Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

 

Internet access is required for students who take courses with Broward Virtual School. Internet access offers valuable, diverse, and unique resources to both students and teachers. Access must be used in a responsible, safe, efficient, ethical, and legal manner. The following serves as guidelines as to what is expected of students in our online learning environment.

With access to computers and people from around 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. Families should be warned that some material obtained via the Internet may contain items that are potentially illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or offensive. On a global network it is impossible to control all materials and an industrious user may discover controversial information, either by accident or deliberately. We firmly believe that the benefits to students from online access far outweigh the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with our educational goals.

All students must read the rules of netiquette carefully and understand their significance.

* Students are responsible for good behavior on the school computer network, just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Always use a computer in a way that shows consideration and respect. You are not to use obscene, profane, threatening, or disrespectful language. These actions are illegal (f.s. 847.001 Obscene Literature; Profanity).
* Integrity and authenticity of student work is something that we take very seriously at BVS. Do not cut, copy, or plagiarize Internet content or the work of your online classmates. BVS instructors do utilize technologies that can check for authenticity of student work. Copying the work of others, allowing others to knowingly copy your work, and/or misusing content from the Internet could result in your removal from our courses.
* 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 in the school's computers, network, or Internet connection, notify a system administrator.
* Think about the social consequences of any program you write. Never create harmful computer viruses. These actions are illegal (f.s. 815 Computer-Related Crimes).
* Email is not private. Never say anything via email that you wouldn't mind seeing on the school bulletin board, or in the local newspaper
* Be cautious about email messages from anyone, particularly adults asking you for personal information, attempting to arrange meetings, or engaging in personal contact. Disclose to your teacher or other Broward Virtual School employee any message you receive that is inappropriate or makes you feel uncomfortable.
* Any sending of unsolicited email to your online classmates is prohibited. Email with your online classmates should be of a course-related nature only.
* Students must use an email address that is appropriate for an educational environment. Email addresses that use profanity or may otherwise be construed as offensive, shall not be permitted when used for BVEd correspondence. BVSadministration reserves the right to determine if student email addresses are inappropriate. Students with inappropriate email addresses will be required to use an alternative email address or will otherwise be forbidden to participate in BVS courses.
* Protect your password. Keep it secret.
* Broward Virtual School assumes no responsibility for any phone charges, line costs or usage fees for connectivity to the Internet.
* Remember that you are required to adhere to the Code of Ethics of the educational profession in Florida.
* Parents are responsible for monitoring and supervising student internet usage and will not hold BVS responsible in any manner.

Users are subject to all School Board of Broward County policies, local, state, and federal laws. BVS administrators will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation related to any illegal activities conducted through Internet access. In the event there is a claim that you have violated this policy, you will be provided with notice of the suspected violation and have an opportunity to present an explanation. Any violations may result in removal from BVS course(s), as well as other disciplinary or legal action.