Responsible Use of Technology

Each user is responsible for their use on a digital device and should treat and use it responsibly and appropriately. Computers and technological devices that give students access to information services or enables them to access information (e.g. Laptops, iPads, Cameras, Mobile devices) are sophisticated devices that require care and gentle treatment to function properly; if you mistreat your device, it will likely run poorly or malfunction. 

A. Hardware 

• Users are responsible for taking care of their digital devices and charging them when not in use. Store them appropriately so that they can be readily accessed when needed.
• Users are responsible for taking care of audio/visual equipment in their possession.
• Users are cautioned to refrain from using a digital device around foods, liquids, or in any location/setting that will bring harm to the device. 
• Each technology user must be responsible for keeping their digital devices in working  order (Fully charged with licensed software installed) 

B. Software 

• All school related work should be backed up on ASB provided cloud storage systems such as  Google Drive so that data is accessible from any computer in the event of a hardware failure or loss/damage. It is also recommended that users should have an individual offline backup stored on a pen drive or external hard drive. 
• Students are responsible to maintain appropriate bandwidth for school-related work and communication. This includes not downloading or streaming any files unless required for school work. 

C. Damage 

• All damage done to personal and ASB provided digital devices both at school and away is the sole responsibility of the user.
• In the case of damage to school-owned devices caused by negligence or inappropriate use, the user of the device is responsible for repairs or replacement. 

Students may use laptops only in areas supervised by an adult including learning spaces,  and common areas. 

A. Software 

• For BYOD, students are responsible for obtaining licensed software and maintaining them in proper working order with the latest updates. 
• In order to maintain the functioning of your personal device and the school’s network,  you should only install software that has been approved by your parents, teachers, and  ASB technology department. The software installed must support your learning at ASB. 
• To keep the ASB network and your personal device safe you need to have endpoint protection (Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware, Malware protection, Firewall) installed on your laptop. If you do not have any protection on your computer the technology department will provide you with a licensed copy of appropriate software.

B. Internet 

As a mission-driven school, the Internet should be used to promote the mission of ASB. 

The following activities show responsible use of the Internet: 

• Researching 
• Communicating 
• Web-based learning applications 
• Educational learning networks 

The following activities will constitute responsible use if they are part of an assigned  activity and allowed by your teacher: 

• Listening to music 
• Watching movies or videos 
• Instant messaging, joining chat rooms, or social networking 
• Online gaming and downloading music/videos/software from the Internet from approved websites. 

Unacceptable Use of the Internet 

• The Internet contains information that is inconsistent with ASB’s mission inclusive of but not limited to pornographic materials, vulgarity, gambling, militant/extremist material, hate speech. Users should not access, store, share, or display such information. 
• Any malicious attempt to harm or destroy school technology equipment, network, or materials, the data of another user, or any other institutions or their networks, is prohibited. 

C. Communication Tools 

The primary purpose of ASB email is for school related communication that serves the teaching and learning at ASB. Each teacher will have specific guidelines regarding the use of communication in their classrooms. These will include both handhelds (smartphones etc.)  and your laptop.

These guidelines should be respected at all times: 

• Students may not use (sending or reading) their Outlook email for personal messages.
• Each teacher has specific policies regarding use of the laptop and Outlook in class. Those policies should be respected at all times. 
• Students may not send an email to (or “spam”) class, an entire grade level, or any group within the school. Such communications should be processed through a faculty member and/or posted in school announcements. 

D. Monitored Use 

E-mail and other uses of electronic communication systems by students shall not be considered confidential and may be monitored at any time by designated staff to ensure appropriate use for educational or administrative purposes.

Deliberate attempts to violate ASB’s Responsible Use Policy, compromise, degrade, or disrupt system performance may result in restricted use of the school network or other appropriate consequences. The American School of Bombay may limit, suspend or revoke a student’s access to the school’s technology systems or the network upon violation of the  Responsible Use Policy. 

Independent access to the Internet is provided to students who agree to act in a  considerate and responsible manner. Access is a privilege, not a right. Access entails responsibility. Students will be responsible for their actions on the Internet and will be held accountable according to the ASB Code of Conduct and the laws of India. ASB will assume no liability in the case of illegal activity on the part of a student. 

Disciplinary Action 

• The first violation will result in loss of Internet access for an indefinite period of time and possible suspension from school. 
• A second violation will mean additional disciplinary action. Depending on the severity of the violation, this may result in permanent loss of access to both the Internet and the  Intranet, in accordance with the ASB Code of Conduct. 
• Students and their families will be liable for any financial damages resulting from misuse of the Internet at ASB.

The way we use technology tools has a powerful effect on our learning community.  Responsible use will lead to better, more effective learning while irresponsible use will diminish it. A strong respect for the principles of digital citizenship is essential for us to live our mission at ASB. 

A. Digital Rights and Responsibilities 

• Forgery or attempted forgery of email messages or other electronic documents is prohibited. 
• Reading, deleting, copying, or modifying the electronic documents of other users is prohibited. 
• All research and multimedia artifacts used in academic work, must follow copyright and fair-use guidelines and be properly cited. Information about fair use, creative commons,  and royalty-free material can be acquired from teachers, information curators, and coaches, or tech office personnel. 

B. Privacy and Security 

• In order to respect the privacy and security of community members, technology users should not use another person’s network ID or password. 
• Accessing other users’ accounts in any form is not allowed. 

C. Digital Etiquette 

• Any online communication should be something you would be able to say in person: this includes emails, instant messages, digital images/videos, or web postings. 
• Use networks responsibly; only use those networks which you have legal and age appropriate access to. 
• Be aware that anything posted on the Internet is permanent. Think before you post. 

D. Communication Norms 

• Derogatory, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate e-mail exchanges, instant messages,  digital images, or web postings are considered cyberbullying and are prohibited. 
• Any form of social meanness using digital communication tools will be dealt with swiftly and will result in consequences.