Acceptable Use Policy

Georgia Cyber Academy provides resources for teaching and learning, collaboration, communication services, and business data services by maintaining access to local, regional, national, and international sources of information.

Georgia Cyber Academy information resources will be used by staff and students following the policies and regulations established by Georgia Cyber Academy. These procedures do not attempt to articulate all required or prescribed behavior by its users.

Successful network operation requires the following:

1. All users conduct themselves in a responsible, decent, ethical, and polite manner while using the network.
2. The user is ultimately responsible for their actions in accessing network services inside and outside of the Georgia Cyber Academy network while using Georgia Cyber Academy loaner equipment.
3. The user is solely responsible for all resources issued or assigned to them. This includes equipment as well as login/specialized access information. In addition, any personal equipment used to access the Internet or other Georgia Cyber Academy resources is subject to the same rules and regulations outlined in this policy.
4. Georgia Cyber Academy monitors all Internet and local network activity.
5. Disciplinary action will be taken for anyone abusing or misusing technology resources.

Access to computers and people worldwide also comes with the availability of materials that may not be considered educational value in the school setting. On a global network, it is impossible to control all materials, and an industrious user may discover controversial information. Georgia Cyber Academy maintains and monitors the use of filters for Internet content. Georgia Cyber Academy firmly believes that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may obtain materials that are not consistent with the educational goals of Georgia Cyber Academy.

Guidelines

1. Access to the networks and the information technology environment within Georgia Cyber Academy is a privilege and must be treated as such by all users of the network and its associated systems.

2. Georgia Cyber Academy systems will be used for research, education, and school-related business and operations.

3. Any system which requires password access or for which Georgia Cyber Academy requires an account may only be used by the authorized user. Account owners are ultimately responsible for all activity under their accounts.

4. All communications and information accessible via Georgia Cyber Academy systems should be treated as the property of Georgia Cyber Academy.

5. Georgia Cyber Academy monitors all Internet and local network activity, including individual actions and activity.

Georgia Cyber Academy has the right to take disciplinary action, remove computer and networking privileges, and/or take legal action for any activity characterized as unethical and unacceptable.  Unacceptable use activities constitute, but are not limited to, any activity through which any user (student, employee, or third party) does the following:

1. Violates such matters as institutional or third-party copyright, license agreements, or other contracts. The unauthorized use of and/or copying of software is illegal.
2. Copies or reproduces any licensed software on Georgia Cyber Academy computing equipment, except as expressly permitted by the specific software license. Unauthorized use of the software is regarded as a serious matter, and any such use is without the consent of Georgia Cyber Academy.
3. Installs unauthorized software or applications on Georgia Cyber Academy computers.
4. Interferes with or disrupts other network users, services, or equipment. Disruptions include, but are not limited to, the distribution of unsolicited advertising.
   1. Propagation of computer worms or viruses.
   2. Distribution of quantities of information that overwhelm the system (for example, "chain letters," "network games," or "broadcasting" messages).
   3. Utilization of the network to make unauthorized entry into any resources accessible via the network.
5. Seeks to gain or gain unauthorized access to information resources, obtains copies of, modifies files or other data, or gains and communicates passwords belonging to other users.
6. Uses or knowingly allows another to use any computer, computer network, computer system, program, or software to devise or execute a scheme to defraud or to obtain money, property, services, or other things of value by pretenses, promises, or representations.
7. Destroys, alters, dismantles, disfigures, prevents rightful access to, or otherwise interferes with the integrity of computer-based information, its operation, and/or information resources, whether on stand-alone or networked computers.
8. Invades the privacy of individuals or entities.
9. Shares confidential student or employee data without permission.
10. Uses the network for commercial or political activity.
11. Uses the network to store, distribute, or access materials inappropriate to the Georgia Cyber Academy setting.
12. Uses Georgia Cyber Academy systems to compromise its integrity ("hacking" software).
13. Submits, publishes, or displays defamatory, inaccurate, racially offensive, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, or threatening materials or public or private messages.
14. Uses Georgia Cyber Academy systems for illegal, harassing, vandalizing, inappropriate or obscene purposes or in support of such activities. Illegal activities will be defined as violating local, state, and/or federal laws. Harassment is defined as slurs, comments, jokes, innuendoes, unwelcome compliments, cartoons, pranks, and/or other verbal conduct relating to an individual with the following purposes or effects.
    1. Creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
    2. Unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or school performance.
    3. Interfering with school operations.
15. Vandalism is any attempt to temporarily or permanently harm or destroy an operating system, application software, data, or hardware.
16. Using generative AI to produce work that is then presented as the student's own without proper attribution constitutes plagiarism and will be treated as a violation of academic integrity policies.

Georgia Cyber Academy reserves the right to do the following:

1. Monitor all activities on Georgia Cyber Academy equipment and networks by any user.
2. Make determinations on whether specific network uses are consistent with this acceptable use policy.
3. Log network use and monitor storage disk space utilization by users.
4. Deem what is appropriate use based on the requirements of the law, this policy, and Georgia Cyber Academy's legitimate pedagogical concerns.
5. Remove a user's access to the network at any time it is determined that the user is engaged in unauthorized activity or violating this acceptable use policy and suspend any accounts during an investigation of possible violations of this policy.
6. Cooperate fully with any investigation concerning or relating to Georgia Cyber Academy.

Georgia Cyber Academy will do the following:

1. Respect and enforce copyright laws and regulations.
2. Take prudent steps to develop, implement and maintain security procedures to ensure the integrity of the individual and Georgia Cyber Academy files. However, information on any computer system cannot be guaranteed to be inaccessible by other users.
3. Attempt to provide error-free and dependable access to technology resources associated with Georgia Cyber Academy. However, Georgia Cyber Academy cannot be held liable for any information lost, damaged, or unavailable due to technical or other difficulties.
4. Thoroughly investigate alleged misuse of the Internet and/or Georgia Cyber Academy before the permanent denial of access to Georgia Cyber Academy resources.
5. Conduct assessments of inappropriate sites.
6. Monitor student Internet activities to ensure students and employees are not accessing inappropriate sites. The school Georgia Cyber Academy will use technology protection measures to protect students and employees from improper access.
7. Expect all students using Georgia Cyber Academy resources will be monitored by an adult(s).
8. Report child pornography to law enforcement. Georgia Cyber Academy and school technical support staff working with any computer or portable device and coming across sexually explicit images of children must report this to local law enforcement. The report must include the name and address of the computer's owner or person.

This acceptable use policy is applicable to any member of the Georgia Cyber Academy community and refers to all information resources whether individually controlled, shared, stand alone, or networked. Disciplinary action, if any, for students, staff and other users will be consistent with this policy and with Georgia Cyber Academy's standard policies and practices.

Where use of external networks is involved, policies governing such use also are applicable and must be adhered to. Violations can constitute cause of revocation of access privileges, suspension, or permanent removal of access to Georgia Cyber Academy resources, other school disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action. Exact disciplinary measures will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Any user who violates the terms of this policy or otherwise misuses the Internet and/or technology to access or send inappropriate material will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including:

• For students: removal of access, suspension and/or expulsion;
• For staff: disciplinary measures up to and including termination; and
• For third parties: immediate revocation of access to Georgia Cyber Academy technology, information network, premises, and events.  

Violations of the laws of the United States or the state of Georgia also may subject the user to criminal referral and potential prosecution.

Proper behavior, as it relates to the use of technology, is no different than proper behavior in all other aspects of Georgia Cyber Academy activities. All users—students, employees, and third parties--are expected to use Georgia Cyber Academy technology resources in a legal, responsible, ethical, and polite manner. A student who knowingly violates any portion of the Code of Conduct Expectations will be subject to suspension of access and/or revocation of privileges on the Georgia Cyber Academy’s system and will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Georgia Cyber Academy District Student and Parent Handbook and this policy.

1. Students will practice responsible use of digital information regarding intellectual property, including complying with software licenses, copyright laws, and all other state and federal laws governing intellectual property. Students will practice safe and appropriate online behavior, including professional etiquette. Improper use of Georgia Cyber Academy technology resources is prohibited, including but not limited to the following:
   1. Using racist, profane, pornographic, sexually-oriented, or obscene language or materials.
   2. Attempting to send or sending anonymous messages of any kind.
   3. Using the network to access inappropriate and/or harmful materials.
   4. Bypassing Georgia Cyber Academy’s security measures to access sites filtered on the Georgia Cyber Academy network.
   5. Encrypting communications to avoid security review or monitoring by the system administrator.
   6. Misusing the network to provide addresses or other personal information that others may use.
   7. Purposely engaging in activity that may harass, threaten, defame, slander, libel, malign, or abuse another (i.e., individual or group).
   8. Forgery or attempted forgery of electronic messages is prohibited. Attempts to read, delete, copy, or modify the electronic mail of other system users or deliberately interfere with the ability of other system users to send/receive electronic mail is prohibited.
   9. Using the network for illegal purposes, in support of illegal activities, or for any other activity prohibited by Georgia Cyber Academy policy or guidelines.
   10. Communicating with other students outside of class using platforms such as, but not limited to, Google Docs, Google Slides, social media, and online communication forums.
2. Students will use the technology resources positively and responsibly, promoting creativity & innovation, collaboration, communication, critical thinking & problem-solving. Improper use of Georgia Cyber Academy’s technology resources is prohibited, including but not limited to the following:
   1. Using the network for political activity, financial gain, or commercial activity.
   2. Attempting to harm or harming equipment, materials, or data.
   3. Changing any computer configurations and/or settings.
   4. Installing software, including freeware and file-sharing services.
   5. Deliberate attempts to degrade or disrupt system performance may be viewed as violating Georgia Cyber Academy guidelines and, possibly, as criminal activity under applicable state and federal laws. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creating of computer viruses, malware, or spyware.
   6. Streaming media, such as radio, games, video, etc., for non-educational purposes.
   7. Proxy sites - Attempting to bypass, or bypassing, the filtering device by using sites such as but not limited to proxy sites on Georgia Cyber Academy’s electronic communications system. Examples include but are not limited to chat rooms and video conferencing tools.
   8. Running security programs or utilities that reveal or exploit weaknesses in the security of a system, such as a password cracking programs, packet sniffers, port scanners, or any other non-approved programs on Georgia Cyber Academy technology resources.
3. Students will understand the negative impact of inappropriate technology use, including online bullying and harassment, hacking, intentional virus setting, invasion of privacy, and piracy of software, music, video, and other media.
4. Students will log in to the Georgia Cyber Academy network using their login credentials. Account information and passwords, or similar information used for identification and authorization, must be kept private. Passwords should not be written down and left in a location where others may find them. The individual in whose name a system account is issued will always be responsible for its proper use.
5. To help preserve both privacy and security, neither still photography nor video capturing is allowed in person nor virtual school environments unless directed by a member of a faculty member to meet an educational goal or approved by an authorized member of the administration, faculty, or staff. Both behavioral and legal action may be taken against individuals not respecting these privacy and security rights.
6. Students will use technology resources cautiously to maintain security and prevent damage.
7. Students are asked to conserve Georgia Cyber Academy technology resources (such as network bandwidth and storage) by limiting usage to educational purposes. System users must not: degrade the performance of Georgia Cyber Academy technology resources (i.e., streaming video, streaming audio, and Internet radio); deprive an authorized Georgia Cyber Academy user access to a Georgia Cyber Academy resource, obtain extra resources beyond those allocated; circumvent Georgia Cyber Academy computer security measures.
8. Creative Credit and Copyright. Students have the right to protect their creative works. Students must exercise academic integrity. Failure to cite ideas or work independently will result in adverse academic and behavioral action. Academic Integrity protects against the following:
   1. Cheating is fabricating written assignments; giving or receiving aid to another student without the consent of the instructor on tests, quizzes, assignments, or exams; unauthorized access to teacher’s editions or answer keys. Cheating also includes using technology such as computers, phones, cameras, or any other device that provides access to unauthorized information related to graded course material, tests, quizzes, assignments, or examinations.
   2. Double Assignments are also a form of cheating. This assignment is used to fulfill the requirements of more than one course without prior approval from all involved instructors.
   3. Colluding allows one’s work to be copied or submitted by another student. This applies to individual and group work, where the students are given individual grades. It also applies to work transferred electronically and submitted by another student. Joint student projects where information is combined for a final product submission are acceptable.
   4. Plagiarizing is the act of presenting the ideas or works of another person as one’s own. This includes giving information, ideas, phrasing, words, artwork, music, figures, diagrams, graphs, song lyrics, films, maps, illustrations, data, computer programs, emails, CDs, and electronic files from the Internet. This also includes the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to generate products and submit them for a graded assignment. All graded written assignments must include properly cited resources. Consult your instructor or the school links for appropriate citation practices. All assignments submitted to instructors should contain the correct citation. Plagiarism occurs when a student does one of the following: 1) fails to cite borrowed, quoted, or paraphrased material, even by accident; 2) deliberately intends to deceive through lack of citation; 3) uses strings of words from a cited source without indicating these words are not his own (attempted paraphrase without quotations, even if there is a correct citation).
9. Carelessly or inaccurately citing quoted or paraphrased material is not plagiarism. This type of error is attributed to style or formatting. For example, if you submit an ALA works cited instead of an APA, then this is an inaccurate citation. You may lose style or formatting points; however, it is not plagiarism.

Georgia Cyber Academy works hard to ensure the following digital rights for all students.

1. Each student shall have access to current, updated, and fully functioning technologies to be used in the learning process.
2. Each student shall be given access to his or her Georgia Cyber Academy username and password.
3. Each student shall be taught how to access resources such as Gmail and Google Drive, and learning management system (LMS) accounts connected to his or her Georgia Cyber Academy account.
4. Each student shall be provided the opportunity to attend classes led by teachers who continuously blend technology into learning and assessment activities.
5. Each student shall be offered ongoing workshops and educational opportunities to learn how to better blend technology into the learning process.
6. Each student shall have the opportunity to use online collaborative tools in the learning process.
7. Each student shall enjoy an educational experience that is free from any form of cyberbullying, harassment, or threats.

At Georgia Cyber Academy, we use Google Workspace for Education, and we are making you aware that we provide and manage a Google Workspace for Education account for your child. Google Workspace for Education is a set of education productivity tools from Google including but not limited to Gmail, Calendar, Docs, and more. At Georgia Cyber Academy, students will use their Google Workspace for Education accounts to complete assignments, communicate with their teachers, sign into their GCA accounts, and learn 21st century digital citizenship skills. Georgia Cyber Academy will review and approve programs, software, and extensions on behalf of students enrolled.

GCA shall maintain the following procedures:

Monitoring and Logging

1. Network and device activity is actively monitored and logged.
2. Filtering systems are used to restrict prohibited content.
3. Staff are trained to report and escalate incidents of noncompliance.

Violation Reporting

Violations may be reported by any user to the school administration via:

1. GCA Help Desk Ticket
2. Emailing technology@georgiacyber.org

Complaints Related to AUP Enforcement

Complaints may be submitted to school administrators using the following process:

1. Submit a written or digital complaint to the Head of School or designated technology compliance officer.
2. Complaints will be reviewed within 5 school days or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, and a written response will be provided.
3. Complaints may include:
   1. Alleged inappropriate restrictions,
   2. Unlawful monitoring or access issues,
   3. Concerns about user rights or policy misapplication.

In accordance with Georgia SB 351, Georgia Cyber Academy shall provide for an expedited review and resolution process in cases where:

●      Students or school employees consider the Acceptable Use Policy to be inhibiting their access to necessary educational resources.

Requesting a Review

1. The user must file a request in writing to the GCA Technology Director
2. A response shall be provided within three (3) school days or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable.

Resolution Procedure

1. A committee of three (3) staff members will review the material and determine:
   1. Whether it was wrongly restricted.
   2. Whether temporary or full access should be granted.

Appeals may be submitted to the GCA Board of Directors within five (5) days of the decision. The decision of the Board (or its designee) shall be final.

GCA is dedicated to ensuring a collaborative process between guardians and GCA administrators and staff for determining appropriate internet usage for GCA students. To submit any feedback related to this policy or internet usage more broadly, please email feedback@georgiacyber.org. GCA will consider all feedback when reviewing and revising this policy.

Proper digital behavior reflects the values of Georgia Cyber Academy. All users must maintain high standards of integrity, respect, and accountability. By using GCA technology resources, users agree to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy.

For questions regarding the Acceptable Use Policy, please contact:
Georgia Cyber Academy IT Support – technology@georgiacyber.org

Students:

1. Students are required to abide by the Acceptable Use Policy.
2. Students may use a GCA-issued device that should only be used as an educational tool.
3. Students are responsible for the care of the equipment issued to them whether in or out of school.
4. Students are responsible for ensuring the computer is charged and ready for use every day.
5. Students are given a power cord and a head set. If a power cord or head set is lost, damaged, or stolen, the family may be responsible for paying for a new one.
6. Students will lose the ability to use a GCA-issued device if they are found to be responsible for any vandalism, hacking, network disruption, or any actions that disable, damage, or negatively affect the computer or any GCA systems in any way.
7. Students will only use software that is permitted and installed by Georgia Cyber Academy.
8. Students and Guardians will acknowledge there is no expectation of privacy or retention with files stored on the computers or with websites visited with the GCA-issued device.
9. Georgia Cyber Academy has the right to monitor GCA-managed accounts and/or block access to applications and websites.
10. Student will not loan or borrow GCA-issued computer or power cord to or from other students
11. Students will not share usernames and passwords with anyone.
12. Students will not deface the computer by marking on or placing stickers on any surfaces.

Parents/Guardians:

1. Guardians may request a GCA-managed computer as an educational tool and be aware that the computer should only be used in that capacity.
2. Guardians will report damages immediately by placing a Student & Family Help Center ticket.
3. Guardians will return the GCA-issued device, power cord, headset, printer, and other provided equipment once their student graduates, transfers, or withdraws from the school. Equipment should also be returned if it has been reported as defective, and/or is requested for return by the equipment team. An electronic prepaid return shipping label will be provided, so that no additional expense is incurred by the guardian. All school equipment must be returned in good condition within two weeks of graduation or withdrawal.
4. Failure to return school property upon request will result in guardians being invoiced. Unpaid invoices will result in GCA contacting collections agencies and/or filing police reports.

Warranty Information

All GCA-issued computers are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty for malfunction due to

manufacturing or non- performance issues. The warranty does not cover damage that is determined to be accidental and/or the result of negligent use or treatment. It also does not cover outright loss or damage of the GCA-issued computer, power cord, or batteries through inattention or negligence

Negligence

Warranty coverage and damage insurance do not cover damages that are determined to be caused by negligent use/treatment, nor do they cover the power cord, battery, or laptop bag. When the administration determines that damage was caused by negligent actions, the student or parent/guardian will be responsible for all costs. Negligence is defined as the lack of care for the device that results in damage. For example, dropping the device would be considered an accident whereas leaving the device in your car is negligence. A temporary computer will be provided when a deposit, not to exceed the cost of the device, is received from the Legal Guardian or Parent.

Reporting Procedure

Damage must be reported immediately to Southeastern Computer Associates Support within 24 business hours. If the damage is determined to be accidental, a damage claim will be processed, and a replacement GCA-issued computer will be provided. If the damage is determined to be non-accidental, an invoice will be sent to the parents. A police report must be filed to process a theft claim.