Student Handbook
2007-2008
GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT INTERNET USE
The Texhoma, Oklahoma Public Schools offer Internet access to all students in grades 5-12. The sole purpose of this Internet access is to support education and research by providing students and teachers with access to unique resources and an opportunity for collaborative work. All uses of Texhoma's Internet access (like all other uses of Texhoma's computer facilities) must be in support of and consistent with these educational objectives. All students who use Texhoma's Internet access are expected to read these guidelines an/or to take part in a discussion of the guidelines with a teacher. Adherence to the guidelines is a condition for s student's privilege of Internet access.
THE INTERNET
The Internet is a vast, global network, linking computers at universities, schools, laboratories, and other sites. Through the Internet, one can communicate with people all over the world through discussion forums and electronic mail. In addition, many educationally valuable files may be downloaded from the Internet. On-line electronic resources provide an exceptional opportunity for the promotion of intellectual inquiry, comprehensive information gathering, and awareness of global diversity through world-wide communication and exploration. On-line resources such as the Internet can be used to educate, to inform, to communicate and to entertain. As a learning resource they are similar to books, magazines, video, CD-ROM, and other information sources. Students and staff have access to other individuals, government documents, social and scientific data, library indexes, and many other types of information. Because of its enormous size and resources, the Internet's educational potential is boundless. Because of its broad reach, however, the Internet also contains the potential for abuse. These guidelines are intended to help ensure that students use this valuable resource in a safe and appropriate manner.