605.6 - Internet - Appropriate Use (Feb 2024)
605.6 - Internet - Appropriate Use (Feb 2024)The district recognizes the importance of developing students into agile learners who are capable of addressing the complex needs of our future workforce. For this reason, the district has prioritized making available technology and programs that teach students to embrace modern technology and tools while fostering a secure learning environment for students to the extent reasonable. Because technology is a vital part of the school district curriculum, the Internet will be made available to employees and students. Appropriate and equitable use of the Internet will allow employees and students to access resources unavailable through traditional means.
Students will be able to access the Internet through their teachers. Individual student accounts and electronic mail addresses may be issued to students. Students may be permitted to use district-issued email addresses and Internet-based collaboration software to send and receive messages at school.
The Internet can provide a vast collection of educational resources for students and employees. It is a global network which makes it impossible to control all available information. Because information appears, disappears and changes constantly, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate. The school district makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet. Although students will be under teacher supervision while on the network, it is not possible to constantly monitor individual students and what they are accessing on the network. Some students might encounter information which may not be of educational value. Student Internet records and access records are confidential records treated like other student records. Students' Internet activities will be monitored by the school district to ensure students are not accessing inappropriate sites that have visual depictions that include obscenity, child pornography or are harmful to minors. The school district will use technology protection measures to protect students from inappropriate access, including sites that include obscenity, child pornography or are harmful to minors.
The school district will monitor the online activities of students and will educate students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting on social networking sites and chat rooms. Students will also be educated on cyberbullying, including awareness and response. Employees will provide age appropriate training for students who use the Internet. The training provided will be designed to promote the school district's commitment to:
- The standards and acceptable use of Internet services as set forth in the policy and;
- Student safety with regard to:
- safety on the Internet;
- appropriate behavior while on online, on social networking Web sites, and
- in chat rooms; and
- cyberbullying awareness and response.
- Compliance with the E-rate requirements of the Children's Internet Protection Act
Employees and students will be instructed on the appropriate use of the Internet. Parents will be required to sign a permission form to allow their students to access the Internet. Students will sign a form acknowledging they have read and understand the Internet Acceptable Use policy and regulations, that they will comply with the policy and regulations, and that they understand the consequences for violation of the policy or regulations
In compliance with federal law, this policy will be maintained at least five years beyond the termination of funding under the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) or E-rate.
Legal References: Iowa Code § 279.8.
Cross References: 104 Anti-Bullying/Harassment
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
506 Student Records
605.5 School Library
Approved September 1996
Reviewed September 2014, July 2020, Feb 2024
605.6R1 - Internet - Appropriate Use Regulation (Feb 2024)
605.6R1 - Internet - Appropriate Use Regulation (Feb 2024)I. Responsibility for Internet Appropriate Use.
- The authority for appropriate use of electronic Internet resources is delegated to the licensed employees.
- Instruction in the proper use of the Internet will be available to licensed employees who will then provide similar instruction to their students.
- Employees are expected to practice appropriate use of the Internet, and violations may result in discipline up to, and including, discharge.
II. Internet Access.
- Access to the Internet is available to teachers and students as a source of information and a vehicle of communication.
- Students will be able to access the Internet through their teachers. Individual Internet-based collaboration software student accounts and electronic mail addresses may be issued to students.
- Making Internet access available to students carries with it the potential that some students might encounter information that may not be appropriate for students. However, on a global network, it is impossible to control all materials. Because information on the Internet appears, disappears and changes, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate.
- It is a goal to allow teachers and students access to the rich opportunities on the Internet, while we protect the rights of students and parents who choose not to risk exposure to questionable material.
- The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines which require efficient, ethical and legal utilization of network resources.
- To promote accountability users may use real-time conference features such as talk/chat/Internet relay chat only as approved by the supervising teacher.
- Transmission of material, information or software in violation of any board policy or regulation is prohibited.
- System users will follow district cybersecurity policy and procedures to ensure network security.
- The school district makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet.
IV. Student Use of Internet.
- Equal Opportunity - The Internet is available to all students within the school district through teacher access.
- On-line Protocol.
- The use of the network is a privilege and may be taken away for violation of board policy or regulations. As a user of the Internet, students may be allowed access to other networks. Each network may have its own set of policies and procedures. It is the user's responsibility to abide by the policies and procedures of these other networks
- Students should adhere to on-line protocol:
- Respect all copyright and license agreements.
- Cite all quotes, references and sources.
- Remain on the system long enough to get needed information, then exit the system.
- Apply the same privacy, ethical and educational considerations utilized in other forms of communication.
- Student access for electronic mail will be through (the supervising teacher's account/their own account). Students should adhere to the following guidelines:
- Others may be able to read or access the mail so private messages should not be sent.
- Delete unwanted messages immediately.
- Use of objectionable language is prohibited.
- Always sign messages.
- Restricted Material - Students will not intentionally access or download any text file or picture or engage in any conference that includes material which is obscene, libelous, indecent, vulgar, profane or lewd; advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law; constitutes insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses others; or presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution, it will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school regulations.
- Unauthorized Costs - If a student gains access to any service via the Internet which has a cost involved or if a student incurs other types of costs, the student accessing such a service will be responsible for those costs.
V. Student Violations--Consequences and Notifications.
Students who access restricted items on the Internet are subject to the appropriate action described in board policy or regulations or the following consequences:
- First Violation - A verbal and written "Warning" notice will be issued to the student. The student may lose Internet access for a period of 1 month at the discretion of the supervising teacher. A copy of the notice will be mailed to the student's parent and a copy provided to the building principal.
- Second Violation - A verbal and written "Second Violation" notice will be issued to the student. A copy of the notice will be sent to the student's parent and a copy provided to the building principal. The student will forfeit all Internet privileges for a minimum period of 6 months .
- Third Violation - A verbal and written "Third Violation" notice will be issued to the student. A copy of the notice will be sent to the student's parent and a copy provided to the building principal. The student will forfeit all Internet privileges for 1 year or for the balance of the school year.
Approved September 1996
Reviewed June 2009, September 2014, July 2020, Feb 2024
605.8 Artificial Intelligence int the Educational Environment (Feb 2024)
605.8 Artificial Intelligence int the Educational Environment (Feb 2024)The district believes that to adequately prepare modern learners for the future, advances in technology should first be explored within the education environment. At its most simple, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is automation based on association. AI tools analyze large amounts of information and detect patterns using that information to draw a conclusion. The AI tools then improve the conclusions drawn based upon additional data reviewed, patterns found, and prior conclusions drawn. Generative AI for the education environment has the potential to automate classroom organizational tasks, enhance individualized student learning, teaching, assessment of student learning, and even enhance research and professional development for educators.
However, generative AI tools can be vulnerable to inaccuracy in some significant ways. AI tools can: have bias in how the tools detect patterns; detect patterns/draw conclusions based on inaccurate data; and may not be fully accessible to students to differing abilities. It is valuable for students to understand the potential uses and limitations of this imperfect technology in an educational environment where AI tools have been carefully selected and are monitored and reviewed within appropriate guidelines. For this reason, human oversight and decision making must lead the selection, use, and review of AI tools in the education environment.
Only humans can verify the accuracy of AI tools and apply proper context to any information generated from them. AI tools will never be the sole determining factor used to make decisions related to student learning, assessment, academic integrity, and behavior. All decisions must be made by appropriate licensed staff and based upon a holistic analysis of available evidence.
Privacy must be protected when using generative AI tools. AI draws conclusions based on analysis of data. No personally identifiable information about other students or staff will be shared with AI tools, without prior written consent from the parent or guardian of the student, or from the student/staff if applicable. Permission must be granted prior to students using open-source AI tools that may share information outside the tool itself, and with any entities outside the control of the privacy terms and conditions of the AI tool.
Use of AI tools by students and staff will be at all times appropriate to the educational environment and subject to all applicable laws, regulations and policies. This includes but is not limited to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule; as well as district policies on student conduct, copyright protections, student records, personnel records, bullying and harassment, and staff/student expression.
The Superintendent, working in collaboration with relevant staff, will develop regulations necessary to carry out the intent of this policy.
NOTE: This policy is discretionary and can be adapted to suit the needs of your district. AI is an umbrella term. Nearly all districts already utilize classroom management software, collaboration software and other technologies within the district that use AI technology in some fashion. The intent of this policy is to address the use of generative and open-source AI tools more specifically in the education setting, and what limitations and protections will be built into that process.
Legal References:
16 C.F.R. 312
34 C.F.R. pt. 99
47 C.F.R 54.520
Iowa Code § 279.8
Approved: February 2024
I.C. Iowa Code | Description |
---|---|
Iowa Code § 279.8 | Directors - General Rules - Bonds of Employees |
C.F.R. - Code of Federal Regulations | Description |
---|---|
16 C.F.R. 312 | Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule |
34 C.F.R. Pt. 99 | Education - Family Rights and Privacy |
47 C.F.R. 54.520 | Communications - Children's Internet Protection Act |
Cross References
605.8R1 Artificial Intelligence int the Educational Environment - Regulation (Feb 2024)
605.8R1 Artificial Intelligence int the Educational Environment - Regulation (Feb 2024)Selection of AI tools
AI tools will be vetted by relevant stakeholders including, but not limited to the district’s IT staff and, when related to student learning or assessment, by the Curriculum Director. Decisions to use AI tools should be focused on:
- Protection of students: Any AI tools used in the district must comply with the requirements to safeguard students from accessing material that is obscene, child pornography and harmful to minors.
- Privacy: Personally identifiable information of students will not be shared without necessary written consents. Further, any AI tools utilized must meet the requirements of the School Official exemption listed in FERPA, and described in policy 712.
- Accessibility: Is the tool available to students of all abilities? If not, what comparable alternatives will be offered to ensure an equitable learning environment for all students?
- Accuracy: To the extent reasonable, the AI tool should be both reliable and unbiased in its pattern recognition, and data used by the tool should be verified for accuracy.
- Transparent and Interruptible: Student use of AI tools must be able to be monitored by licensed staff to safeguard the appropriateness of the learning experience for the student and monitor for accuracy of the AI tool.
Academic Integrity
Use of AI in research and graded work by students must include proper source citations. Copyright protections must be strictly adhered to. Students who fail to comply with these requirements may face discipline as stated in relevant district policies.
Appropriate Use
Prior to using AI tools, classroom teachers will clearly state how AI tools may be used to engage in and complete educational tasks and assignments. Classroom teachers will establish appropriate parameters for AI tool usage and will monitor student use of AI tools as appropriate.
Prohibited Uses
Students will not use AI tools to access or create information that is discriminatory, constitutes bullying or harassment, shares confidential or personally identifiable information of others, or access/create material that is harmful to minors, obscene, or child pornography. Any violation of this regulation will be treated as a violation of relevant district policies and may be subject to loss of access to the AI tool, and further discipline.
I.C. Iowa Code | Description |
---|---|
Iowa Code § 279.8 | Directors - General Rules - Bonds of Employees |
C.F.R. - Code of Federal Regulations | Description |
---|---|
16 C.F.R. 312 | Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule |
34 C.F.R. Pt. 99 | Education - Family Rights and Privacy |
47 C.F.R. 54.520 | Communications - Children's Internet Protection Act |
Approved: February 2024
605.6E1 - Internet Access Permission Letter to Parents
605.6E1 - Internet Access Permission Letter to ParentsYour child has access to the Internet. The vast domain of information contained within Internet's libraries can provide unlimited opportunities to students.
Students will be able to access the Internet through their teachers. Individual student accounts and electronic mail addresses ( will/will not ) be issued to students at this time. If a student already has an electronic mail address, he/she ( will not/may, with permission of the supervising teacher ) be permitted to use the address to send and receive mail at school.
Students will be expected to abide by the following network etiquette:
- The use of the network is a privilege and may be taken away for violation of board policy or regulations. As a user of the Internet, students may be allowed access to other networks. Each network may have its own set of policies and procedures. Students will abide by the polices and procedures of these other networks.
- Students will respect all copyright and license agreements.
- Students will cite all quotes, references, and sources.
- Students will only remain on the system long enough to get needed information.
- Students will apply the same privacy, ethical and educational considerations utilized in other forms of communication.
- Student access for electronic mail will be through ( the supervising teacher's account/their own account ). Students should adhere to the following guidelines:
- Others may be able to read or access the mail, so private messages should not be sent.
- Delete unwanted messages immediately.
- Use of objectionable language is prohibited.
- Always sign messages.
- Always acknowledge receipt of a document or file.
- Students accessing Internet services that have a cost involved will be responsible for payment of those costs.
************************************************************************************************************
Please sign the form if you would like your child to be granted Internet access and return the permission form to your child's school.
Student Name Grade_______
School Date _________
(Parent or guardian's signature):
________________________________________________________________
If you have granted your child Internet access, please have them respond to the following:
□ I have read the expected network etiquette and agree to abide by these provisions. I understand that violation of these provisions may constitute suspension or revocation of Internet privileges.
□ I agree to be responsible for payment of costs incurred by accessing any Internet services that have a cost involved.
(Student signature): ______________________________________________
605.6E2 - Internet Appropriate Use Violation Notice
605.6E2 - Internet Appropriate Use Violation NoticeStudent: _________________________________________________________
Teacher: ________________________________________________________
Date: _______________
Students who access restricted items on the Internet are subject to the appropriate action described in the school's discipline policy or student handbook or to the following consequences:
____ First Offense:
The above student has violated the Student Internet Policy by intentionally accessing restricted material. He/she may lose Internet access for up to three weeks at the discretion of the supervising teacher. A second offense will result in the student losing Internet access for a period ________________________ .
____ Second Offense:
The above student has violated the Student Internet Policy by intentionally accessing restricted material for a second time. As a consequence of this violation the above student has lost Internet access for a period _______________________ .
____ Third Offense:
The above student has violated the Student Internet Policy by intentionally accessing restricted material for a third time. As a consequence of this violation the above student has forfeited all Internet privileges for a period of ____________ or the balance of the school year.
Approved September 1996
Reviewed September 2014, July 2020