Student Access - Internet Policy

Technical

Technical barriers operate at two levels to restrict access to inappropriate
materials. The first level is provided by the Department through the Internet
Service Provider. The second is at the school through Cyber Patrol Software.
These technical barriers scan and block specific sites that are considered to
be inappropriate.

Supervisory

Appropriate levels of supervision by teachers should be provided whenever
students gain access to the Internet. Where possible, teachers should verify
the appropriateness of sites before students use them. Communication
through the E-Mail function of the Internet should be treated as another form
of publishing. Teachers should ensure that the work has been proof read and
edited before it is published, to ensure it is appropriate for transmission.
Equally, transmissions received by students should be monitored. Other
factors relating to supervision include the careful location of the computer
and classroom management strategies.

Student Learning

The challenge for all teachers is to assist students develop the knowledge,
skills and attitudes necessary to locate, select and use information from the
Internet for curriculum purposes. Students need to evaluate, organise and
synthesise this information in order to communicate effectively with others.
The Internet should be used as another research tool. It is not to be used for
entertainment purposes. Therefore students should only be allowed access
for a specific educational purpose.

Safety and Privacy

It is the responsibility of all staff to provide a safe learning environment for
students.

It is recommend that Austral Public School staff:

• do not provide identifying data, such as full name, address or other
  information that describes the personal situation and location of
  students, staff or community members.

• consider the conditions under which student's and staff photographs
  are published. Written permission from parents or guardians must be
  obtained before a students' work or photograph is published. ( See
  appendix 1)
• exercise particular care and supervision when students are
  communicating with other people on the Internet. It is very difficult to
  be sure who people claim to be.

Inappropriate Material

Students should be aware of the implications of using the Internet and E-Mail.
They need to know what actions should be taken when inappropriate

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