Network Acceptable Use Agreement

Introduction:

This document, called, “An Acceptable Use Agreement” sets forth the terms and conditions under which students, parents and the staff of the Fraser Valley Distance Education School (FVDES) may access and use the online resources and services which make up the CoNNect Online Distance Education Program. It is expected that everyone involved in this program will read, remember and abide by the terms and conditions of this agreement. Failure to do so could result in disciplinary action, suspension or expulsion from the CoNNect program.

Please note that for the purposes of the agreement, students, parents and FVDES staff members will be described in this Acceptable Use Agreement as “USERS”. Also note that “FVDES network” and / or “CoNNect network” relate to the same network resources.

General Behaviour Expectations:

• Users are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful, responsible and ethical manner while online.

Because on-line communication is “faceless”, users sometimes forget that the person they are communicating with is also human; someone with feelings, ideas and emotions. Insults and inappropriate comments hurt just as much when said online as they do when said face to face. Therefore, rude and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.

• Computers, Internet assets, access to servers, software, and other online resources which make up the CoNNect program are provided for the users educational use only. These resources shall not be used for commercial purposes, product advertising, product / service purchasing, political lobbying, or political campaigning.
  
• Users are not permitted to transmit, receive, submit, or publish any illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, racist, threatening, offensive, sexually, or terrorist or witchcraft or cult-oriented materials. FVDES staff members will determine the appropriate action to take in the event any of these instances occur.
  
• Users should only use appropriate Internet resources, which teachers or parents would approve of and to leave an inappropriate site immediately if they encounter it accidentally.
  
• Physical or electronic tampering with computer resources is not permitted. Damaging or modifying computers, computer systems, computer networks, or other users' files or programs intentionally, including introducing viruses, will result in cancellation of privileges.
  
• Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem in the school's network or Internet connection, you must notify a member of the FVDES staff. Do not demonstrate or explain the problem to others.
  
• Using another user’s password or trespassing in someone's folders, work, or files is prohibited. Attempts to logon to the CoNNect network as anyone but you may result in cancellation of user privileges. CoNNect network resource accounts (FirstClass, vClass, Elluminate Live!, password protected websites, etc.) shall be used only by the authorized owner of the account. Users are responsible for all activity within their account.

• Users should not reveal their own or others personal information to anyone on the Internet or over the network unless instructed to do so by their teacher or parent/guardian. Users should never agree to meet or contact anyone they converse with online without their parents' approval.
  
• All communication and information accessible via the Internet resources at FVDES shall be regarded as private property. However, FVDES staff that operates the system may review files and messages to maintain system integrity and to ensure that users are using the system responsibly. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.

• Users must respect all copyright laws that protect software owners, artists and writers. Plagiarism or the theft of intellectual property in any form will not be tolerated. All materials taken from the Internet and used in a research document must be included in the bibliography of the project. Plagiarism may result in a “0” grade for that assignment or project.

• FVDES makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. We assume no responsibility or liability for any phone charges, line costs or usage fees, nor for any damages a user may suffer. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. We specifically deny any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.

Behaviour Expectations When Using E-Mail / Interactive Chat / vClass:

• Users are not to use the 'Private Chat' and message features of FirstClass to randomly communicate with other FirstClass users, as this is a waste of valuable learning time and computer resources. Private Chat should only be used to communicate with teachers or with the permission of teachers, other students. FVDES staff, reserves the right to immediately terminate the account of a user who misuses the conference and message features (talk / chat / Internet relay chat / vClass / Elluminate Live!).
  
• Users are expected to remove old electronic mail messages in a timely fashion. FVDES staff may remove such messages if not attended to regularly by the user. CoNNect network resource disk storage space available to users is limited, and consequently users should minimize disk storage.
  
• The FVDES staff has no control over the content of user communication posted or spoken. Messages received by the system are retained on the system until deleted by the recipient. A canceled CoNNect network resource account will not retain its mail.
  
• Users may upload and download public domain programs for their own use or redistribute a public domain program if it is for non-commercial use. However, a user assumes all risks regarding the determination of whether a program is in the public domain. Copyrighted material must not be placed on any computer system and/or file connected to CoNNect network resources without the author's written permission.

• Users are not allowed to send or request to receive “chain letters” or “chain messages” (messages sent to several different account holders at the same time) via FirstClass and the CoNNect network.

Behavior Expectations For Discussion Groups:

Taking part in general or class discussions is an important part of the CoNNect program. It's a great way to learn about technology from others, share your experiences and point of view, plus meet some really neat people - your classmates, teachers, counsellors, and others.

• You are welcome to voice any honestly held viewpoint or opinion. You are NOT welcome to say things just to make others angry and upset.
  
• The way to discuss an issue is NOT by trashing another user’s opinion or point of view. The way to discuss an issue is through presenting positive points to support your position.
  
• The way to discuss a topic is NOT by making rude or insulting comments about another user. That will not be tolerated. There are no "right" answers for these discussions - no "stupid" comments or "dumb" ideas. Everyone is welcome to share their thoughts and viewpoints - but please consider the other user when taking part in the discussions.
  
• The way to convince users that your point of view or opinion is right, or better, is through information. Presenting information, facts or articles to back up your point of view is much better then simply saying, "I'm right and you're wrong." over and over again. You have access to one of the best information sources in the world - the Internet. Don't be afraid to use it.
  
• Lively discussion topics are strongly encouraged as this is online distance education. However, discussion topics focusing on a user’s religious belief, sexuality, ethnic background, language, etc. are not permitted.
  
• Users may disagree with another user’s opinion provided it is done in a positive, non-offensive manner. You may not disagree with another user by being rude and offensive to that user personally. In other words, you may disagree without being disagreeable.

Consequences:

1. First Offense: Warning

2. Second Offense: - Loss of access to the CoNNect network for 2 week

- Notification to your school counsellor

3. Third Offense: - Loss of access to the CoNNect network for 1 month.

- Notification to your school counsellor.

4. Fourth Offense: - Complete withdrawal from the CoNNect network for the remainder of the

school year and further consequences considered for the following school year.

NOTE: Severe negative or inappropriate behavior could result in immediate suspension from the CoNNect program and other consequences

This Acceptable Use Policy functions concurrently (at the same time) as other enforced Acceptable Use Policies. In no way does this Fraser Valley Distance Education School Acceptable Use Policy override, circumvent, or negate any other Acceptable Use Policies (such as the British Columbia Distance Education Schools Consortium Acceptable Use Policy).

The Acceptable Use Policy shall be interpreted, construed and enforced in all respects in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia. Each party irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of British Columbia, in connection with any action to enforce the provisions of the Acceptable Use Policy, to recover damages or other relief for breach or default under the Acceptable Use Policy, or otherwise arising under or by reason of the Acceptable Use Policy.

FVDES management reserves the right as final authority on the use of the FVDES network, systems, and services, as well as the issuing of FVDES accounts.

This acceptable use policy is applicable to all members of the FVDES school community for the current academic year.