All users are responsible for:

• Familiarizing themselves with these guidelines and abiding by its expectations and restrictions;
• Using technology resources in ways that do not disrupt other users;
• Maintaining their password and user ID confidentiality;
• Restricting access to their passwords;

Additionally, all e-mail users are responsible for understanding the following information:

• Saved or deleted e-mail and sites visited on the internet create a trail of data that may be retrieved at a later date;
• E-mail received by a user may be forwarded to other users without the original sender's knowledge.

Waiver of Responsibility (Internet):

YRDSB is NOT responsible for the:

• Appropriateness of Internet content;
• Accuracy or reliability of information located on the Internet;
• Loss, damage, or inaccessibility of information due to technical or other difficulties;
• Costs or losses incurred by users.

 Acceptable Use:

Relevant federal and provincial laws and regulations (e.g. Copyright, Education Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, and Criminal Code) govern the use of the computer and information technology systems of YRDSB and Virtual schooling.

Irresponsible and unethical use includes:

• Using the internet for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes;
• Participating in gambling activities including games of chance and wagering;
• Attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; seeking unauthorized access to any computer system or damaging or altering software components of any network database;
• Sending, receiving or displaying text or graphics that are illegal, or may reasonably be construed as obscene or offensive;
• Using abusive or objectionable language in either public or private messages;
• Misrepresenting oneself;
• Lobbying elected officials;
• Sending chain letters;

Users must be aware that e-mail is not private communication, because others may be able to read, access and monitor e-mail. E-mail may best be regarded as a postcard rather than as a sealed letter.

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 Etiquette:

To ensure that the e-mail system is as user-friendly as possible:

• Act in a professional and courteous manner;
• Be careful when using short forms or language that is unique to online chat.
• Avoid gossip and remember that statements about others may find their way back to them;
• Be aware of the potential audience in any discussion group and address them accordingly;
• Be careful when using sarcasm and humour;
• Use capitalization and certain font colours sparingly. Capitalizing long portions of a communication is called “shouting” and is considered rude.
• Do not forward personal electronic mail messages to others without the original author’s permission;
• Read messages referencing the latest computer viruses to ensure that you do not spread the virus to others users.

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