The Acceptable Use Internet Policy for Springfield High School clearly states what is expected of students when using the Internet. It states that students are to use the Internet for school assignments only. It also states that students are not allowed access to sites which promote pornography, violence or terrorism. In addition, it advises students not to reveal any personal information, states that students are not to download or load any software, requires that students obtain permission before printing materials, and that copyrights must be observed in regards to written materials and graphics. The penalty for violating any of the policy's rules is loss of computer lab priveleges. The policy requires the student's signature.
In my opinion, our policy is pretty well written. I think that the administration needs to put more emphasis on the policy and its enforcement. I am not sure that all teachers are aware of its existence or its importance. I also feel that the policy should have a more in-depth set of consequences for violation of the policy, because I think some actions would warrant more than simply the student losing his/her priveleges.
Part 2: Site Licensed Software Springfield High School only has three software programs that are site licensed - Tutrix, Cabrigeometry, and Falcon Mastering Chemistry. Tutrix is a Latin software program designed to help students with grammar and vocabulary in order to comprehend genuine literary texts. It includes reference notes, tutorial questioning sections, a vocabulary list, and multiple choice questions. Cabrigeometry is a math program which tutors students in the basic concepts of geometry. Falcon Mastering Chemistry is an individualized set of homework practice problems for students taking an introductory or general chemistry course. It contains an unlimited supply of practice problems in 40 key topic areas, and is network compatible making it ideal for classroom testing, quizzing and scoring. All the other software used is either district licensed software or individually purshased software programs.
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