In 2000, Congress enacted the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), a federal law that addresses concerns about access to offensive content over the Internet on school computers. Schools subject to CIPA are required to adopt and implement an Internet safety policy. (Children’s Internet Protection Act, 2009) CIPA imposes certain types of requirements on any school that receives funding for Internet access or internal connections from the E-rate program, a program that makes certain communications technology more affordable for eligible schools and libraries. The level of discounts for schools is based upon the level of eligibility in the federal free and reduced lunch program. Schools are required to certify that they have their safety policies and technology in place before receiving E-rate funding. (E-Rate, 1997) The protection measures must block or filter Internet access to sites that are obscene, contain child pornography, or are harmful to minors. Forsyth County schools currently receive a 42% discount through E-rate for funding on both telecommunications services and Internet access. The Forsyth County Schools use Fortinet Fortigate 3600 Firewall and Web Filter, as well as the DeepNines appliance in order to restrict minors’ access to materials “harmful to minors,” as that term is defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act. (Evans, 2009)
During the schools’ instructional focus class, teachers lead the students in a district-wide, planned presentation called “Netiquette.” Cyber-bullying, Internet security, and Internet safety are addressed in this engaging and relevant lesson. Additionally, a district-wide presentation concerning the ethical and legal ramifications of “sexting” is also presented during the students’ instructional focus class. Internet safety guidelines are also displayed for stakeholders on the Forsyth County website and are a part of the student acceptable use policy.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Parents have certain rights with respect to their children's education records, and these rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 2010) The Forsyth County School system maintains student information and records in compliance with laws of the State of Georgia, the federal government, and the Georgia Department of Education. Guidance for the handling of student information and records is from the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Forsyth County Schools provides notice to parents and eligible students of their rights under FERPA at the beginning of each school year, by a notice in each school handbook. Teachers of English Language Learners (ELL) also provide this notice in Spanish, Bosnian, and Korean. (Forsyth County Schools, 2008)
Children’s Internet Protection Act: FCC consumer facts. (2009) Retrieved June 9, 2010 from http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/cipa.html
E-rate: Questions and answers. (1997) Retrieved June 9, 2010 from http://www2.ed.gov/Technology/overview.html
Evans, B. (2009). Forsyth county schools: Three year technology plan. (2009). Retrieved on June 10, 2010 from http://forsyth.schoolwires.com/129410616215017890/lib/129410616215017890/ForsythTechPlan2009-2012-forweb.pdf?129410616215017890Nav=|&NodeID=5817
Family educational rights and privacy act. (2010). Retrieved June 9, 2010 from http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html
Forsyth county schools: Student records and information management. (2008). Retrieved June 13, 2010 from http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/12941061621547467/lib/12941061621547467/StudentRecordsManual2008.pdf
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Providing Equitable Access to Technology
Forsyth County Schools currently have four Windows based computers connected to the Internet in each classroom. There are four computer labs with 30 computers available for all students and seven mobile laptop labs, each consisting of ten computers. Each high school also has ten stand alone laptops that are designated for student checkout through the school’s Media Specialist. Full-time teachers have a notebook computer with Internet access and email via Microsoft Outlook. Limited funds have prevented the district from providing laptop computers to part-time teachers. Microsoft Office Professional suite or Open Office is installed on every classroom desktop and teacher laptop. Additional district supported software includes Inspiration, Kidspiration, Pixie 2, the Macromedia web design suite, Google Earth and Sketchup, ActivStudio, Windows Movie Maker and Photostory. All permanent classrooms are equipped with an Interactive Whiteboard, mounted projector, DVD/VCR player, sound system, and scanner. The high school has its own Instructional Technology Specialist who acts as the school technology coordinator and provides instructional resources and training to help teachers integrate technology into instruction. Teachers have access to a wide variety of software and Internet resources, which includes NetTrekker, Safari Montage, United Streaming, Questia, BrainPOP and digital textbooks, allowing textbooks to be accessed by teachers and students via the Internet. (Evans, 2009)
Forsyth County’s technology plan states that “with almost 18,000 computers and a student computer ratio of 2.37 to 1, computers are readily available to students. However, there is great interest in moving to a 1:1 computer ratio. The greatest factor that impedes progress on this goal is the lack of technical personnel to support such an implementation” (Evans, 2009, p. 3). According to the Instructional Technology Specialist at North Forsyth High School, the county is currently doing a pilot project, supplying Netbook computers to one entire classroom. North Forsyth High School has expanded this project by purchasing 30 more Netbooks to be used in one additional classroom. Success of this pilot project has yet to be determined. (personal communication, May 26, 2010)
The “digital divide” is most commonly defined as the gap between those individuals and communities that have, and do not have, access to the information technologies that are transforming our lives.
“Almost half of Americans do not have Internet access at home and only 25 percent of America's poorest households are online compared with approximately 80 percent of homes earning over $75,000. Only around 30 percent of youth in the lowest household income category use computers at home compared to over 90 percent of youth in the highest income category. Even more striking is the fact that this gap has expanded in recent years. Similar disparities can be found among populations with limited formal education. Hispanics (31.8 percent) and African Americans (39.8 percent) lag behind whites (59.9 percent) in Internet access at home, suggesting serious ethnic and racial divides” (Dickerd & Schneider, 2002).
In Forsyth County Schools’ Three-Year Technology Plan, the superintendent expressed that “a growing concern is student access to the Internet at home” (Evans, 2009, p 5). To alleviate part of this concern, county high schools have computers available on campus before and after school for students. At North Forsyth High School, the media specialist stated that an average of 75 students utilizes the computers in the media center computer lab before school and an average of 7 utilize these computers after school. Of the ten laptop computers available for checkout to the students, an average of 4 computers is checked out each day. (personal communication, March 12, 2010) Because of Forsyth County’s emphasis on technology in its schools, it has become increasingly important for students and their parents to have both computer and Internet access at home. Currently, teachers are required to post grades to the Internet for parental access and teachers are also encouraged to publish homework and class information to Angel, the county’s learning management system. Parents can view grades, homework assignments, progress reports and other information provided by teachers via the Internet. The online student information system called Infinite Campus Parent Portal has over 9,000 parents registered. Parents are able to replenish lunch money, receive alerts and school notices and access bus routes and transportation pick up times via the Internet. This portal allows parents to stay up-to-date on their students’ grades, but also their class activities, upcom¬ing work, and any disciplinary ac¬tions. Portal accounts are also available to middle and high school students. Through student portal, students can view their own progress while at home or at school. Student access to technology at home is made possible through Citrix, which enables the student access to their documents and files, as well as the school system’s software programs such as Open Office. (Evans, 2009) Directions for accessing Citrix are available for the public on the Forsyth County Schools website.
Dickerd & Schneider. (2002). The digital divide: Where we are. Retrieved June 9, 2010 from http://www.edutopia.org/digital-divide-where-we-are-today
Evans, B. (2009). Forsyth county schools: Three year technology plan. (2009). Retrieved on June 10, 2010 from http://forsyth.schoolwires.com/129410616215017890/lib/129410616215017890/ForsythTechPlan2009-2012-forweb.pdf?129410616215017890Nav=|&NodeID=5817
Forsyth County’s technology plan states that “with almost 18,000 computers and a student computer ratio of 2.37 to 1, computers are readily available to students. However, there is great interest in moving to a 1:1 computer ratio. The greatest factor that impedes progress on this goal is the lack of technical personnel to support such an implementation” (Evans, 2009, p. 3). According to the Instructional Technology Specialist at North Forsyth High School, the county is currently doing a pilot project, supplying Netbook computers to one entire classroom. North Forsyth High School has expanded this project by purchasing 30 more Netbooks to be used in one additional classroom. Success of this pilot project has yet to be determined. (personal communication, May 26, 2010)
The “digital divide” is most commonly defined as the gap between those individuals and communities that have, and do not have, access to the information technologies that are transforming our lives.
“Almost half of Americans do not have Internet access at home and only 25 percent of America's poorest households are online compared with approximately 80 percent of homes earning over $75,000. Only around 30 percent of youth in the lowest household income category use computers at home compared to over 90 percent of youth in the highest income category. Even more striking is the fact that this gap has expanded in recent years. Similar disparities can be found among populations with limited formal education. Hispanics (31.8 percent) and African Americans (39.8 percent) lag behind whites (59.9 percent) in Internet access at home, suggesting serious ethnic and racial divides” (Dickerd & Schneider, 2002).
In Forsyth County Schools’ Three-Year Technology Plan, the superintendent expressed that “a growing concern is student access to the Internet at home” (Evans, 2009, p 5). To alleviate part of this concern, county high schools have computers available on campus before and after school for students. At North Forsyth High School, the media specialist stated that an average of 75 students utilizes the computers in the media center computer lab before school and an average of 7 utilize these computers after school. Of the ten laptop computers available for checkout to the students, an average of 4 computers is checked out each day. (personal communication, March 12, 2010) Because of Forsyth County’s emphasis on technology in its schools, it has become increasingly important for students and their parents to have both computer and Internet access at home. Currently, teachers are required to post grades to the Internet for parental access and teachers are also encouraged to publish homework and class information to Angel, the county’s learning management system. Parents can view grades, homework assignments, progress reports and other information provided by teachers via the Internet. The online student information system called Infinite Campus Parent Portal has over 9,000 parents registered. Parents are able to replenish lunch money, receive alerts and school notices and access bus routes and transportation pick up times via the Internet. This portal allows parents to stay up-to-date on their students’ grades, but also their class activities, upcom¬ing work, and any disciplinary ac¬tions. Portal accounts are also available to middle and high school students. Through student portal, students can view their own progress while at home or at school. Student access to technology at home is made possible through Citrix, which enables the student access to their documents and files, as well as the school system’s software programs such as Open Office. (Evans, 2009) Directions for accessing Citrix are available for the public on the Forsyth County Schools website.
Dickerd & Schneider. (2002). The digital divide: Where we are. Retrieved June 9, 2010 from http://www.edutopia.org/digital-divide-where-we-are-today
Evans, B. (2009). Forsyth county schools: Three year technology plan. (2009). Retrieved on June 10, 2010 from http://forsyth.schoolwires.com/129410616215017890/lib/129410616215017890/ForsythTechPlan2009-2012-forweb.pdf?129410616215017890Nav=|&NodeID=5817
Accessing Adaptive/Assistive Technology
President Bush signed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA). IDEA is the main federal program authorizing state and local aid for special education and related services for children with disabilities. (Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004, n.d.) Resulting from an interview with the Special Education Department Head at North Forsyth High School, a list was determined of the various assistive and adaptive technologies available at Forsyth County schools. Each school has a technology lab specifically reserved to assist special education students. The technology labs have twelve computers available for student use. Kurzweil is a computer program that reads and/or enlarges text with varying speed and language to visual and learning impaired students. Kurzweil is leased by the school system and is loaded on four computer desktops in each technology lab. An eye gaze computer is available for a special needs student at one high school. This computer is attached to the wheelchair of a
physically handicapped student, allowing him to communicate via the eye movement’s coordination with a special computer screen. Each high school has one talking board that allows words to be spoken after specific button are pushed. This tool is used for non-verbal or low-verbal students. There are thirty Alpha Smarts available for checkout at each high school. Alpha Smarts are word processors utilized for classroom instruction that allow students to type in text that can be downloaded to network computers. The Library of Congress, the National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, provides thirty-five tape recorders/players for our school. At the start of each school year, each special education department requests from the Library of Congress free, taped copies of every novel in the English curriculum. (personal communication, March 28, 2010) In the 2004 IDEA legislation, sections were added defining the provision of textbooks and instructional materials in accessible formats for students who are blind or print disabled. The National Instructional Material Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) is a technical standard used by publishers to produce source files that may be used to develop multiple specialized formats (such as Braille or audio books) for students with print disabilities. Because Forsyth County works directly with the National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, schools can find access to needed instructional materials for students with print disabilities. (What is the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard?, 2009)
High school teachers should be more educated concerning the assistive and adaptive technologies currently available for students. A presentation at a professional development meeting could increase awareness and possibly increase the use of this technology.
Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004. (n.d.) Retrieved June 13, 2010 from http://idea.ed.gov/
What is the national instructional materials accessibility standard? (2009). Retrieved on June 13, 2010 from http://nimas.cast.org/
physically handicapped student, allowing him to communicate via the eye movement’s coordination with a special computer screen. Each high school has one talking board that allows words to be spoken after specific button are pushed. This tool is used for non-verbal or low-verbal students. There are thirty Alpha Smarts available for checkout at each high school. Alpha Smarts are word processors utilized for classroom instruction that allow students to type in text that can be downloaded to network computers. The Library of Congress, the National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, provides thirty-five tape recorders/players for our school. At the start of each school year, each special education department requests from the Library of Congress free, taped copies of every novel in the English curriculum. (personal communication, March 28, 2010) In the 2004 IDEA legislation, sections were added defining the provision of textbooks and instructional materials in accessible formats for students who are blind or print disabled. The National Instructional Material Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) is a technical standard used by publishers to produce source files that may be used to develop multiple specialized formats (such as Braille or audio books) for students with print disabilities. Because Forsyth County works directly with the National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, schools can find access to needed instructional materials for students with print disabilities. (What is the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard?, 2009)
High school teachers should be more educated concerning the assistive and adaptive technologies currently available for students. A presentation at a professional development meeting could increase awareness and possibly increase the use of this technology.
Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004. (n.d.) Retrieved June 13, 2010 from http://idea.ed.gov/
What is the national instructional materials accessibility standard? (2009). Retrieved on June 13, 2010 from http://nimas.cast.org/
Empowering Diverse Learners
According to the National Educational Technology Standards and Performance Indicators for Students (2007), there are seven criteria on which schools should focus in their use of educational technology: creativity and innovation, communication and collaboration, research and information fluency, critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making, digital citizenship, and technology operations and concepts. (NETS for students, 2007) In order to meet these standards, schools must consider ways to best utilize the technology resources in meeting the diverse needs of all its students.
Apex Learning provides on-line learning solutions for K-12 education. This product has been purchased by Forsyth County Schools and is used as a supplement to in-classroom instruction and as a remediation solution. In a published interview with the current CEO of Apex Learning, it is revealed that its target audience has increasingly become students who have not been successful in the traditional classroom. The company believes that on-line learning can play a key role in helping schools differentiate instruction to address the unique needs and increase the educational opportunities for all of its students. The programs assist in original credit, credit-recovery, and intervention. (Nash, 2009) At North Forsyth High School, there are currently five classes each day that strictly utilize APEX online learning for credit recovery for struggling upperclassmen. This is an excellent alternative for schools to assist struggling students in the mastery of the standards.
In 2010, Forsyth County schools announced the opening of I-Achieve Virtual Academy for the 2010 -2011 school years. I-Achieve Virtual Academy will best serve students who are looking for a high quality, technology-based alternative to their current learning environment and who are seeking flexibility in their school schedule. Previously homeschooled or private school students seeking an academically rigorous, accredited, middle and high school education could benefit from this option. (I-Achieve Virtual Academy, 2010)
In partnership with Lanier Technical College and Communities in Schools of Georgia, Forsyth County Schools opened the Forsyth Academy, a non-traditional high school, in the fall of 2005. Forsyth Academy is another route to graduation for those students who are not successful in a traditional school setting. Students are allowed to work at their own pace using an online, computer-based curriculum, supplemented with offline projects and assignments. The curriculum is rigorous and relevant and ensures that all Georgia Performance Standards are met. The academic schedule is flexible, which helps students overcome personal obstacles that have previously prevented academic achievement Students can develop marketable skills in preparation for college and the workplace through internships, dual college enrollment and technical training. Non-instructional needs will also be addressed by an on-site service provider. (Forsyth Academy: Charting Pathways for Student Success, n.d.)
The Forsyth County school system has a Teacher and Parent Resource Center where materials are available for teachers working with ELL (English Language Learners), students, and parents. Helpful materials are available for check-out through the Transition Service Center. These materials include bilingual dictionaries (Spanish, Bosnian, German, etc.), Spanish/English dictionaries for school terminology, reading materials for students, and parenting books, tapes, and videos. (Transition Services, 2010) North Forsyth High School also offers an afternoon computer literacy class for the community’s Hispanic population.
For students needing assistive technology to aid learning, each school is equipped with a variety of tools to empower this segment of the student population.
Forsyth academy: Charting pathways for student success. (n.d.). Retrieved June 13, 2010 from http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/1325207216473310/site/default.asp
I-Achieve Virtual Academy. (2010). Retrieved June 13, 2010 from http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/129410616212035640/lib/129410616212035640/iAchieve/Microsoft%20PowerPoint%20-%20iachieve.pdf
Nash, S. (2009) Interview with cheryl vedoe, apex learning: Innovators in e-learning series. Retrieved on January 21, 2010 from http://elearnqueen.blogspot.com/2009/03/interview-with-cheryl-vedoe-apex.htm.
Transition services webpage. (2010). Retrieved June 13, 2010 from http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/12941061621547467/blank/browse.asp?a=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=73687&12941061621547467Nav=|&NodeID=1508
Apex Learning provides on-line learning solutions for K-12 education. This product has been purchased by Forsyth County Schools and is used as a supplement to in-classroom instruction and as a remediation solution. In a published interview with the current CEO of Apex Learning, it is revealed that its target audience has increasingly become students who have not been successful in the traditional classroom. The company believes that on-line learning can play a key role in helping schools differentiate instruction to address the unique needs and increase the educational opportunities for all of its students. The programs assist in original credit, credit-recovery, and intervention. (Nash, 2009) At North Forsyth High School, there are currently five classes each day that strictly utilize APEX online learning for credit recovery for struggling upperclassmen. This is an excellent alternative for schools to assist struggling students in the mastery of the standards.
In 2010, Forsyth County schools announced the opening of I-Achieve Virtual Academy for the 2010 -2011 school years. I-Achieve Virtual Academy will best serve students who are looking for a high quality, technology-based alternative to their current learning environment and who are seeking flexibility in their school schedule. Previously homeschooled or private school students seeking an academically rigorous, accredited, middle and high school education could benefit from this option. (I-Achieve Virtual Academy, 2010)
In partnership with Lanier Technical College and Communities in Schools of Georgia, Forsyth County Schools opened the Forsyth Academy, a non-traditional high school, in the fall of 2005. Forsyth Academy is another route to graduation for those students who are not successful in a traditional school setting. Students are allowed to work at their own pace using an online, computer-based curriculum, supplemented with offline projects and assignments. The curriculum is rigorous and relevant and ensures that all Georgia Performance Standards are met. The academic schedule is flexible, which helps students overcome personal obstacles that have previously prevented academic achievement Students can develop marketable skills in preparation for college and the workplace through internships, dual college enrollment and technical training. Non-instructional needs will also be addressed by an on-site service provider. (Forsyth Academy: Charting Pathways for Student Success, n.d.)
The Forsyth County school system has a Teacher and Parent Resource Center where materials are available for teachers working with ELL (English Language Learners), students, and parents. Helpful materials are available for check-out through the Transition Service Center. These materials include bilingual dictionaries (Spanish, Bosnian, German, etc.), Spanish/English dictionaries for school terminology, reading materials for students, and parenting books, tapes, and videos. (Transition Services, 2010) North Forsyth High School also offers an afternoon computer literacy class for the community’s Hispanic population.
For students needing assistive technology to aid learning, each school is equipped with a variety of tools to empower this segment of the student population.
Forsyth academy: Charting pathways for student success. (n.d.). Retrieved June 13, 2010 from http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/1325207216473310/site/default.asp
I-Achieve Virtual Academy. (2010). Retrieved June 13, 2010 from http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/129410616212035640/lib/129410616212035640/iAchieve/Microsoft%20PowerPoint%20-%20iachieve.pdf
Nash, S. (2009) Interview with cheryl vedoe, apex learning: Innovators in e-learning series. Retrieved on January 21, 2010 from http://elearnqueen.blogspot.com/2009/03/interview-with-cheryl-vedoe-apex.htm.
Transition services webpage. (2010). Retrieved June 13, 2010 from http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/12941061621547467/blank/browse.asp?a=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=73687&12941061621547467Nav=|&NodeID=1508
Documenting Copyright Adherence Through-out the District
According to law, the expression of original ideas is considered intellectual property, and is protected by copyright laws, just like original inventions. Almost all forms of expression fall under copyright protection as long as they are recorded in some way, such as a book or a computer file. (What is plagiarism?, 2010) Copyright does not prohibit all copying or replication. In the United States, the fair use doctrine, as determined by the Copyright Act of 1976, permits some copying and distribution without permission of or payment to the copyright holder. While fair use is not clearly defined, educators are presented important factors to consider in a fair use analysis. (Copyright, 2010)
The Forsyth County student and employee acceptable use policies list as prohibited conduct, posting or plagiarizing work, as well as using the school's computer for anything illegal, such as copying or downloading copyrighted software, music or images, or any violation of copyright laws. (Forsyth County Schools, 2007) Copyright and fair use policies are posted on Forsyth County high school websites (West Forsyth High School, 2010) and on the Forsyth County Schools website. (Forsyth County Schools, 2007) During in-service training, teachers are educated concerning copyright and fair use policies. During instructional focus classes, students are taught the meaning of plagiarism and its consequences.
After applicable teacher training, Forsyth County leaves employee adherence to fair use to the professional judgment of the individual teachers. Teachers in the Forsyth County schools utilize programs such as Turnitin, to detect student plagiarism. Turnitin is an integrated, web-based solution that enables educators to check papers for unoriginal material. (Turnitin, 2010)
Copyright. (2010). Retrieved on June 12, 2010 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright
Forsyth county schools computers and network resources employee acceptable use guidelines. (2007). Retrieved June 9, 2010 from
http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/734820320132044943/lib/734820320132044943/JCES%20Technology%20Toolkit/Employee%20Acceptable%20Use%20Guidelines.pdf
West forsyth high school: Copyright and fair use (2008). Retrieved June 9, 2010 from
http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/132420721121149217/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=95689
What is plagiarism? (2010). Retrieved June 9, 2010 from http://www.plagiarism.org/plag_article_what_is_plagiarism.html
Turnitin: News and releases (2010). Retrieved June 9, 2010 from http://www.turnitin.com/static/news.html
The Forsyth County student and employee acceptable use policies list as prohibited conduct, posting or plagiarizing work, as well as using the school's computer for anything illegal, such as copying or downloading copyrighted software, music or images, or any violation of copyright laws. (Forsyth County Schools, 2007) Copyright and fair use policies are posted on Forsyth County high school websites (West Forsyth High School, 2010) and on the Forsyth County Schools website. (Forsyth County Schools, 2007) During in-service training, teachers are educated concerning copyright and fair use policies. During instructional focus classes, students are taught the meaning of plagiarism and its consequences.
After applicable teacher training, Forsyth County leaves employee adherence to fair use to the professional judgment of the individual teachers. Teachers in the Forsyth County schools utilize programs such as Turnitin, to detect student plagiarism. Turnitin is an integrated, web-based solution that enables educators to check papers for unoriginal material. (Turnitin, 2010)
Copyright. (2010). Retrieved on June 12, 2010 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright
Forsyth county schools computers and network resources employee acceptable use guidelines. (2007). Retrieved June 9, 2010 from
http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/734820320132044943/lib/734820320132044943/JCES%20Technology%20Toolkit/Employee%20Acceptable%20Use%20Guidelines.pdf
West forsyth high school: Copyright and fair use (2008). Retrieved June 9, 2010 from
http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/132420721121149217/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=95689
What is plagiarism? (2010). Retrieved June 9, 2010 from http://www.plagiarism.org/plag_article_what_is_plagiarism.html
Turnitin: News and releases (2010). Retrieved June 9, 2010 from http://www.turnitin.com/static/news.html
Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policies
The Internet is a global, fluid, and largely unregulated community, having some parts that are not consistent with family, school, and community standards. “The Forsyth County Board of Education believes guidelines regarding acceptable use are warranted in order to serve the educational needs of students” (Board Policy: Acceptable Use of Forsyth County Computers and Network Resources. 2009, p. 1). An acceptable use policy (AUP) sets the conditions under which the computer network may be used. An AUP covers all computer use, outlining the appropriate and ethical behaviors that are expected from users. The policy provides awareness of consequences and disciplinary actions for computer misuse. The consequences of AUP violations include temporary or permanent revocation of computer privileges and potential disciplinary action. The Forsyth County Schools emphasize that access to the Internet and computer resources is a privilege and not a right. Students and parents can be held responsible for damages and may be liable for costs incurred for service or repair. Forsyth County also has an acceptable use policy for employees. (Forsyth County Schools, 2007)
“School AUPs are usually prepared in the form of contracts between the Internet users and their school. At a minimum, they must be written, publicly available statements of official school policy, even if they are not in the form of an agreement. The idea is that it's better to know the rules before one embarks on the road” (Kinnaman, 1995, p.1).
During in-service training at the start of the school year, the AUP is reviewed and it is signed by all employees. A copy of the AUP for students is in the school’s student handbook, and the AUP must be signed by both the student and the parents. The schools also review the AUP with students at the start of the school year, during the weekly instructional focus class. The acceptable use policy for both students and teachers is also available on the Forsyth County website. (Evans, 2009)
The Forsyth County Schools has a policy entitled "Forsyth County Schools Computers and Network Resources Web Site Posting Guidelines" that addresses some safety concerns and guidelines, but the word "blog" is never mentioned. (Forsyth County Schools Computers and Network Resources Student Acceptable Use Guidelines, 2007) Because blogs and social networking may become more prevalent as classroom instructional tools, the Forsyth County Schools might consider an added section to the acceptable use policies that specifically addresses classroom blogs and social networking, as these technologies have their own unique safety and appropriateness concerns.
Board policy: Acceptable use of forsyth county computers and network resources. (2009). Retrieved June 13, 2010 from http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/129410616215017890/blank/browse.asp?a=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=53899
Evans, B. (2009). Forsyth county schools: Three year technology plan. (2009). Retrieved on June 10, 2010 from http://forsyth.schoolwires.com/129410616215017890/lib/129410616215017890/ForsythTechPlan2009-2012-forweb.pdf?129410616215017890Nav=|&NodeID=5817
Forsyth county schools computers and network resources student acceptable use guidelines. (2007). Retrieved June 9, 2010 from http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/13072072183841607/lib/13072072183841607/FC-_Student_AUP.pdf
Kinnaman, D. (June, 1995). Critiquing Acceptable Use Policies. Retrieved June 9, 2010, from http://www.io.com/~kinnaman/aupessay.html
“School AUPs are usually prepared in the form of contracts between the Internet users and their school. At a minimum, they must be written, publicly available statements of official school policy, even if they are not in the form of an agreement. The idea is that it's better to know the rules before one embarks on the road” (Kinnaman, 1995, p.1).
During in-service training at the start of the school year, the AUP is reviewed and it is signed by all employees. A copy of the AUP for students is in the school’s student handbook, and the AUP must be signed by both the student and the parents. The schools also review the AUP with students at the start of the school year, during the weekly instructional focus class. The acceptable use policy for both students and teachers is also available on the Forsyth County website. (Evans, 2009)
The Forsyth County Schools has a policy entitled "Forsyth County Schools Computers and Network Resources Web Site Posting Guidelines" that addresses some safety concerns and guidelines, but the word "blog" is never mentioned. (Forsyth County Schools Computers and Network Resources Student Acceptable Use Guidelines, 2007) Because blogs and social networking may become more prevalent as classroom instructional tools, the Forsyth County Schools might consider an added section to the acceptable use policies that specifically addresses classroom blogs and social networking, as these technologies have their own unique safety and appropriateness concerns.
Board policy: Acceptable use of forsyth county computers and network resources. (2009). Retrieved June 13, 2010 from http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/129410616215017890/blank/browse.asp?a=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=53899
Evans, B. (2009). Forsyth county schools: Three year technology plan. (2009). Retrieved on June 10, 2010 from http://forsyth.schoolwires.com/129410616215017890/lib/129410616215017890/ForsythTechPlan2009-2012-forweb.pdf?129410616215017890Nav=|&NodeID=5817
Forsyth county schools computers and network resources student acceptable use guidelines. (2007). Retrieved June 9, 2010 from http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/13072072183841607/lib/13072072183841607/FC-_Student_AUP.pdf
Kinnaman, D. (June, 1995). Critiquing Acceptable Use Policies. Retrieved June 9, 2010, from http://www.io.com/~kinnaman/aupessay.html
Forsyth County Schools Technology: An Introduction
The Forsyth County School system takes great pride in being on the cutting edge of educational technology. Forsyth County’s vision for technology use states
“Forsyth County Schools will maximize technology to positively impact student achievement and system level initiatives. Technology will be utilized by students and adults to produce quality work and to create an environment where there is excellence in student academic performance and where adults support the understanding that all work is related to creating a school district that is safe, caring and responsive to stakeholder needs. The school district will display a belief that technology is imperative to the work of students and adults and will provide the resources necessary for an effective and efficient operation to achieve results.” (Evans, 2009, p. 1)
Because of the great diversity of students within the Forsyth County school system, the county works diligently in utilizing its technology resources to enable and empower its diverse learners. Forsyth County has a population of 359,638 and a median household income of $47,318, with 14.9% of the county’s population below poverty level. Of the students in the Forsyth County school system, approximately 16% are students in special education, 16% are economically disadvantaged, 4.5% are Non-English speaking students, 15% are eligible for gifted services, and 89% of high school graduates receive a College Prep diploma. Approximately 17% of the students have qualified for the free lunch program and another 5% have qualified for the reduced lunch program. The ethnic demographics reveal that Forsyth County is 61% white, 26% black, 10.9% Hispanic, 1.3% bi-racial, 1.5% Asian, and 0.4% American Indian. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2009) Forsyth County wants all schools to be equipped with the technology resources necessary in order to accomplish its vision and to be able to provide equitable, beneficial, and safe use of these resources, within its diverse student population.
Forsyth County Schools operates a school system website, powered by Schoolwires, Inc. Through the county website, information concerning its vision and application of educational technologies is available to all stakeholders in the school system. In 2009, the county’s 2009 - 2012 Three Year Technology Plan was presented publicly to the Board of Education and subsequently shared with all administrators, Instructional Technology Specialists and Media Specialists. The technology plan is posted on the school website. (Evans, 2009)
Evans, B. (2009). Forsyth county schools: Three year technology plan. (2009). Retrieved on June 10, 2010 from http://forsyth.schoolwires.com/129410616215017890/lib/129410616215017890/ForsythTechPlan2009-2012-forweb.pdf?129410616215017890Nav=|&NodeID=5817
U.S. census bureau: State and county quick facts. (2009). Retrieved June 13, 2010 from http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/37/37067.html
“Forsyth County Schools will maximize technology to positively impact student achievement and system level initiatives. Technology will be utilized by students and adults to produce quality work and to create an environment where there is excellence in student academic performance and where adults support the understanding that all work is related to creating a school district that is safe, caring and responsive to stakeholder needs. The school district will display a belief that technology is imperative to the work of students and adults and will provide the resources necessary for an effective and efficient operation to achieve results.” (Evans, 2009, p. 1)
Because of the great diversity of students within the Forsyth County school system, the county works diligently in utilizing its technology resources to enable and empower its diverse learners. Forsyth County has a population of 359,638 and a median household income of $47,318, with 14.9% of the county’s population below poverty level. Of the students in the Forsyth County school system, approximately 16% are students in special education, 16% are economically disadvantaged, 4.5% are Non-English speaking students, 15% are eligible for gifted services, and 89% of high school graduates receive a College Prep diploma. Approximately 17% of the students have qualified for the free lunch program and another 5% have qualified for the reduced lunch program. The ethnic demographics reveal that Forsyth County is 61% white, 26% black, 10.9% Hispanic, 1.3% bi-racial, 1.5% Asian, and 0.4% American Indian. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2009) Forsyth County wants all schools to be equipped with the technology resources necessary in order to accomplish its vision and to be able to provide equitable, beneficial, and safe use of these resources, within its diverse student population.
Forsyth County Schools operates a school system website, powered by Schoolwires, Inc. Through the county website, information concerning its vision and application of educational technologies is available to all stakeholders in the school system. In 2009, the county’s 2009 - 2012 Three Year Technology Plan was presented publicly to the Board of Education and subsequently shared with all administrators, Instructional Technology Specialists and Media Specialists. The technology plan is posted on the school website. (Evans, 2009)
Evans, B. (2009). Forsyth county schools: Three year technology plan. (2009). Retrieved on June 10, 2010 from http://forsyth.schoolwires.com/129410616215017890/lib/129410616215017890/ForsythTechPlan2009-2012-forweb.pdf?129410616215017890Nav=|&NodeID=5817
U.S. census bureau: State and county quick facts. (2009). Retrieved June 13, 2010 from http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/37/37067.html
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