Acceptable use of technology resources

Access may be given to the District’s Technology Resources for educational or district-related goals. The District’s Technology Resources are defined as the District’s network, servers, computer workstations, mobile devices, telephones, peripherals, applications, databases, library catalog, online resources, internet access, email, online class activities and any other technology designated for use by the District.

Please be advised that the rules and responsibilities outlined in the Conduct on the System section of the Student Handbook do also apply to the use of a District network account on a personal (BYOD) phone or mobile device. Inappropriate use of any District technology resource on a BYOD device can cause the consequences in this section, to include losing the privilege to access and/or use an NISD network account.

Student Behavior on the Technology Resources:

When using district technology (email, online communication, blogs, devices etc.), everyone must follow these rules:

1. Students are responsible for the proper use of their district accounts.
2. Students are to never share their login or password.
3. Students cannot use another person's account to access their information.
4. Students cannot use encryption software or methods to hide electronic communications.
5. Students cannot share copyrighted programs or data without written permission from the copyright owner.
6. Students cannot send, forward, or post messages that are abusive, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, sexually explicit, threatening, harassing, damaging to someone's reputation, or illegal.
7. Students cannot waste district technology resources (e.g., spamming email, distributing unnecessary videos or photos, listening to internet radio, playing online games).

Northside ISD recognizes that mobile phones and other digital devices are an integral part of our culture and way of life and can provide considerable value, particularly in relation to individual safety.  It is also recognized that such technology will play a significant part in the education of the 21st century student, but this use should follow agreed rules and guidelines to prevent classroom disruption, student misuse and teacher difficulties. Northside will allow students and staff to bring personally owned mobile technology devices to school to support educational or district related goals. Cell phones must be stored during school hours and not used during class instruction. 

Responsibility of Students and Parents
Anyone bringing a personally owned mobile device to a campus or department must abide by the guidelines below. Failure to follow these guidelines may subject the owner of the device to the District’s Code of Conduct or loss of use of the device.

It is the parent’s decision to allow their children to bring a mobile device to school and they need to be aware when their child has the mobile device with them.

Responsibility for the mobile device rests with the device owner. The District accepts no financial responsibility for damage, loss or theft.  The mobile device should be kept secure when not in use.  Mobile devices should not be left  in any open area unattended.

Understand that mobile devices with data or Internet access plans have the capability of accessing unfiltered Internet content through the data plan.

All costs for data plans and fees associated with mobile devices are the responsibility of the mobile device owner.

Acceptable Use of BYOD Devices
Specific acceptable use of a mobile device will be determined by each campus. 

• Each teacher has the right to allow or disallow the use of devices that support student achievement during instructional time as appropriate.
• Devices with Internet access capabilities will access the Internet only through the school’s filtered network while on school property during school hours.
• Devices should not be used in any manner or place that is disruptive to the normal routine of class/school.
   

Unacceptable Use of BYOD Devices
Any use of a device that interferes with or disrupts normal school or classroom procedures is prohibited.  This prohibition extends to activities that occur off school property and outside of school hours if the result of that activity causes a disruption to the educational environment.

• Using unauthorized proxy software or tweaking a mobile device to bypass the District filter or firewall is strictly prohibited.
• Using devices to bully and/or threaten other students or staff members is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
• Pictures and videos must not be taken of students, teachers or other individuals without their permission.
• Any use of a device that is deemed a criminal offense, will be dealt with as such by the District.

With the use of technology embedded in curriculum and events, Northside ISD is prepared to provide our students, staff, and guests with access to technology, including the Internet and a robust network (learn more about funding requirements on Northside ISD Technology Guidelines & Policy). The operation of technology in the district relies heavily on the proper conduct of the users while using district resources. Users are expected to act responsibly, ethically, and legally in accordance with the missions and purposes of the resources they use with state and federal guidelines. Adherence to the following is necessary for continued access to ANY and ALL technology resources while at school or using district resources.

Students will receive accounts when parents accept the Acceptable Use Policy during annual registration. 

Northside ISD students and parent/guardians understand and agree to:

1. Northside ISD has the right to restrict access to any technology resources at any time.
    
2. The use of Northside ISD equipment and associated technology is a privilege, and it should be used responsibly in support of academics.
    
3. There are no exceptions to privacy while using District technology resources. (See Technology Protection Measures for more insights into ways Northside ISD protects student information and access)
    
4. Students must secure their district credentials by implementing the following measures:
   1. Students may only log in using their District-assigned username.
   2. Account Security: All users are responsible for the proper use of their District accounts. User logins and passwords must NEVER be shared with anyone. If a student feels their account has been compromised they must report that to the campus staff.
   3. Accessing Others' Accounts: Using another person's system account to access their data is prohibited.
       
5. Students must display appropriate use of communication tools.
   1. Prohibited Content: Users must not send, forward, or post messages that are abusive, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal.
   2. Resource Management: Users must not waste District Technology Resources (e.g., e-mail spamming, distributing videos or photos, listening to Internet radio, online gaming, etc.).
   3. Refraining from distributing private information about others or themselves (such as full name, date of birth, address, phone number, Social Security Number, etc.) on blogs, web forms, or other websites.
       
6. Students must protect the integrity of resources.
   1. Security:
      1. Observe and comply with District filtering
      2. Report security risks or violations to the appropriate staff
   2. Encryption: Using encryption software to hide or obscure electronic communications is prohibited.
   3. Copyright Compliance:
      1. Users must not redistribute copyrighted programs or data without written permission from the District.
      2. Follow copyright laws (Title 17).
      3. Cite sources when using others’ work or using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for assignments.
   4. Hardware (See more about device responsibility at Northside ISD Technology Guidelines & Policy)
      1. Not making changes to the setting in hardware, software, or network.
      2. Not vandalizing data, networks, or hardware. 
          
7. In the context of utilizing district communication tools, students are expected to uphold the principles of digital citizenship.
   1. E-mail/Chat Management: Users must manage e-mail in accordance with established regulations and retention guidelines. (See more at Northside ISD Technology Guidelines & Policy)
   2. Representation: Be aware that using school-related email addresses might give recipients the impression that you are representing the District or school.
   3. Confidential Information:
      1. Do not send emails/chats that contain personally identifiable information about students or staff unless required by law or for professional purposes.
      2. Do not created shared documents with personally identifiable information about students or staff unless required by law or for professional purposes.
   4. Digital Citizenship: Communicate in ways that are kind and respectful. Students should report threatening communications to staff.
       
8. Students should use email and chat functionality responsibly and refraining from communication broadcasts.
   1. District-wide: Must be approved by the Assistant Superintendent of Communications.
   2. Campus/Department-wide: Must be approved by the campus Principal.
       
9. Students should be respectful and responsible when managing district equipment.
   1. Relocating Equipment:
      1. Students must obtain approval from their Principal before disconnecting or moving District computer workstations.
      2. Students are expected to keep equipment in good, working condition without alterations, markings, or damage of any kind. Failure to do so may result in consequences deemed appropriate by campus administration.
   2. Device 1:1: Students are responsible for:
      1. following Device 1:1 expectations and care outlined in the Northside ISD Device Care Campaign (found on nisd.net/district/technology and at nisd.net/privacy)
      2. returning devices to the campus before moving from the district or transferring to another campus and at the end of the school year.
      3. honoring guidelines in the Technology Lending Agreement while obtaining a District device.
      4. Reporting wear and tear as well as damage to appropriate campus staff. 

Consequences for violation of any of the above or inappropriate use are subject to disciplinary action as written in the Student Code of Conduct at the discretion of the campus administration team.

We believe the curriculum drives technology usage in the classroom. It is the district's policy to maintain an environment that promotes ethical and responsible conduct with all electronic resources and activities. This privilege and extraordinary opportunity to explore resources comes with a responsibility for parents/guardians and students. When utilizing technology or digital resources provided by Northside ISD, students and families must strictly adhere to the Northside ISD Responsible Use Policy at all times. This policy applies when using Northside resources on personal devices on District property, at home, or during school-related activities. 

Please note that Internet access is part of the District’s Technology Resources.  The Internet is a network of many types of communication and information networks, which are used frequently in classroom assignments and include access to library materials and purchased online curriculum and databases. Some material accessible via the Internet may contain content that is illegal, inaccurate, or potentially offensive.  It is possible for users of the District’s Technology Resources to access (accidentally or otherwise) these areas of content.  While the District uses filtering technology and protection measures to restrict access to such material, it is not possible to prevent such access in every instance, the district has an Internet Safety Committee to review reported sites and disable them from view (See more at Technology Protection Measures).

Consequences for inappropriate use

• Suspension of access to the District’s Technology Resources;
• Revocation of the District’s Technology Resources account(s); and/or
• Other appropriate disciplinary or legal action in accordance with the handbook(s) and applicable laws.

Note: The agreement to abide by these guidelines must be renewed each academic year through the annual registration process.

What are "Technology Resources"?
Technology resources includes everything from district internet, computers, phones, and email to online digital tools used by students and staff. Staff teach students how to use these tools safely and responsibly, following district rules about internet safety, appropriate online behavior, and cyberbullying as written in the TEA Technology TEKS. 

Getting Access to Technology Resources

• Students: Students in all grades will get access to the district's computer network after a guardian completes the Acceptable Use Policy during annual registration.
• Teachers: Teachers are responsible for their class accounts and must never share their login information with students or other staff.
• Security risks: Anyone who is a security risk or breaks these rules defined the student handbook or Acceptable Use Policy may lose access to our technology. Everyone must sign or agree to a user agreement each year to get or keep an account.

Important Permissions

• Copyrighted materials: We cannot put copyrighted software or information on our network without permission from the owner.
• Student or employee work: We need written permission from guardians before the district can post their original work on a district website.
• Student personal information: We won't put your child's personal information on a district website without your written permission. The only exception is "directory information" as allowed by law and district policy.
• Student accounts: Students will not get a student account or access to technology resources until a guardian completes the necessary consent in annual online registration which consents to Acceptable Use Policy.

Internet Filtering
The district has an Internet Safety Committee that chooses and manages technology to block websites that are inappropriate or harmful for children. All internet access on district-connected devices (wired or wireless) will be monitored and filtered.

Blocked content includes (but is not limited to):

• Nudity/pornography
• Images or descriptions of sexual acts
• Promotion of violence, illegal weapons, drug use, discrimination, or hate groups
• Instructions for criminal acts (like bomb making or hacking)
• Online gambling

Website Unblock Request
Northside staff can ask the Internet Safety Committee to unblock a site for legitimate research or education purposes. If their request is denied, they can appeal to the Superintendent for review.

Technology Supervision Responsibilities
The Superintendent or their chosen staff will:

1. Share and enforce district policies and rules for technology use.
2. Make sure all users read and agree to these rules annually. We will keep a record of these agreements.
3. Ensure employees supervise students' device activity.
4. Ensure employees train students on how to use technology safely and properly.
5. Make sure all software on district computers follows district standards and is legally licensed.
6. Be allowed to monitor all system activities, including emails, to ensure student online safety and proper use of technology.
7. Be allowed to change filtering policies for legitimate research or lawful purposes with approval from the Internet Safety Committee.
8. Set and enforce how long emails are kept on the district system.
9. Be allowed to investigate district-owned devices if inappropriate use or malicious activity is suspected.
10. Set and enforce limits for data storage on the district's system.

School staff will:

1. Make sure any new applications required for teaching are approved through the proper process.
2. Report any inappropriate websites to the Help Desk to be blocked.
3. Monitor students' use of district equipment and teach them good digital citizenship.
4. Include technology application skills in their teaching.
5. Report compromised student passwords.
6. Report broken or malfunctioning hardware to Technology Services.

No Vandalism
Students are not allowed to intentionally damage district equipment, technology resources, or data, or the data of other users or connected networks. Deliberately trying to slow down or disrupt the system is against district policy and may be illegal. This includes uploading, downloading, or creating computer viruses.

Vandalism will result in losing access to technology resources and potential requirements to pay for the cost of repairing the system, along with other consequences.

No Forgery
Faking or trying to fake email messages or signatures with district provided technology resources is not allowed. Trying to read, delete, copy, change, or intentionally interfere with someone else's ability to send/receive email, or using someone else's user ID and/or password, is also prohibited.

Information Content / Information from Others
Parents and students using the district's system should know that even with our safety measures, students might come across inaccurate or inappropriate material on the internet.

If a student finds such material, they should stop looking at it immediately and report it to their teacher.

A student who knowingly brings prohibited materials into the school's electronic environment will lose access to the system and face disciplinary action.

Disclaimer
The district's system is provided "as is, as available." We do not guarantee that the system will always work perfectly, meet your needs, or be error-free.

Opinions, advice, and information expressed by users, information providers, service providers, or other third parties on the system are their own and not the district's.

The district will fully cooperate with law enforcement in any investigation involving misuse of district technology.

Complaints About Copyright
If you have a complaint that copyrighted material is improperly on the district network, please contact:

• Name: Jo Ann Fey
• Position: Deputy Superintendent for Administration
• Address: 5900 Evers Road
• Telephone: (210) 397-8771
• E-mail: joann.fey@nisd.net