Samantha Hasting EDUC 636 Dr. Murphy September 19, 2014
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Copyright & Computer Usage Policies In our society where technology has taken such a major role in everyday activities from work, home, and school, procedures have been put into place to protect the requirements of certain organizations. In educational institutions, copyright and computer usage policies guide students, teachers, and other users of the websites. Students and employees sign these policies, usually on a yearly basis, agreeing to use computers and materials for educational purposes. Below, four educational institutes copyright policies and computer usage policies are explored. Copyright policies protect works created by and used by schools. Greenville County Schools copyright policy gives permission for educational and commercial use with regulations explained. The district gives schools and districts free reign to reproduce documents on the website. When documents enclose a signature of the author, permission from the author must be given before use is permitted. Users are allowed to obtain graphic images from the site, as long as permission has been given from the District Webmaster. For commercial users, permission must be given from the authors and/or the Webmaster before usage (Greenville County Schools). Seattle Universitys copyright policy is more illustrative than the previous policy. It goes into detail about disciplinary steps taken when students and teachers illegally use copyrighted materials, possibly resulting in federal prosecution. The universitys policy also encourages professors and members of the community to have their works registered to be copyrighted (Seattle University). Computer usage policies are present in nearly every organization equipped with computer software. These policies limit the use of the software to school- and work-related management. These policies are signed by staff, students, and parents in educational settings, agreeing to use computers and other Internet software in appropriate ways. Wesleyan Universitys computer usage policy states that it is the responsibility of the users to keep passwords confidential and to maintain all accountability for Hasting 3
publishing electronic information under the universitys name. Individuals not associated with the university are prohibited from using computers and software belonging therein. The policy restrains users attempts to breach security, illegally share copyrighted material, harass and threaten, or remove software from computers. The university has the right to reduce or eliminate access of users when computers are used inappropriately (Wesleyan University). Much like Wesleyan Universitys computer usage policy, New Bedford Public School Districts computer usage policy states that access is a privilege, not a right. Users must take responsibility for their usage of software and will have privileges eliminated if just cause is found (New Bedford Public School). Technology has become a crucial element for schools and higher education institutes to offer their students in the present day. With ever-changing technology, laws, policies, and procedures have had to adapt with the times. While each school has different ideas on what their policies will entail, overall, the theme is the same: Access is a privilege, and care should be taken when using another persons work.
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References Copyright Policy. Retrieved on September 18, 2014, from http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/Departments/main.asp?titleid=etscopyright. Copyright Policy. Retrieved on September 19, 2014, from http://www.seattleu.edu/policies/copyright.aspx. New Bedford Public Schools Computer Usage Policy. Retrieved on September 18, 2014, from http://www.newbedford.k12.ma.us/usage_policy.htm. Wesleyan Computer Usage Policy. Retrieved on September 18, 2014, from http://www.wesleyan.edu/its/policies/computerusage.html.