Internet Use Guidelines for Students

The Internet or World Wide Web is going to be used in our classroom this year as a source of information and an opportunity to meet new people. There are some precautions and rules that need to be taken and followed before we can use the Internet in the classroom. In order to stay safe and have fun this year there are some rules that I have set which must be read by you and your parents.

This year we will be using the Internet as an opportunity to learn more about your favorite authors and books and maybe even find out information about a new book or author. Before using the Internet in the classroom I am asking each student to very carefully read over the following list and place a check next to each statement to indicate that you understand and agree to follow the guidelines that I have set. At the end of the guidelines you will find a place for both you and your parents to sign. If you have any questions about this form please do not hesitate to ask me.

___ 1. As a class we will be using Instant Messenger to communicate with other students in different schools. You will be able to choose a nickname to use while on "IM" that must be school appropriate and preapproved by me. By checking this rule you will promise to use "IM" when you are instructed by the teacher, talk to the students from the other school whose nicknames will be given to you, and never give out personal information to the other students.

___ 2. For certain programs you will need a password to access your account this will be given to you. By checking this rule you promise to allow no one other then you, your parents, and I to know your password.

___ 3. Each student will be given an email account. By checking this rule you promise to only share your school email address with your class, your parents, and those specified my your teacher. You also promise not to open an email that is from someone whom you do not know.

___ 4. Part of our time on the Internet will be spent researching or looking for additional information on a specific topic. By checking this rule I promise to only go to the web sites and use the search engines provided by my teacher.

___ 5. On the Internet sometimes things will pop-up that is not appropriate for school we will discuss this in more detail in class but by checking this rule you promise to tell a teacher immediately if this happens to you.

___ 6. Your time on the Internet will be limited and you will only be allowed to use it for school activities and for the time allotted per student. By checking this rule you promise to only use the Internet for your school assignments and that you will sign in and out each time you use the computer.

___ 7. Using the Internet in the classroom is a privilege and by checking this rule you understand that if you abuse the Internet there will be consequences.

The Internet can be a very useful and fun place but if used inappropriately it can be a very scary place. If the Internet is abused in the classroom and one or more of these rules are broken then your time on the Internet will be restricted and if abuse continued then it will be taken away from you all together. After reading this over with your parents please sign it, have your parents sign it, and then return it to me. By signing this agreement you have read and understand the rules and consequences for the use of the Internet in the classroom and the school. By your parents signing this agreement they have read this along with you and understand the rules that you are to follow.

Student Name: ________________________________________

Student Signature: _____________________________________

Parent or Guardian Name: _______________________________

Parent or Guardian Signature: ____________________________