What is Ethics: A written set principles/rules/guidelines that govern/helps a person's or group's behavior/actions.
What is Netiquette: The correct or acceptable way of communicating on the Internet.
1. Students will only log on the Stokes School System network as themselves, not as another student.
2. Students accessing the internet or using Web 2.0 products including but not limited to blogs, wikis, podcasts, Google applications and Moodle for student assignments are required to keep personal information out of their postings. Students will not post of give out photographs of themselves or others, their family name, password, user name, email address, home address, school name, city, country or other information that could help someone locate or contact them in person.
3. When using school equipment, at home or school, and accessing the internet, students shall not download or install any software without permission, and not click on ads, banners, or competitions.
4. Students should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, interpreting and expressing information for the benefit of others. Always identify sources and test the accuracy of information from all sources.
5. Students using the internet and Web 2.0 tools will treat these tools as a classroom space. Speech that is inappropriate for class is not appropriate on Web 2.0 tools. Students are expected to treat others and their ideas online with respect.
6. Assignments on the internet and Web 2.0 tools are like any other assignment in school. Students, in the course of completing an assignment, are expected to abide by policies and procedures in the student handbook, including those policies regarding plagiarism and acceptable use of technology.
7. Student blogs are to be a forum for student expression; however, they are first and foremost a tool for learning. The Stokes County School System my restrict speech for valid educational reasons as outlined in the School Board policy.
8. Students shall not use the Internet, in connection with the teacher assignments, to harass, discriminate, bully or threaten the safety of others. If students receive a comment on a blog or other Web 2.0 tool used in school that makes them feel uncomfortable or is not respectful, they must report this to a teachers, and must not respond to the comment.
9. Students will treat information, sources, subjects, colleagues and information consumers as people deserving of respect. Gathering and expressing information should never cause harm or threaten to be harmful to any person or group of people.
10. Students are accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and to each other. Admit mistakes and correct them promptly. Expose unethical information and practices of others.
11. School board policies concerning acceptable use of electronic technology include the use of Web 2.0 tools for school activities (Policy Code 3225/4312/7320 – Technology Acceptable Use)
12. Failure to follow this code of ethics will result in academic sanctions and/or disciplinary action.