Electronic Devices and Technology Resources
Responsible Use Policy (RUP) - Technology Resources
Internet Safety
The district network is a primary source for voice, video, and data transmission, communication, storage, and application delivery. The internet is a primary source for research, information and communication. Access to the district network and Internet is provided to system users (Pasadena ISD employees, students, and community members) in order to take advantage of innovative instruction methodology and workplace technological advancements. Along with this privilege come responsibilities. System users are expected to behave appropriately with the use of technology resources. Any system user found in violation of this agreement can be subjected to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment and/or legal prosecution.
Pasadena ISD reserves the right to monitor and audit electronic devices along with network and Internet usage on a periodic basis to ensure compliance with this agreement and all associated policies. District personnel are designated by the Superintendent to monitor usage.
All use of the Internet and District issued equipment and devices must comply with the Board Policy CQ (Legal), CQ (Local), CQ-R, and PK-High School Student Handbook and Code of Conduct relating to use of District computer and Internet resources as well as other electronic media and digital tools. It is the policy of Pasadena ISD to comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the Neighborhood Children’s Protection Act (NCIPA), the Protection Children in the 21st Century Act, and other applicable laws.
Sites accessible via the computer/network/Internet may contain material that is illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or controversial. Each District computer with Internet access has filtering software that blocks access to visual depictions that are obscene, pornographic, inappropriate for students, or harmful to minors, as defined by the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). The District makes every effort to limit access to objectionable material; however, controlling all such materials on the computer/network/Internet is impossible, even with filtering in place. With global access to computers and people, a risk exists that students may access material that may not be of educational value in the school setting. Filtering for adult Internet usage can be adjusted/disabled for ‘bona fide' research or other lawful purpose.
The Internet may be accessed by a student unless the student's parent or guardian has filed a written request with the building principal. This request, indicating that the Internet should not be accessed, must be filed annually with the building principal.
Use of Social Networking/Digital Tools
Students may participate in District-approved social media learning environments related to curricular projects or school activities and use digital tools, such as, but not limited to, mobile devices, blogs, discussion forums, RSS feeds, podcasts, wikis, instant messaging, email and on-line meeting sessions.
All PISD students will have access to a district assigned network login, district email account, calendar and cloud storage. These accounts will be used for school related projects, including the use of Microsoft OneDrive as a place for students to safely keep school-related documents online.
Every attempt has been made to provide safe, secured student email, however it is still the responsibility of users to follow all school rules, teacher directions and procedures and to report any inappropriate use or material to school personnel.
This e-mail account is provided as a support to the instructional process, and consequently any and all messages are open for review by the assigning instructor. In maintaining and securing the system, technology support personnel also have access to email.
Follow these email guidelines and apply common sense to evaluate your actions in using district accounts:
1. Messages will not contain profanity, obscene comments or sexually explicit materials.
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2. Messages will not contain racist, sexist, religious or derogatory content. Respect for members of the school and general community is expected.
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3. User identity will be accurately reflected in all emails.
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4. No virus or program will be introduced into the system, which alters its operation, destroys or damages data or renames or relocates files.
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5. Overall message volume should not absorb a disproportionate amount of email system resources.
The use of digital tools are considered an extension of the classroom. Verbal or written language that is considered inappropriate in the classroom is also inappropriate in all uses of blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other district-approved digital tools. Employees who use digital learning tools in their classrooms must monitor student actions to ensure compliance with the Student Code of Conduct/Handbook, CIPA, and other applicable laws. The safety and security of minors must be included when using digital tools.
DISCLAIMER
In the process of protecting the network, Pasadena ISD cannot guarantee the confidentiality of information. The district is not responsible for phone/credit card bills or any other charges incurred by users. Use of any information obtained via the Network/Internet is at the user’s own risk. The district specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services. Opinions, advice, services, and all other information expressed by system users, information providers, service providers, or other third party individuals in the system are those of the providers and not the District. The district will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to misuse of the district’s network/Internet/electronic communications systems
Telecommunication Devices, Including Mobile Telephones
“Telecommunication devices” referred to in this section include any device that emits an audible signal, vibrates, displays a message or otherwise summons or delivers a communication to the possessor. This includes but is not limited to beepers, pagers, cell phones, iPads, iPod, iTouches, etc
A student must have approval to possess other telecommunications devices such as netbooks, laptops, tablets, or other portable computers.
Parents should refrain from contacting their student directly during the school day. The student’s telecommunication device should be turned off. Parents may contact the school office to deliver emergency messages.
Students are prohibited from sending or posting electronic messages or images, including sexting, that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal, including off school property if the conduct causes a substantial disruption to the school environment.
Students who abuse the privilege of possessing these devices are subject to disciplinary measures. In addition, district employees may confiscate any telecommunication device.
Instructional Use of Personal Telecommunications and Other Electronic Devices
In some cases, students may find it beneficial or might be encouraged to use personal telecommunications or other personal electronic devices for instructional purposes while on campus. Students must obtain prior approval before using personal telecommunications or other personal electronic devices for instructional use. Students must also sign a user agreement that contains applicable rules for use (separate from this handbook). When students are not using the devices for approved instructional purposes, all devices must be turned off during the instructional day. Violations of the user agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.
Pasadena ISD Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) Responsible Use Guidelines
Technology is one way of enhancing the district’s mission of teaching students to be productive, college- and career-ready members of the 21st century. In order to increase the use of technology in the classroom, Pasadena ISD is implementing a BYOT program (Bring Your Own Technology). We want students to embrace appropriate use of technology so they may become responsible digital citizens.
Definition of BYOT
Bring Your Own Technology allows students to bring and use their own personal technology devices to connect to the district wireless network and Internet for use during classroom activities. For the purpose of this program, the word “technology” will include: Wi-Fi enabled devices including but not limited to cell phones, iPads, iPod Touches, laptops, e-readers and Android tablets.
Internet Access and Use
The district will provide secure and filtered access to the internet through the district wireless network. Usage of the district wireless network account is encouraged. The district is not liable for content that is accessed or charges that may be incurred if students choose to use his/her personal data plan to access the internet.
Security and Damages
Each user is responsible for his/her device and is expected to use it appropriately. Responsibility to keep personal technology secure rests with the individual owner. Pasadena ISD is not liable for any device stolen or damaged on campus. Pasadena ISD will NOT replace or provide financial restitution for any stolen or damaged personal electronic device. If a technological device is stolen or damaged, the issue will be handled through the administrative office similar to other personal artifacts that are impacted in similar situations.
BYOT Student Agreement
The use of technology to access educational material is a privilege. When abused, privileges will be taken away. When respected, they benefit the learning environment as a whole. Students and parents/guardians participating in the BYOT program must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct, as well as all Board policies, particularly the Student Responsible Use agreement.
All mobile devices:
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Must be in silent mode while on school campuses and while riding school buses.
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Students are not allowed to use any device to photograph or record (either in audio or video format) another person on school property at any time without that person’s permission.
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Devices may not be used to for any purpose that promotes academic dishonesty
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Students will not participate in behavior with their personal device on or off campus that “materially or substantially interferes with school operations” and/or if it results in a “substantial disruption to the educational process”.
Students and Parents/Guardians acknowledge that:
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Students are prohibited from processing or accessing information by “hacking”, altering, or bypassing Pasadena ISD network security policies.
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The district has the right to collect and examine any device if there is reasonable suspicion that a search will uncover evidence of further wrongdoing or of injury to the student or another
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Technology is expected to run off its own battery while at school.
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The district is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal technological devices.
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The district is not responsible for maintenance or repair of any personal technology.
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The district is not responsible for any costs incurred due to use of personal technology.
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Printing from personal devices will not be supported at school.
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Each teacher has the discretion to allow and regulate the use of personal devices in the classroom and on specific projects.
Campuses may provide additional guidelines related to telecommunication devices.
Download printable copy
RUP Prezi Presentation
Updated 5/13/2015