Information & Learning Technology (ILT) Policy (Students)

Information and Learning Technology

Information and Learning Technology (ILT) includes any electronic device or application used to communicate, create, disseminate, store or manage information such as text, images, audio or video. Examples include:

• Personal computers and laptops;
• Mobile devices such as mobile phones and tablets;
• Applications such as email and the internet;
• Web-based tools such as social networking sites, chat rooms, blogs, podcasts and instant messaging systems; Imaging tools such as video, still or web cameras and related software;
• Audio tools such as audio recording devices, iPods, mp3 players and related software; and
• Fax, scanning and copying machines.

ILTs can create potentially hazardous situations in the event they are used inappropriately and/or illegally.

Guiding Principles

Students have the right to learn in a safe environment, including when they have access to ILTs to enhance their learning. Presbyterian Ladies’ College is committed to the responsible and educational use of ILTs and to the protection of students.

The use of ILTs be managed through a ‘whole of College community’ approach involving students, staff and parents/carers.

ILT education strategies are implemented within the College on a continuous basis with a focus on teaching age appropriate skills and strategies to empower staff students and parents/carers to ensure appropriate use.

Our ILT Acceptable Use Policy is reviewed on an annual basis.

ILT Misuse Prevention Strategies

Presbyterian Ladies’ College recognises that the implementation of whole of College prevention strategies is the most effective way of eliminating, or at least minimising incidents of misuse of ILTs within our community.

The following initiatives form part of our overall ILT strategy:

• A structured curriculum and peer group support system, that provides age appropriate information and skills relating to ILT use to students over the course of the academic year;
• Education, training and professional development of staff in appropriate ILT use;
• The regular provision of information to parents/carers to raise awareness of ILTs;
• The promotion of a supportive environment that encourages the development of positive relationships and communication between staff, students and parents/carers;
• Student login details and passwords are to be kept confidential to prevent others accessing their accounts;
• Access to College networks is provided through a filtered service. The filter is designed to restrict access of inappropriate material as well as providing spam and virus protection;
• Students are required to abide by Presbyterian Ladies’ College’s Acceptable Use Policy. No student may use College owned ILT equipment and devices unless the agreement has been signed and returned to the College.
• Inappropriate usage by students includes:
  • Participation in non-educational activities such as the purchase and/or sale of products or services; Illegal activities such as threatening the safety of others or engaging in criminal activity; Tampering with or damaging computer hardware or software;
  • Bypassing security measures; and
  • Making, installing or downloading copies of software that are not licensed.
• Any inappropriate internet sites accidentally accessed, incidents where students are offended by another person’s use of ILTs and suspected technical security breaches must be immediately reported for investigation;
• Appropriate copyright clearance is sought and the source of any information used or published is acknowledged, to avoid plagiarism; The College reserves the right to monitor traffic and review all content sent and received on the College systems;
• Breaches of the Acceptable Use Policy will result in disciplinary action.