Internet Acceptable Use Policy
Access to the Internet by students will be supervised by teachers and will be for educational purposes only.
The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure that students at AMPS who use the Internet do so in an appropriate manner.
The Internet is a vast network, which links computers at many sites throughout the world. As such, it has become an invaluable educational tool for research, publishing and communication. The Internet and E-mail are readily available to AMPS students and have become important parts of class programs.
At AMPS we have Internet connections in each classroom, the computer lab, the library and the staffroom. The school uses an Internet provider who provides a protected site where web pages are screened and children are less likely to access inappropriate materials.
Students will follow teacher instructions regarding the use of the Internet and will learn appropriate search techniques.
Students will take great care with the computer equipment in class.
Students will work co-operatively and conscientiously on the Internet.
When using the Internet, students will only access appropriate information, which is relevant to their work. They will make no attempt to access inappropriate material.
Students will be taught “netiquette”, that is, guidelines to make net usage more effective and pleasant for everyone.
Written consent will be obtained from parents or guardians before any child’s photograph, work or video footage is published on the Internet. The parent may withdraw this consent by simply contacting the school.
Students will only use first names on World Wide Web and E-mail communications. (They will be taught the importance of not including surnames and addresses or giving out their personal details). Students will likewise respect the privacy of teachers and fellow students by not giving out their personal details or reading their E-mail.
As part of class projects and under the supervision of the class teacher students may communicate using E-mail. Students will ensure that any E-mail they send does not contain inappropriate content.
When researching information, students need to become discerning users considering the source and validity of any information they obtain. They will be made aware of the concept of copyright and its implications.
Students will remember that it is a privilege, not a right to be using the Internet. Misuse of the school’s facilities could result in this privilege being withdrawn.
In Prep to grade 2, children will be introduced to the Internet in class groups or small groups supervised by the teacher. Some selected sites (including the AMPS Web page) stored on the school cache may be accessed by individual students or pairs.
In grades 3 to 6 there will be a more formal introduction to the Internet with children able to research selected sites or search by topic to find suitable information. (The Internet will be a powerful research tool to improve student learning).