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Responsible Use of Technology and Electronic Media |
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| Level: | Accompanying | Descriptor Code: | Rescinds |
Procedure
I-Instructional Programs | Policy:
IFBG | P.IFBG | August 15, 2024 |
| Descriptor Term: |  | Effective Date: | Date Last Reviewed |
| Responsible Use of Technology and Electronic Media | July 17, 2025 | July 17, 2025 |
1. Technology Use in Gwinnett County Public Schools
Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) recognizes that the use of technology is prevalent in society. Students and staff have access to the Internet, cell phones, games, and a variety of personal technology devices. Students and staff utilize social media websites, platforms, the Internet, and applications as well as a variety of other digital resources that allow them to interact, share, create and innovate. Staff members utilize these same resources as a means to effectively engage students in learning and collaborate with colleagues.
Access to more technology leads to more data access, as well. Regardless of the source, GCPS staff and students are reminded to follow the policies and procedures that protect data access, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, and the Children's Internet Protection Act of 2000, which are detailed in the Student/Parent Handbook. For more information on data privacy, please see Procedure EBCA: Passwords and Data Privacy (), especially sections 4 and 5. While the Board supports anytime, anywhere access to GCPS business-related data, all staff members share the responsibility to protect sensitive data in a professional manner. Regardless of the device or the computer with which GCPS data is retrieved, staff members are expected to protect GCPS-related personal and sensitive information at all times. This includes GCPS-purchased devices as well as devices owned, rented, or used by GCPS employees and vendors.
2. Social Media Use
- Staff are to refer to P.IFBH (Social Media Use in GCPS)
- Students are prohibited from accessing social media platforms, as defined by § 39 – 6 – 1 (6), through school equipment, except as directed by school personnel for educational purposes under supervision during school-related activities.
3. Digital Citizenship
Students will be educated about responsible digital citizenship and the safe and appropriate use of technology, the internet, and social media. Guidelines for addressing cyberbullying are established in the Student Conduct Behavior Code.
4. Student or Staff-Owned Technology
When approved, students and/or staff members may have the opportunity to use personal devices to connect to a specialized safe-access wireless network to complete instructional and/or administrative tasks. Students are expected to follow the Student Conduct Behavior Code, and staff members are subject to the Board adopted code of ethics adopted by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
When bringing their own devices to a GCPS location, all users must agree to use the school network to connect to the Internet when available. Using the school network ensures a filtered, appropriate solution. GCPS is not responsible for any damages, fees, lost functionality, or costs that may be the result of students or staff members using their own devices. Whether the device is owned by a parent, student, or staff member, the user of the device is responsible for protecting the device at school, on the bus, or at school functions.
5. Violations, Damages, and Exclusions
The district's technology, network, hardware, software, and data resources are all intended for educational purposes. All activity over the network or using district technologies may be monitored and retained. Additionally, personal devices may be confiscated for legal and/or disciplinary examination when violations occur that require further research. Misuse of district resources can result in disciplinary action for students and disciplinary action or dismissal for staff members. GCPS makes a reasonable effort to ensure student and staff safety and security online but will not be held accountable for any harm or damages that result from use of school technologies. Staff members are expected to alert technology team members or the GCPS Help Desk (678-301-6547) immediately of any concerns for safety or security.
6. Responsible Use and Staff and Student Acceptable Use Policies
All staff and contractors shall annually acknowledge their responsibility to adhere to the GCPS Responsible Use of Electronic Media Policy (IFBG) and the Responsible Use of Electronic Media for All Technology Users in Gwinnett County Public Schools Procedure (P.IFBG).
Each school year students and parents receive the GCPS Student/Parent Handbook and consent to the Responsible Use of Electronic Media for Students by completing the Response Form. Any complaints regarding the violation of the Acceptable Use Policies will be responded to in writing by an appropriate school or district official.
7. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems that are trained with data to automate tasks normally requiring human intelligence. AI is used across industries and communities. To ensure students and staff are future-ready, they should learn to evaluate if and how they should use AI and develop responsible and ethical practices when using AI tools. Staff are responsible for modeling and providing expectations related to responsible and ethical use of AI tools. All stakeholders, including students and staff members, should follow Board Policy IFBG Responsible Use of Technology and Electronic Media and the GCPS Human-Centered Guidance for AI.
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