| The two types of
information technology most frequently used by
our students and staff are the Internet and e-mail.
Here's an inside look at tips and techniques for
a safe, educational, and exciting online
experience.
The
Internet gives you carte blanche to the world
and the information, activity, and education that
it holds. It's one of the most powerful technologies
in the world.
When you use the Internet, remember that no specific
person or entity — not the government or
a trade association — regulates it.
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There are a number
of ways to lessen or eliminate some of the risks
associated with using the Internet:
- Students should always be supervised when
using the Internet.
- Teachers should preview web sites that support
the lesson's instructional objectives.
Everyone should learn as much as possible about
the Internet. Since students today are growing
up with computers as we did with television, in
many cases, they adapt more easily to computers
than we do. Give students these basic do's and
don'ts when using the Internet:
- Never give out information that may identify
you, such as name, address, school name, parent
names, pets, etc.
- Never respond to messages that are suggestive,
obscene, or threatening.
- Tell a parent or teacher if someone on the
Internet asks to meet you face to face or sends
you inappropriate information.
Kids and adults can check several web sites for
more information on Internet safety. Visit the
the following sites:
(Back to top) E-mail
is technology at its best — one-on-one communication.
It can be quicker than reaching someone on the
telephone or sending a letter. In MCPS, users
are provided access to produce and exchange communications
that support instruction and learning through
an e-mail system — FirstClass or Microsoft
Outlook.
Here are some security steps MCPS users can take
to help safeguard the electronic mail system:
- Use e-mail for educational purposes only.
- Always keep your password private. This will
prevent unwanted intruders from accessing MCPS
data.
- Don't send confidential information in an
electronic message. E-mails are not confidential
and are sometimes forwarded or distributed to
one or a list of people without the originator's
permission. Also, they are sometimes used in
legal proceedings and investigations.
- Be careful when opening e-mail and an attachment
from someone you don't know. The attachment
may contain a computer virus.
- Never post an e-mail that is illegal, obscene,
or that violates the safety and privacy of others.
Speak with your immediate supervisor or teacher
if you have any concerns about appropriate use,
content of a message, or if you think MCPS
Regulation IGT-RA, User Responsibilities
for Computer Network and Network Security,
has been violated.
Employees may refer to the November 16,
2001, memorandum from Larry Bowers on the subject
e-mail protocol for more information.
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