BLMS Supplemental Guidelines

Acceptable Technology/Computer Use Policy

This policy applies to all ISD-provided devices and technology, whether used on or off campus. In addition, it will be applied to any personal devices, when used on the school campus.

Digital Citizenship. Users of District Technology will exhibit good digital citizenship by conducting themselves appropriately and following the BARKS as part of the school’s expectations of positive behaviors. The school and District monitor technology use in a variety of ways, including automated word monitoring software and/or teacher visibility of screens within the classroom. Students are expected to:

Be Accountable:

• Select online names that are appropriate, and will consider the information and images posted online.
• Consider what personal information about their life, experiences, experimentation or relationships they post.
• Use Canvas messaging for schoolwork, not using it to message friends during class
• Use and abide by the fair use rules.
• Act with integrity.

Be Respectful:

• Not be obscene.
• Show respect to others.
• Do not use electronic mediums to antagonize, bully, harass or stalk other people.
• Show respect for other people in my choice of websites.
• Use free and open source alternatives rather than pirated software.

Be Kind:

• Moderate unacceptable materials and conversations
• Request permission to use resources.
• Cite all use of websites, books, media, Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistance, etc.
• Acknowledge all primary sources and validate all information used.
• Do not visit sites that are degrading, pornographic, racist or inappropriate.

Be Safe:

• Ensure that the information, images and materials posted online will not put themselves or others at risk.
• Report any attacks or inappropriate behavior directed at themselves or others.
• Protect passwords, accounts and resources.
• Do not abuse any rights of access, nor enter other people’s private spaces or areas.
• Protect others by reporting abuse, not forwarding inappropriate materials or communications.

Unacceptable Use. Users are responsible for their own actions regarding the use of BLMS technology. Unacceptable or inappropriate use can result in loss of access to technology as well as additional disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Unacceptable use includes but is not limited to activities such as the following:

• Accessing, downloading, distributing, displaying, creating, submitting or posting harmful, indecent, offensive, pornographic, or otherwise inappropriate messages, pictures, or materials;
• Engaging in harassing, offensive, obscene or defamatory speech;
• Threatening, harassing or bullying others;
• Using the network for any illegal purpose or activity;
• Engaging in vandalism such as graffiti, tampering with or damaging the district provided laptop, inappropriate use of the school computer network, peripheral equipment or associated furniture damage, or spreading computer viruses (either intentionally or recklessly);
• Invading the privacy of others by the unauthorized disclosure or dissemination of information of a personal nature;
• Gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to files, resources or entities;
• Attempting to harm or destroy, or harming or destroying, District Technology or data of other users on the school network or the Internet;
• Attempting to override, bypass, or otherwise change the Internet filtering software or other network configurations. Examples might include (but are not limited to) the addition of any browser extensions, utilizing VPNs and anything that bypasses district filters;
• Posting material authored or created by others without their consent;
• Unauthorized downloading of software, loaning technology to others, or violating copyright laws or software licensing agreements;
• Using other users’ passwords, misrepresenting themselves, or otherwise engaging in identity theft;
• Using District Technology while access privileges are suspended or revoked or before access privileges have been granted;

Repeated violations of the acceptable use policy could result in loss of computer privileges and/or placement on a computer plan while at school.

See the Computer/Technology Use Policy in Student Conduct section of the ISD Handbook for further information.