TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

            Technology and networked information resources are available to students and teachers in the Ferndale School District.  Wide area networks offer vast, diverse, and unique resources to both students and teachers.  A goal in providing these services to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence in schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication.

            Students and staff have access to services such as:

1. electronic mail (E-mail) communication with people all over the world;
2. public domain software and shareware;
3. discussion groups on a wide variety of topics;
4. access to many university library catalogs, the Library of Congress and Education Resources Information Center (ERIC); and
5. information and news from National Air and Space Administration (NASA) as well as the opportunity to correspond with the scientists at NASA and other research institutions.

            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.  Material accessed over Internet or other on-line services must be consistent with board policy no. 2311 which designates appropriate categories.  However, on a global network, it is impossible to control all materials and an industrious user may discover offensive, sexually explicit, pornographic or other inappropriate information or materials.  The Ferndale School District believe that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may procure information or material that are not consistent with the educational goals of the district.  The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines.

            The Technology Resources terms and conditions require efficient, responsible and legal utilization of the network resources.  If a Ferndale School District user violates any of these provisions, his or her account may be terminated and future access may be denied.  Users will be required to sign a "Statement of Permission and Agreement," as specified in administrative procedures, which is binding and indicates the signatories have read the terms and conditions and understand their significance.

            Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway.  Communications on the network are public in nature.  General school rules for behavior and communications outlined in board policy no. 3200 apply.  The network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others.  Access to network services will be provided to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner.