![[Navigation Map]](../../images/maps/depart.gif){kind=small}
DET NSW computer networks and Internet connections are "public places". Users must always remember that they are sharing this space with many other users. Management on the network can monitor all user actions. As a part of the management of network resources, the connections you make are recorded, as are the computer programs that you have used, and what you looked at while you were in the system. Because these connections are granted to you as part of your curriculum or your work, DET NSW reserves the right to monitor and record all traffic on the network. This is done to make sure that the network continues to function properly for all of its users.
1.Students will not post personal contact information about themselves. Personal contact information includes address, telephone, home address, work address, etc. Campus address and e-mail address may be used where it is necessary to receive information.2.Students will not post personal contact information about other people, including address, telephone home address, work address, etc. In addition, DET NSW and its users will not include any reference to personnel or users, including their names and pictures, without their permission.
3.Students will promptly disclose to their teacher or other DET NSW employees any message they receive that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable.
Illegal or Destructive Activities
1.Users will not attempt to gain unauthorised access to the DET NSW network, or to any other computer system through the DET NSW network, or go beyond their authorised access. This includes attempting to log in through another person's account or access another person's files.2.Users will not make deliberate attempts to disrupt any computer system performance or destroy data.
3.Users will not use the DET NSW network to engage in any other illegal act.
4.Users will not attempt to harm or destroy hardware and/or data of another user. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. Report all faults and malfunctions to your Institute Help Desk.
5.Any of these actions will result in disciplinary action.
1.Users are responsible for the use of their individual account (and password) and should take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to use their account. Under no conditions should a user provide his or her password to another person.2.Users will immediately notify their Institute Help Desk or the DET NSW Help Desk if they have identified a possible security problem. Users will not go looking for security problems, because this may be construed as an illegal attempt to gain access.
3.Users will avoid the inadvertent spread of computer viruses by following the DET NSW virus protection procedures if they download software.
1.Restrictions against inappropriate language apply to public messages, private messages, and material posted on web pages.2.Users will not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language.
3.Users will not post information that, if acted upon, could cause damage or a danger of disruption.
4.Users will not engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks.
5.Users will not harass another person. Harassment is acting in a manner that distresses or annoys another person. If a user is told by a person to stop sending them messages, the user must stop.
6.Users will not post false or defamatory information about a person or organisation.
1.Users will not re-post a message that was sent to them privately without permission of the person who sent them the message.2.Users will not post personal contact information about other people, including address, telephone, home address, work address, etc. In addition, DET NSW and its users will not include any reference to DET personnel or users, including their names and pictures, without their permission.
1.Users will use the network only for educational and professional or career development activities, and limited, high-quality, self-discovery activities.2.Do not use the DET NSW network facilities for profit-making or commercial activities on your own behalf or on behalf of others, without written authorisation.
3.Users will not download large files unless absolutely necessary. If necessary, users will download the file at a time when the network is not being heavily used (after 6.00 pm and before 8.00 am) and immediately remove the file from the network system computer to their personal computer.
4.Users will not post chain letters or engage in 'spamming". Spamming is sending an annoying or unnecessary message to a large number of people.
5.Users will check their e-mail frequently, delete unwanted messages promptly, and stay within their e-mail or disk quota.
6.Users will subscribe only to high quality discussion group mail-lists that are relevant to their education or professional/career development.
7.Users will unsubscribe to discussion groups before any vacation, break, or other extended absence from DET NSW.
Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement
1.Users will not plagiarise works that they find on the Internet or DET NSW Intranet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were original to the user.2.Users will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when an individual inappropriately reproduces a work that is protected by a copyright. If a work contains language that specifies acceptable use of that work, the user should follow the expressed requirements. If the user is unsure whether or not they can use a work, they should request permission from the copyright owner.
3.Under no circumstances will illegal copies of copyrighted software be made available or used on DET NSW equipment.
4.Only computer software or versions of software authorised and tested for use on DET NSW computer facilities should be used. This will avoid problems of incompatibility with the DET NSW computing environment.
Inappropriate Access to Material
1.Users will not use DET NSW computers or network to access material that is profane or obscene (pornography), that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people (hate literature). Exceptions may be made if the purpose of such access is to conduct research, and if such access has been approved by the teacher or workplace supervisor.2.If a user inadvertently accesses such information, they should immediately exit the site and disclose the inadvertent access to their Institute Help Desk or the DET NSW Help Desk. Repeated access to such sites will result in disciplinary action.
1.DET NSW and its users will not include any reference on web sites to personnel or users, including their names and pictures, without the individual's permission.2.If a personal or class web page is created, a notice must be included to inform the public that the opinions expressed on the page are those of the creator of the web page, not DET NSW. A statement on the web page must acknowledge the authorship of the page.
1.In the event there is an allegation that a student or employee has violated DET NSW Code of Practice on Acceptable Use for Computer Users, they will be provided with a written notice of the alleged violation and an opportunity to present an explanation before a campus supervisor/administrator.2.Disciplinary actions will be tailored to meet specific concerns related to the violation and to assist the student or employee in gaining the self-discipline necessary to behave appropriately on an electronic network.
Austral Public School's Policy and permission notes. (a graphic version, slightly slow to load but worth the short wait)
Gymea Bay Public School's policy
The Victorian equivalent http://www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/search/index.htm and type acceptable use in the search box to access several documents relating to this subject as dealt with in Victoria.
Last updated 2/2/00