Digital Law
HCS Technology Use Policy - Student Handbook
"Students are responsible for acceptable behaviour as they use the computer network system at Hartland Community School. In the event individuals violate the school policy for technology, disciplinary action will be enforced. The following actions are considered a violation of the policy for technology use:
Sending or displaying offensive messages or images, using obscene language, downloading or sending threatening material, damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks, downloading games, programs and images without teacher permission, using web-based e-mail, using chat rooms, social networking sites, violating copyright laws, trespassing in another's folders, work or files, intentionally spreading computer viruses, making changes to system, file and software. Students and parents/guardians will be required to sign a User Agreement Contract indicating they have read and understand the Provincial Policy 311 regarding technology use."
Sending or displaying offensive messages or images, using obscene language, downloading or sending threatening material, damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks, downloading games, programs and images without teacher permission, using web-based e-mail, using chat rooms, social networking sites, violating copyright laws, trespassing in another's folders, work or files, intentionally spreading computer viruses, making changes to system, file and software. Students and parents/guardians will be required to sign a User Agreement Contract indicating they have read and understand the Provincial Policy 311 regarding technology use."
- Is this a good school policy?
- Is there anything in this policy that is out-of-date and not important anymore?
- Is there something missing (especially something new)? If so, what?
Terms and Services Agreements
Did you know that everything you post to Facebook and several other social media sites becomes OWNED and the property of Facebook and those other sites? The same goes for anything you email (send or receive) using Gmail, Hotmail and most others!
That picture of you at the beach. That song you wrote and shared. That idea for a new product or business. Once shared on web mail or social media, you have just handed over the ownership rights for free. Facebook and other sites can use all of your information for whatever purpose they want including giving that information to companies who can then agressively advertise their products in your direction. (Usually they won't, but the choice is no longer up to you.)
A "Terms And Service Agreement" is usually a long page full of text where you have to click "I Agree". Even if you haven't read one before, some of them can be very questionable.
Hint: Search for "Terms of use agreements" or "Terms of service agreements" combined with words like "scary" or "terrible" or "extreme." This may lead to some services being called out online for their FINE PRINT.
That picture of you at the beach. That song you wrote and shared. That idea for a new product or business. Once shared on web mail or social media, you have just handed over the ownership rights for free. Facebook and other sites can use all of your information for whatever purpose they want including giving that information to companies who can then agressively advertise their products in your direction. (Usually they won't, but the choice is no longer up to you.)
A "Terms And Service Agreement" is usually a long page full of text where you have to click "I Agree". Even if you haven't read one before, some of them can be very questionable.
- Find and list 5 companies that use the terms and service agreements or have major conditions (long lists) before use (ex. iTunes, Facebook, etc...)
- Search the internet for forums discussing safety of terms and service agreements and create links to FIVE services that teens be wary about before signing up. (The internet will have some sources that are very credible and others so make sure to find sources that look professional and don't take "Sally from Texas" as a professional unless you feel credentials have been proven enough.)
Hint: Search for "Terms of use agreements" or "Terms of service agreements" combined with words like "scary" or "terrible" or "extreme." This may lead to some services being called out online for their FINE PRINT.
Law
THE LAW IS THERE TO PROTECT YOU...
... AND YET THERE ARE STILL DANGERS
... AND YET THERE ARE STILL DANGERS
- When you are online, how do you know someone is who they say they are?
Read this true story of a "prank". (PDF available here) - How was this young man able to make the "prank" work?
- What was the end result of this "prank"?
Poster Assignment
- In case you don't get any further, the final project in this unit is to make a poster.
START MAKING A CHANGE
- Design a poster to make 10-14 year old students aware of Internet identity dangers.
You must include the topics above and you may include the topics below.
(Use Inkscape, GIMP, Photoshop, Illustrator, Pixlr, Prezi, LibreOffice or something similar)
Pause Here...
- The topics and articles below are difficult to discuss.
Some students may not be ready to read articles and answer questions about
cyberbullying, sexual assault and suicide.
If you are one of these students, then please let your teacher know.
The purpose of these articles is to inform. If you are already informed about
these topics, then just tell that to the teacher.
Continue Here If/When You Are Ready
- Read this scary true story of an Internet Predator. (PDF available here)
- How many young girls were harmed by this predator?
- Who should be made aware of Internet identity dangers?
- What do you know about Amanda Todd's story and her suicide in October 2012?
(Here's the latest sad update: CBC News)
(You can also go to the main CBC News site and search for "Amanda Todd".) - What do you know about Rehtaeh Parsons' story and her suicide in April 2013?
Search for her name and, if you can, read the article on Wikipedia that summarizes her story.. - When one dad found out someone was contacting his daughter, you'll never guess what he did next...
(See this CBC News story.)
Poster:
This is the end of the "Safety & Citizenship" unit.
Thank you for participating!
When you have completed everything, please let your teacher know.
If your teacher is Mr. Rich, then go to www.witty.ca and click "Contact" and complete the form to send him a message letting him know you have completed this unit.
- At this point, if you have not already made a poster (as requested above) then please do so.
This is the end of the "Safety & Citizenship" unit.
Thank you for participating!
When you have completed everything, please let your teacher know.
If your teacher is Mr. Rich, then go to www.witty.ca and click "Contact" and complete the form to send him a message letting him know you have completed this unit.
