GENERAL INFORMATION

Become Familiar with Computer Use Policies

Clients who use technology in Canton City Schools should be familiar with the terms and conditions set forth in the Comprehensive Computer Use Policy. Board of Education Policies are developed in order to provide specific procedures to insure security, adequate bandwidth, and reliability of local and wide area networks which in turn allow for the greater good of all users.

Ordering Technology Equipment

All technology equipment is to be purchased with advice and approval from the Director of Instructional Technology. A limited number of hardware and software platforms are necessary to maintain efficient management of funds, support, training, file sharing, etc. The department attempts to maintain consistency among hardware and software districtwide and, therefore, cannot support any purchases made without receiving prior approval. An equipment inventory check is made annually in order to be sure that all equipment falls under a maintenance contract. The serial number of each piece of equipment eligible for repair must be on file with the department before it can be repaired.

It is important for users to understand, also, that it is important to receive advice and approval from the department for software purchases. Not all software is compatible with our network or server configuration, and in some instances workstations may not have the capacity to run a particular piece of software. It is also important to understand that Canton City Schools observes all U.S. copyright laws. For this reason, an inventory of all software is maintained in order to verify that licenses are adequate in number and current.

Equipment Repair

Computer equipment repair is, in part, a contracted service with local vendors. Please follow the steps outlined below to request service for technology equipment:

§ All computer equipment problems should be first reported to the building Technical Liaison, who will perform basic equipment checks before reporting the problem on the Web-based repair request. We will schedule repairs with vendors. Please do not contact the vendor directly.

§ Cost for repairing any computer equipment not on the approved inventory list is the responsibility of the individual building or department. Computer mice, and mice parts replacements, is the responsibility of the individual building.

§ Charges for repairs due to problems resulting from such things as installing foreign software, installing software and/or hardware that is incompatible with the system, improperly configuring software on the system, moving equipment without the help of department staff, etc., are the responsibility of the individual building or department.

Training Lab

Room 301 in the Wells building is to be used for staff training and the Canton City Schools Digital Academy. The department will supervise the use of access to the lab, coordinate and monitor its activities and maintain its equipment and supplies. All staff are welcome to use the lab equipment whenever classes are not in session. To schedule use of the Training Lab, please call the Director of Instructional Technology.

Grants Involving Technology

So you want a Grant? Hold on. Does it involve technology in any way? If so, please discuss the objectives of your proposed grant with the Director of Instructional Technology before finalizing your application. Not everything available in the whole wide world of technology is compatible with our network and our staff may be able to save you disappointment and frustration by helping you avoid incompatible equipment. We will help you accomplish your goals by providing you with workable options so that you experience success once the technology equipment is in place.

Backup Your Files

There is probably no advice more valuable for the computer user than – "Backup your files frequently." All technology equipment is subject to power interruptions, breakdowns, and even sabotage through viruses, etc. The only way for users to be sure that they are protected is to backup important files frequently while working with them. It is also wise to backup large and complex files on floppy disks when possible.

Changing Employment Status

When an employee retires, quits or becomes terminated, it is important for the employee to return any technology equipment prior to separation from Canton City Schools. Verification of equipment return should be arranged with the Department of Safety and Security. Access to all computer networks and files is denied on the effective date of separation from Canton City Schools. Employees should retrieve any e-mail messages they want before the effective date of separation. After separation, all e-mail messages and files are purged.

Internet Acceptable Use Forms

Each student and staff member is required to complete an Internet Acceptable Use form in order to obtain n Internet account. A copy of the form can be obtained in the main office of each building.

Students are required to complete a new form when they enter elementary school, middle school, and high school. Old forms are to be discarded when the student completes the 5th grade and again when the student completes the 8th grade. Completed student forms are to be forwarded to Trudy Walker at Wells.

Staff members complete only one form at the time they obtain Internet access. Staff member forms are to be sent to Trudy Walker at Wells.

E-mail Acceptable Use Forms

Each student and staff member is required to complete an E-mail Acceptable Use form in order to obtain a Canton City Schools E-mail account. A copy of the form can be obtained in the main office of each building.

Staff members complete only one form at the time they obtain an E-mail account. Staff members forms are to be sent to Trudy Walker.

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rev.: 0/5/04