Information Technology and Communication Systems - Appropriate Use Policy The Board recognizes the importance of information technology hardware, software and related infrastructure as part of the District's operations, and recognizes the increasing importance of technology tools as a part of the classroom and curriculum. The Board provides on-line systems and on-line resources (information communication technology systems or ICTS) in supporting the delivery of educational programs and the business operations of the District. On-line resources include all material that is accessed through a District computer or via the District telecommunications network through a personal device. The Board is committed, within available resources, to providing accessible, reliable and secure on-line systems and resources to students, staff and approved guests for the purpose of learning, teaching, and management and administration of District operations. Conditions of Use All Board policies, procedures, and codes of conduct apply to those using online systems and resources provided by or on behalf of the District and all users are expected to comply with them and any applicable laws and restrictions that the Board establishes. Users may use the ICTS for Incidental Personal Use, provided such use does not violate any provision in this policy or any other policy of the Board. Users are responsible for all activities carried out through their user accounts. Users bear the sole responsibility for the material they choose to access, send or display. Users will not engage in any activities harmful to the ICTS, such as disrupting services, intentionally damaging equipment, software or data belonging to the Board or other users. Users will respect the privacy of others and not temper with, open or read other users’ files, passwords, and/or accounts. Users will not use the ICTS to view or display sexually explicit material, obscene or lewd material, or material promoting hate towards individuals or groups based on colour, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and ethnic origin or place of origin, unless for Authorized Academic Purposes. The Board recognizes the great potential social networking services may provide to enhance education, communication, and learning. However, we also recognize the potential dangers of such services if used inappropriately. The authority to develop, communicate and implement Social Media Guidelines is delegated to the Superintendent. Privacy, Security and Integrity The Board is committed to taking appropriate measures to ensure the security of the information that may be contained on its technological systems or resources. The Board reserves the right to monitor the use of on-line resources by all that access the systems. Users will comply with the copyright requirements of programs and data, including text, sound and images and other media. No illegal copies of copyrighted software may be used or created. Users will use only computer software provided by the Board unless they have acquired a legal right to the software and can provide proof of that right. The Board will not normally monitor individual usage of any computing and network resources, although all general facilities may be monitored from time to time for the purposes of auditing and determining general usage patterns. This type of monitoring does not include the inspection of an individual’s files or messages. The Board reserves the right to monitor and record usage where the violation of any Board policy or illegal behaviour has been reported or detected. Such monitoring, will only be done with the approval of the Superintendent or designate(s). The Board has the right to use the information obtained in disciplinary or criminal proceedings. The authority to develop, communicate and implement procedures for monitoring and recording usage of ICTS is delegated to the Superintendent. The Board may copy (backup) or remove data files, user files, and system resources in the regular course of duties to preserve an efficient and accessible system. The Board assigns to the Superintendent, or his or her designates, the responsibility of developing, communicating and implementing procedures and guidelines regarding the use and management of ICTS, recognizing the dynamic nature of technology and the need to adapt to emerging information, technology, and legal and ethical issues.