General Administration AP 140: Acceptable Use of Information and Communication Technology

Background

The Division employs complex Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in carrying out its instructional and administrative functions.

The appropriate use of ICT in the instructional process can significantly enhance learning outcomes, and ICT contributes substantially to the efficient management of the resources necessary to support the educational objectives. In order to ensure that this technology is reliable and used responsibly, all users must adhere to an acceptable standard of use of ICT. This standard is to apply to the use of ICT resources that are the property of the Division or the use of privately-owned devices used on Division premises and/or during school-sponsored activities.

Definitions

Hardware is a computer and the associated physical equipment directly involved in the performance of data-processing or communications functions. This includes, but is not limited to: system board, disk drives, keyboard, monitor, printer, digital camera, memory devices, etc. Software is the instructions executed by a computer, as opposed to the physical device on which they run.

Information and Communication Technology includes, but is not limited to: Computer Systems – both hardware and software, Data and Voice Networks, telephones, mobile devices, memory devices, video technology, digital media, Interactive White Boards, video projectors, and any other digital technology.

Procedures

1. Everyone who may have occasion to interact with the ICT of the Division will abide by Division procedures for acceptable ICT use. Appendix A to this Administrative Procedure is to be included in each school's staff and student handbooks.
2. Failure to adhere to these procedures may result in the actions outlined in Appendix B.
3. At the beginning of each school year in grades 4, 7, and starting High School, principals will distribute the Acceptable Use Agreement (Appendix A) and the ICT Rules and Etiquette (Appendix C) to students and as information to parents.
4. The accompanying "Agreement to Comply" must be signed by students (Form 140-1) upon enrolment and staff (Form 140-2) upon employment who wish to gain access to the Division's ICT. Copies of the student's signed agreement will be kept on file at each respective school and transferred if the student moves to another school in the Division. Copies of the staff member's signed agreement will be kept in his/her personnel file at Division Office.
5. Failure to sign and return the "Agreement to Comply" may adversely affect an individual's ability to succeed at assignments and tasks given to him or her. The Division and its personnel assume no responsibility or obligation in this event with the exception of providing access to computers for the writing of provincial exams or tests.
6. Principals may adapt this Administrative Procedure to their individual needs provided the basic principles of the Administrative Procedure are maintained.