Rationale:

Internet use and access is considered a valuable school resource.  School computers, Fizzbooks and the Internet will be used for enhanced learning.

Aim:

The aim of this Acceptable Use Policy is to ensure that pupils will benefit from learning opportunities offered by our Internet Resources in a safe and effective manner.

Following a review, this AUP was updated on 5^th July ’13 by the staff of Scoil Lorcáin.

Content:

School’s Strategy:

Scoil Lorcáin will employ a number of strategies in order to maximise learning opportunities and reduce risks associated with the Internet.  These strategies are as follows:

General

• Internet sessions will always be supervised by a teacher.
• Filtering software and/or equivalent systems will be used in order to minimise the risk of exposure to inappropriate material.
• Students and teachers will be provided with training in the area of Internet safety.
• Uploading and downloading of material will not be permitted without consent.
• Virus protection software will be used and updated on a regular basis.
• The use of personal Memory Sticks in school requires a teacher’s permission.
• Students will observe good ‘netiquette’ (i.e. etiquette on the Internet) at all times and will not undertake any actions that may bring the school into disrepute.

World Wide Web

• Internet access will be planned to enrich learning activities.
• Students will not visit Internet sites that contain obscene, illegal, hateful or otherwise objectionable materials.
• Students will use the Internet for educational purposes only.
• Students will be familiar with copyright issues relating to online learning.
• Students will never disclose or publicise personal information.
• Students will be aware that any usage, including distributing or receiving information, school-related or personal, may be monitored for unusual activity, security and/or network management reasons.

School Website

• Pupils will be given the opportunity to publish projects, artwork or school work on the World Wide Web.
• The publication of student work will be co-ordinated by teachers.
• Pupil’s work will appear in an educational context on Web pages with a copyright notice prohibiting the copying of such work without express written permission.
• Digital photographs, audio or video clips of individual students will not be named on the school website.
• Personal pupil information including home address and contact details will be omitted from school web pages.

Legislation

The following legislation relating to use of the Internet can be accessed by teachers, students and parents on relevant websites :

• Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2003
• Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998
• Interception Act 1993
• Video Recordings Act 1989
• The Data Protection Act 1988

Roles and Responsibilities:

Teachers:

Pupils’ access to the Internet is for educational purposes and activities.  To ensure that pupils benefit from the school internet resources, and to minimise any risks pertaining to such use, teachers are expected to adhere to the following guidelines.

• Preview and evaluate websites and links before providing student access.
• Ensure online learning is directed and task orientated.
• Ensure monitors are clearly visible.
• Set time limits for internet use to discourage aimless surfing.
• Information available may be questionable or inauthentic.  Students need to be taught to be able to discern the validity of content on web pages.
• Report access to unsuitable websites to Mrs. Power.
• Refer to AUP.
• Check out www.ncte.ie/internetsafety, www.webwise.ie  for more information.

Pupils:

Rules for Pupils

• If you accidentally come across something unsuitable, switch off your monitor immediately and report it to your teacher.
• Ignore or close all pop up.
• Be clear about search topics.
• You must ask permission from your teacher to download anything.
• No chat rooms/email/social networking sites
• Be critical when looking at websites – is it official? Factual? Credible?
• Always practice good netiquette.

Monitoring

All users are asked to note that the school reserves the right to monitor, filter and intercept all traffic passing through or stored upon the school network.  Logs of Internet activity may be recorded and monitored.

Implementation

This revised policy will be implemented from September 2013.

Review

This policy will be monitored and reviewed as the need arises.