The Internet, an important primary source of information, plays an increasingly important role in classrooms on a daily basis. A critical aspect of technology support in schools and OSSU Central Office is to ensure that students and staff have the most meaningful and safest access to the Internet while engaging in learning activities.
To maintain compliance with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), OSSU must ensure that each school district has a Internet safety policy that includes technology protection measures that block or filter Internet access to pictures that are harmful to children. This policy applies to students, board members, and employees. Copies of OSSU’s Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources Policy can be found on each school board’s website and in each school’s Student-Parent Handbook.
OSSU belongs to the Student Data Privacy Consortium to protect and keep safe student and staff data.
Staff must complete an annual training on acceptable use of electronic resources, which covers topics such as the importance of not sharing passwords, how to keep computers locked and secure in public areas, how to avoid suspicious emails, and the importance of running all software updates, including Antivirus and Malware/Spyware protection up to date and running. Staff also receive training on protecting student information under the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
In addition, schools are increasingly engaging students in lessons related to safe computing and digital citizenship.
Safe Computing Resources
To support this school-based effort, OSSU Technology Services has prepared a list of resources related to safe computing: