In light of interest generated by a recent article on the school’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) regarding laptops, The Scroll has posted the AUP verbatim.  Students, faculty, and parents are invited share their thoughts by commenting below.  The AUP can be found here on the school’s website.

Acceptable Use Policy

Philosophy (or “When in doubt…“)

Computing at CCDS, whether on a student-owned tablet or a classroom desktop, is to be used for educational purposes that serve the school’s mission. Students and faculty are expected to use good judgment when working in gray areas not covered explicitly by the rules. Never provide personal information while online. You should assume that everything you do online can be seen by the entire world. All community members are expected to contribute to a stable and productive computing environment.

Inappropriate Behavior

• The school’s codes of conduct extend to the electronic world. Do not use your computers to harass or bully others, to steal or borrow intellectual work, to access or store inappropriate materials, to disrespect teachers by “multitasking” during class (emailing, chatting, doing homework, etc.), or to break any other such rules.
• Playing games, chatting, and watching entertainment video are not allowed during the school day (unless associated with a class).
• Do not access or use other people’s accounts, computers, or folders, nor borrow computers or computer accessories without express permission from the owner.
• Do not plagiarize. While covered in the first bullet point, this bears repeating. Using the work of others without giving them the credit, even if they say it’s okay, is plagiarizing. Don’t ask others for their homework. Don’t cut and paste from the web without full citation.
• Do not break copyright law by using unlicensed software or pirating audio or visual materials.

Required by Virtue of our Network and Program

• Check your CCDS email daily. You are expected to do so, just as you will be in every professional situation after graduation.
• Be aware of the distractions that your tablet can present. You are a member of an amazing learning environment which extends far beyond your classroom walls. We have placed the world at your fingertips but given this “constant connectivity,” you need to make a conscious effort to limit distractions to improve your productivity. This is an essential skill in today’s world. The business of school is to do well in classes and flourish in an academically rigorous program that prepares you for college and beyond.
• Don’t neglect or abuse your tablet. Penalties are significantly increasing for both, since they drain our resources. Lock up your tablet when not in use and do not leave it unattended. Carry it in the bag issued and avoid situations where it will get damaged, stepped on, cracked, etc.
• Return loaners promptly and treat them with respect. They are CCDS property, and it’s the only way to ensure one will be there for you when you need it.
• Back up your work. You have 1 GB of space on your network folder to be used for academic work. Back up your music, videos, and photos on other storage media.
• Do not load non-standard software or plug-ins that will affect the functioning of your machine. Your tablet will be re-imaged if it cannot handle your academic computing needs.
• Do not use your computer as an excuse. Save often. If your machine fails at home, do your work on paper or in some other way. Just get it done.

Netiquette

In addition to the above philosophy, prohibited behaviors, and network/program requirements, there is another category of computer use standards often referred to as “netiquette” that you should employ in preparation for adult life. Netiquette includes not wasting others’ time with chain letters, providing clear subject headings in emails, guarding your private information from online surfers, etc. For a more complete guideline, see the article Netiquette by Study Guides and Strategies.

Photo by Ilana Habib.