Responsible Use of Technology
MCPS gives its students access to a wide range of digital tools and services that help the school system achieve its goals. As an MCPS student, you commit to use these resources safely and in line with the district’s policy, IGT-RA: User Responsibilities for Computer Systems, Electronic Information, and Network Security, every time you use them. You will notice explicit references to IGT-RA throughout this paper. For further information about what is expected while utilizing MCPS technology and services, please see IGT-RA.
How can I utilize technology in a way that is safe?
Being responsible with technology implies using it in a safe, polite, and moral way (knowing what is right and wrong).
As a responsible user of technology, I do things to keep my personal information safe.
➔ I don’t tell anyone my usernames and passwords.
Before I leave a computer or device, I log out of it and other technological services.
I protect my files and other electronic information. I try my utmost to maintain my electronics safe and sound. I don’t take technology from school until someone tells me I can. I don’t adjust technological equipment or settings in ways that might be dangerous.
I utilize technology in a moral way.
I utilize technology to learn.
➔ I follow the rules for software licensing.
I follow the rules of copyright and fair usage.
I respect other people’s online privacy. I don’t put myself or others in danger when I utilize technology. I use and get information to finish my academic assignment. I make or share digital stuff that is acceptable for schoolwork. I stay away from internet content that is wrong, offensive, or against the law. If I encounter something improper online, I report it right away.
What will happen if I don’t utilize technology in a responsible way?
Depending on the scenario, students may face repercussions such as contacting their parents or guardians, losing privileges, paying back money, being suspended, being expelled, or being charged with a crime. Please read regulation JFA-RA: Student Rights and Responsibilities for additional information about MCPS’s rules for discipline. It is not feasible to record every instance of bad behavior and misuse of technology, but you may find examples of computer and network use that is not allowed on the back of this resource.
What are some ways people use technology irresponsibly?
There are various ways to utilize technology irresponsibly. The following are instances of bad and harmful ways to utilize technology that can have significant and even deadly effects.
➔ Hacking or helping someone else hack into any MCPS system.
➔ Getting passwords without permission, recording keys, or decrypting passwords.
➔ Purposefully getting in the way of other users’ access to the network or usage of their computers.
Using technology to harass or scare other people is also known as “cyberbullying.”
➔ Knowing that you are trying to get to or already have access to improper content. Intentionally putting viruses or bad programs on MCPS technology systems.
Connecting any unlawful device to an MCPS computer or the MCPS network without permission.
Using email to threaten, cheat, or get personal information
Bypassing network security or filtering systems.
Deleting, forging, changing, viewing, or copying other people’s emails without their permission or trying to do any of these things
Reading, deleting, copying, sending, printing, sharing, or changing the data files of other users without the permission of the superintendent of schools or someone he or she has chosen. Letting someone else use your MCPS account or password.
Using commercial ads, chain letters, or games that aren’t for learning on MCPS systems.
➔ Copying or moving software and other things that are protected by copyright.
Putting personally identifiable information online or spreading false information about students or staff using MCPS equipment or resources.
Using MCPS networks or computers for personal benefit or criminal activity.