A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Example: Technology Use Agreement

On one level, ShareNet is an example of a highly successful district-level initiative to create a regional telecommunications network. The network involves 54 school districts in two states, 462 schools serving over 250,000 students, and 18,000 teachers.

Despite the impressive breadth of participation from schools and districts, when we look more closely at the network's impact on students and teachers, the picture is much less rosy because of severe limitations on the kind of network access available at most ShareNet schools.

Applications for Account and Terms and Conditions for Use of THSNet*

Please read the following carefully before signing the attached contract. This is a legally binding document.

INTERNET access is now available to students and teachers at Truman High School. We are very pleased to bring this access to Truman High School and believe the THSNet offers vast, diverse and unique resources to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing this service to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence in the Independence Schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication.

The THSNet is an electronic network which accesses the INTERNET. The INTERNET is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individuals subscribers. Students and teachers have access to:

• electronic mail communication with people all over the world;
• information and news from NASA as well as the opportunity to correspond with the scientists at NASA and other research institutions;
• public domain and shareware software of all types;
• discussion groups on a plethora of topics ranging from Chinese culture to the environment to music to politics;
• access to many university library, catalogs, the Library of Congress, CAR and ERIC

With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. THS have taken available precautions, which are limited, to restrict access to controversial materials. However, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials and an industrious user may discover controversial information. We (THS) only believe that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of THS.

INTERNET access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, and regional and state network. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire. In general this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources. If a THS user violates any of these provisions, his or her account on the THSNet will be terminated and future access could possible be denied. Your signature(s) on the attached contract is (are) legally binding and indicates the party (parties) who signed has (have) read the terms and conditions carefully and understand their significance.

THSNet - Terms and Conditions (4/14/94)

1. Acceptable Use - The purpose of NSFNet, which is the backbone network to the INTERNET, is to support research and education in and among academic institutions in the U.S. by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. The use of your account must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of the Independence School District. Use of other organization's networks or computing resources must comply with THS rules. Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Use for commercial activities by for-profit institutions is generally not acceptable. Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited. Illegal activities are strictly prohibited.

2. Privileges - The use of THSNet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. (Each student who receives an account will be part of a discussion with a THS faculty member pertaining to the proper use of the network.) Base upon the acceptable use guidelines outlined in this document, the system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use and their decision is final. Also, the system administrators may close an account at any time as required. The administration, faculty, and staff of THS may request the system administrator to deny, revoked, or suspend specific user accounts.

3. Netiquette - You are expected to abide by the general accepted rules of network etiquette. These include (but are not limited to) the following:
   • Be polite. Do not write or send abusive messages to others.
   • Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.
   • Do not reveal your personal address, password or phone numbers of students or colleagues.
   • Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
   • Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users (e.g., downloading huge files during prime time; sending mass e-mail messages; annoying other user using the talk or write functions.
   • All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property.

4. Implied - THS will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by it's own negligence or your error or omissions. Use of any information obtained via THSNet is at your own risk. THS specifically deny any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.

5. Security - Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem on THSNet, you must notify a system administrator. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Do not give your password to any other individual. Attempts to log in to the system as any other user will result in cancellation of user privileges. Attempts to log in to THSNet as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to THSNet.

6. Vandalism - Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, THSNet or any of the agency or other networks that are connected to THS, or the NSFNet INTERNET backbone. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.

7. Updating Your User Information - THSNet may occasionally require new registration and account information from you to continue the service. You must notify THSNet of any changes in your account information (address, etc.). Currently, there are no user fees for this service.

8. Exception of Terms and Conditions - All terms and conditions as stated in this document are applicable to the Independence School District. These terms and conditions reflect the entire agreement of the parties and supersedes all prior oral or written agreements and understandings of the parties. These terms and conditions shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri, United States of America. Any Independence School District student or staff may apply for an INTERNET Account. To do so you must complete the attached contract and application. Students should return the contract to the person from whom they received the contract. Staff should return the contract to (Chuck Harris at) Truman High School. You may retain this copy of the Terms and Conditions for your files.

STUDENT

Last Name:

First Name:

Expected Year of Graduation from 12th Grade:

Class Period:

STUDENT CONTRACT AGREEMENT APPLICATION FORM
TRUMAN HIGH SCHOOL
INTERNET ACCOUNT

Directions: After reading the THSNet Application for Account and Terms and Conditions please read and fill out the appropriate portions of the following contract completely and legibly. The signature of a parent or guardian is also required. Please return the contract to your teacher. Any questions should be addressed to your teacher as well.

CONTRACT PORTION OF DOCUMENT

I have read the THSNet Terms and Conditions. I understand and will abide by the stated Terms and Conditions for THSNet. I further understand that violation of the regulations is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation my access privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary action may be taken and/or appropriate legal action.

User Name (please print):

User Signature:

Date:

PARENT OR GUARDIAN (If the applicant is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian most also read and sign this agreement.)

As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the Terms and Conditions for THSNet. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes and THS has taken available precautions to eliminate controversial material. However, I also recognize it is impossible for THS to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold them responsible for materials acquired on the network. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child's use is not in a school setting. I hereby give my permission to issue an account for my child and certify that the information contained on this form is correct.

Parent or Guardian (please print):

Signature:

Date:

Daytime Phone Number:

Evening Phone Number:

SPONSORING TEACHER. I have read the Terms and Conditions for THSNet and I agree to promote this agreement with the student. Because the student may use the network for individual work or in the context of another class, I cannot be held responsible for the student's use of the network. As the sponsoring teacher I do agree to instruct the student on acceptable use of the network and proper network etiquette.

Teacher's Name (please print):

Signature

Date:

APPLICATION PORTION OF DOCUMENT

Student's Full Name (please print):

Social Security Number:
(accounts cannot be ISSUED without this)

I expect to graduate from 12th grade in:
Year:

Your Home Address:

Home Phone:

When your account is established your teacher will notify you of your log-on code and user password. Thank you for your interest and support of this exciting new resource in the Independence Schools.