USA TECHNOLOGY AND INTERNET POLICIES

At Uncharted Shores Academy, students use technology (computers, electronic tablets, etc) for educational lessons. Students are given a student email and instructed in computer applications, online internet research, typing, and writing papers. When using Chromebooks (an electronic notebook), students must log into their individual email account to access the internet.  A secure system is then in effect that monitors students during their use of the internet and limits their accessibility to inappropriate websites.  However, inappropriate use of technology can still take place and it is the parent’s responsibility to monitor their child’s internet use at home to ensure that the following rules and regulations are being followed.

USA students are expected to act in a responsible, ethical, and legal manner. School technology (computers, electronic tablets, student internet accounts, etc) are subject to having all activities monitored by USA staff, and inappropriate use will revoke the student’s right to participate in education via the internet. Using online services is a privilege, not a right, and the privilege may be revoked at any time for unacceptable conduct. Parents are requested to assist their child in following:

PROPER AND APPROPRIATE USE OF THE CHROMEBOOK INCLUDES:

  • Logging on to the teacher’s video classroom at the appropriate time every day that the class is in session

  • Accessing Google Classroom to complete assignments on a timely basis

  • Working with the Chromebook, especially during video class time, without any other technology (cell phones, electronic tablets, etc) available for use during class time or when doing assignments.

  • Using the Chromebook only for school assignments, not for recreational purposes or social connections.

  • Caring for the Chromebook in such a manner that it will not get broken:

    • Keep Chromebook in a safe carrying case when transporting it from place to place

    • Keep Chromebook on a shelf or other surface that is in a safe, secure location, away from the floor and small children or pets

    • Keep the student’s log-on information safe and confidential. Do not allow people other than the student or parent/guardian to which the Chromebook is assigned use the student’s log-on information on the Chromebook or on another device

    • Return the Chromebook to the school when completing the course, completing the school year, changing schools, or moving out of the area

*Student’s parents are responsible for the cost of replacing the Chromebook should misuse occur.

Student emails may not be used in any of the following ways:

  • electronically chatting with others

  • sending unauthorized emails

  • using email to access unapproved sites

  • intimidation or other unlawful activity

  • commercial purposes

  • personal financial gain

  • false identity or with intent to defraud

  • misrepresentation of Uncharted Shores Academy

  • disruption of electronic communications

Unacceptable online conduct includes:

  • Violating copyright law

  • Hacking, distributing computer viruses, or otherwise disrupting computer performance

  • Vandalizing computer equipment or data

  • Bypassing school internet filters

  • Gaining unauthorized access to electronic resources or entities

  • Invading the privacy of individuals

  • Using an account owned by another without authorization

  • Posting personal communications without the author’s consent

  • Posting anonymous messages

  • Using objectionable language in any communication, public or private

  • Interfering with the work of others

  • Sending chain letters or broadcast messages or any other use which would cause congestion of the networks

  • Accessing unacceptable and unauthorized material, information, or graphics

  • Playing unapproved games or accessing unapproved sites

Students who are unable to follow acceptable online use will be banned from using technology, and will be placed in a homeschool “paper and pencil” curriculum.