool.
Please note that the Internet is a network of many types
of communication and
RULES FOR
APPROPRIATE USE
You
will be assigned an individual account, and you are responsible for not sharing
the password for that account with others.
OR
You
will have access only through the teacher's account.
The
account is to be used mainly for identified educational purposes, but some
limited personal use is permitted.
You
will be held responsible at all times for the proper use of your account, and
the District may suspend or revoke your access if you violate the rules.
Remember
that people who receive e‑mail from you with a school address might think
your message represents the school's point of view.
Nocona ISD Electronic
Communication And Data Management
EXHIBIT B
CONTD.
NOCONA ISD STUDENT AGREEMENT FOR ACCEPTABLE USE OF THE
ELECTRONIC
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
INAPPROPRIATE USES
Using
the system for any illegal purpose.
Disabling
or attempting to disable any Internet filtering device.
Encrypting
communications to avoid security review.
Borrowing
someone's account without permission.
Posting
personal
Downloading
or using copyrighted
Intentionally
introducing a virus to the computer system.
Posting
messages or accessing materials that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented,
threatening, harassing, damaging to another's reputation, or illegal.
Wasting
school resources through the improper use of the computer system.
Gaining
unauthorized access to restricted
CONSEQUENCES
FOR INAPPROPRIATE USE
Suspension
of access to the system;
Revocation of the computer system account; or
Other
disciplinary or legal action, in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct
and applicable laws.
The student agreement must be renewed each academic year.
Nocona ISD Electronic
Communication And Data Management
EXHIBIT B
CONTD.
NOCONA ISD STUDENT AGREEMENT FOR ACCEPTABLE USE OF THE
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
STUDENT
Name___________________________________________________
School___________________________________________________
Grade___________________________________________________
I
understand that my computer use is not private and that the District will
monitor my activity on the computer system.
I
have read the District's electronic communications system policy and
administrative regulations and agree to
abide by their provisions. I understand that violation of these provisions may result
in suspension or revocation of system access.
Student's signature___________________________________________________
Date______________________________
Nocona ISD
Electronic Communication And Data Management
EXHIBIT B
CONTD.
NOCONA ISD STUDENT AGREEMENT FOR ACCEPTABLE USE OF THE
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
PARENT
___________I do not give permission for
my child to participate in the District's electronic communications system.
I have
read the District's electronic communications system policy and administrative
regulations. In consideration for the privilege of my child using the
District's electronic communications system, and in consideration for having
access to the public networks, I hereby release the District, its operators,
and any institutions with which they are affiliated from any and all claims and
damages of any nature arising from my child's use of, or inability to use, the
system, including, without limitation, the type of damage identified in the
District's policy and administrative regulations.
___________I give permission for my
child to participate in the District's electronic communications system and
certify that the
Signature of parent__________________________________________________
Home address__________________________________________________
Date_____________________________
Home phone number______________________________________
Nocona ISD Electronic Communication And Data Management
EXHIBIT C
EMPLOYEE AGREEMENT FOR ACCEPTABLE USE OF THE
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
SYSTEM
You
are being given access to the District's electronic communications system. Through
this system, you will be able to communicate with other schools, colleges,
organizations, and people around the world through the Internet and other
electronic
With
this opportunity comes responsibility. It is important that you read the
District policy, administrative regulations, and agreement form and ask
questions if you need help in understanding them. Inappropriate system use will
result in the loss of the privilege of using this educational and
administrative tool.
Please note that the Internet is a network of many types
of communication and
RULES FOR APPROPRIATE
USE
The
account is to be used mainly for educational purposes, but some limited
personal use is permitted.
You
will be held responsible at all times for the proper use of your account, and
the District may suspend or revoke your access if you violate the rules.
Remember
that people who receive e‑mail from you with a school address might think
your message represents the school's point of view.
INAPPROPRIATE
USES
Using
the system for any illegal purpose.
Disabling
or attempting to disable any Internet filtering device.
Encrypting
communications to avoid security review.
Borrowing
someone's account without permission.
Downloading
or using copyrighted
Intentionally
introducing a virus to the computer system.
Nocona ISD Electronic Communication And Data Management
EXHIBIT C
CONTD.
EMPLOYEE AGREEMENT FOR ACCEPTABLE USE OF THE
ELECTRONIC
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
INAPPROPRIATE USES CONTD.
Posting
messages or accessing materials that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented,
threatening, harassing, damaging to another's reputation, or illegal.
Wasting school resources
through improper use of the computer system.
Gaining
unauthorized access to restricted
CONSEQUENCES FOR
INAPPROPRIATE USE
Suspension
of access to the system;
Revocation of the computer system account; or
Other
disciplinary or legal action, in accordance with the District policies and
applicable laws.
I understand
that my computer use is not private and that the District will monitor my
activity on the computer system.
I
have read the District's electronic communications system policy and
administrative regulations and agree to abide by their provisions. In
consideration for the privilege of using the District's electronic
communications system and in consideration for having access to the public
networks, I hereby release the District, its operators, and any institutions
with which they are affiliated from any and all claims and damages of any
nature arising from my use of, or inability to use, the system, including,
without limitation, the type of damages identified in the District's policy and
administrative regulations.
Signature__________________________________________________
Home address__________________________________________________
Date__________________________________________________
Home phone number__________________________________________________
EXHIBIT F
RELEASE FORM FOR THE ELECTRONIC DISPLAY OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
I_____________________________________________________________, give my permission for
certain personally identifiable
The
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Signature of student’s parent
__________________________________________________
Home address__________________________________________________