Technology

Policies and Guidelines

Students must follow these policies and guidelines when using technology resources at school and in the classroom.

Respect and protect the privacy of others

• Use only assigned accounts.
• Do not view, use, or copy passwords, data, or networks for which you are not authorized.
• Do not distribute private information about others or themselves.

Respect and protect the integrity, availability, and security of all electronic resources

• Report security risks or violations to a teacher or network administrator.
• Do not destroy or damage data, networks, or other resources that do not belong to you, without clear permission of the owner.
• Conserve, protect, and share these resources with other students and Internet users.

Respect and protect the intellectual property of others

• Do not infringe upon copyright laws.
• Do not plagiarize from other sources.

Respect and practice the principles of community

• Communicate only in kind and respectful ways.
• Immediately report threatening or discomforting materials directed at staff, students, or community members to a teacher.
• Do not intentionally access, transmit, copy, or create material that violates the school’s code of conduct.
• Do not intentionally access, transmit, copy, or create material that is illegal.
• Do not use technology resources to further other acts that are criminal or violate the school’s code of conduct.
• Do not send spam, chain letters, or other mass unsolicited mailings.
• Do not buy, sell, advertise, or otherwise conduct business, unless approved as a school project.

Technology in the Classroom

Cellphones, tablets, laptops, and any other Internet-connected devices should be turned off in class, except when being used for school-related tasks as determined by the teacher or other district employee and at any other time directed by a district employee.

Any device with camera, video, or voice recording function should not be used in any way that violates the privacy of others.  The use of any electronic device to record inappropriate behavior (fights, arguments, explicit images, etc.) is prohibited and punishable by suspension and/or expulsion. (See below)

Students can use San José Unified technology resources to:

• Design and post web pages and other material;
• Use direct communications such as IRC, online chat, or instant messaging – with a teacher’s permission;
• Install or download software, if also in conformity with laws and licenses, and under the supervision of a teacher; and Engage in any educational purpose.

Cyberbullying

San José Unified has a zero tolerance policy for cyberbullying. Cyberbullying includes the transmission of harassing communications, direct threats, or other harmful texts, sounds, or images on the Internet, or social media, using a telephone, computer, or any wireless communication device.

Cyberbullying also includes breaking into other people’s electronic account and assuming that person’s identity in order to damage their reputation and/or posting images of another student without explicit consent.

Supervision & Monitoring

San José Unified school and network administrators and authorized employees monitor the use of technology resources to help ensure that uses are secure and in conformity with district policy. Administrators have the right to examine, use, and disclose any data found on the school’s information networks in order to further the health, safety, discipline, or security of any student or other person, or to protect property. They may also use this information in disciplinary actions, and will furnish evidence of crime to law enforcement.

Disciplinary Action

Any violation of these policies and guidelines are reported to administrators and may result in disciplinary action, including, but not limited to:

• The loss of a student’s privileges to use the school’s technology resources; and
• Other disciplinary actions in accordance with California Education Code and San José Unified policy.