Acceptable Use of Technology
For Staff:
The Harrisonburg City School Board provides a computer system, including the internet, to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication. Use of the Division's computer system is intended to support education and/or research and for legitimate school business. Policies 667 Acceptable Computer System Use and 667-R Technology Use Guidelines establish important guidelines that teachers must follow when using division network and Internet resources.
The network supervisor will investigate and report inappropriate behaviors as directed by the building supervisor who will take appropriate disciplinary action. Any other reports of inappropriate behavior, violations, or complaints will be routed to the employee's supervisor for appropriate action. Violations may result in a loss of access and/or disciplinary action. When applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved. Network use should be responsible, efficient, and ethical. Check with school technology staff for information concerning access to and use of the network.
For Students:
Policies 751 Acceptable Computer System Use and 751-R Technology Use Guidelines establish important guidelines that students must follow. Staff members need to be familiar with these guidelines to ensure that students are following them. All teachers are expected to include internet safety training for students. This may best be done through "teachable moments" or planned discussions when students are using technology. Check with your ITC for suggestions and resources for your grade level.
Copyright
All staff members are expected to abide by copyright regulations. This includes both print and electronic resources. Staff members should model and teach appropriate use. Some key points include:
- Fair Use law allows teachers and students to use copyrighted educational resource materials in small amounts for educational purposes. Fair Use law does not cover the use of copyrighted material for rewards.
- The face-to-face exemption allows teachers to show videos as long as they are used for instructional purposes, with appropriate objectives, and with the teacher’s presence in the room. They may NOT be shown for reward or entertainment.
- Music is also covered by the face-to-face exemption and can be used in the classroom for instructional purposes. A popular music track used for background music in a Powerpoint presentation or video is not covered.
- Web pages are not covered by Fair Use law. Do not include anything on a web page without permission. Use sites for clip art that specifically give permission for their work to be used on web pages.
- Software may only be installed if legal licenses have been purchased. Stand-alone licenses only allow the software to be installed on an individual machine.
Copyright Friendly Media
Be sure to read the terms of use for each site.
- Awesome Clipart for Educators
- Creative Commons Non-profit organization offering flexible copyright licenses. Locate images, audio, and video to use in your presentation - check the terms of use.
- FreePlayMusic
- MusOpen Copyright-free classical music
- Pics4Learning
- School Icons Club: Web Graphics
Additional Resources
- 10 Myths About Copyright Explained offers practical information about copyright.
- US Copyright Office
- Generosity and Copyright Includes some good public domain lists
- Paul Barron's Copyright Portaportal Links to resources
- UW Copyright Connection