Classroom Internet and Safety Policy

Ms. Winther’s Classroom

Internet and Safety Policy

Introduction

As a student in my classroom, you will be using the Internet as a constant learning tool. The Internet is vast highway of resources for the classroom. The Internet is a powerful tool that is used in the classroom to fuel and promote educational experiences. As an Internet user in my classroom you will be required to follow specific guidelines and rules when using the Internet.

Guidelines/Rules

1. Plagiarism: Obey the rules of copyright. You will not plagiarize (take) work you find on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were one's own. Be sure to always use proper citations.

· Use creative commons to find appropriate sources

· Seek permission if possible

· Example of bad use: Went to a website and copy and pasted information into a project or paper without summarizing or citing.

· Example of good use: Went to a valid website and found appropriate information. Paraphrased and summarized information into own words and then used noodlebib.com to properly create a citation.

2. Personal Use: You are able to use personal email to send information to and from school for educational purposes only. There is no use of facebook, myspace, or other social networking sites. Rule of thumb, when accessing websites do not go over 4 clicks away from the original site.

· Example of bad use: went on facebook, myspace, photobooth, and opened games during class or on any computer during the school day.

· Example of good use: opened up your email to email yourself the report you did not finish in Language Arts class.

3. Appropriate Behavior: when blogging, accessing sites, or collaborating online with classmates, always use appropriate language and behavior (no cyber bullying, vulgar, rude or threatening language).

· Example of bad use: commenting on someone’s blog with inappropriate language, use threatening behavior, commenting in a rude or unprofessional manner. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

· Example of good use: commenting on someone’s blog in a professional manner (good spelling, appropriate language, etc.)

4. Personal Information: Do not give out any personal information when on the Internet (blogs, email, etc.). This would include email address, name, address, school name, school address, etc.

· Example of bad use: went onto a public blog and posted something personal about yourself (email, name, address).

· Example of good use: remained anonymous on the Internet when commenting and reading blogs.

As an Internet User in my classroom you adhere to these rules for our classroom Internet and Safety Policy. By adhering to this, you understand that if you break rule consequences will be enforced.

Student Signature _______________________

Consequences

· Breaking a rule – student conference and follow appropriate consequences outlined in student handbook.

· Further infractions – Students/parents/teacher/administrator conference. Students will lose privileges to accessing certain Internet sites, activities, etc.