IT & Acceptable Use Policy

1.1 This policy applies to all student users of The Results’ network, IT services and facilities regardless of use of ICT on or off any Results premises.

1.2 All internet activity is monitored for security and personal safety purposes, and it is possible to identify individual usage.

1.3 By accessing the internet from The Results network, students agree to the terms and conditions of The Results Network Acceptable Use Policy as follows:

1.3.1 On site, Results provides internet access to assist students in their studies. This policy cannot define every specific coursework related use of the internet. Examples of acceptable use include research for assignments and assessments, using online learning materials, use of the e-portfolio or participating in forums or online groups appropriate to their course.

1.3.2 Students are expected to respect this privilege. Any abuse may result in the withdrawal of Internet access and in the event of a serious breach may lead to the use of the relevant disciplinary procedures,

1.3.3 Some areas of the internet contain information, in textual or graphic form, which could cause offence to other people or may be illegal to download or view. You are prohibited from knowingly accessing, viewing or downloading such material.

1.3.4 Students should never bring Results into disrepute through use of online, ‘social networking’ activities. Examples include uploading images or videos which show antisocial behaviour or illegal activities; making derogatory statements about Results or Results staff or other learners; or revealing confidential information about Results or Results staff or other learners. This list is not exhaustive.

1.3.5 Students should never use images of relating to Results or any Results staff without written permission from the Safeguarding Designated Person (please see the relevant policy)

1.3.6 Students are not permitted to download and/or install software.

1.3.7 Results reserves the right to withdraw internet access for any student found or believed to be:

a) in possession of material, which is sexist, racist, abusive, defamatory or obscene
b) in possession of material promoting discriminatory actions or illegal behaviour, including promotion of material which could be associated with terrorism or in breach of our statutory obligations under the Prevent Policy
c) in possession of any material which is in breach of copyright legislation
d) using Results network to obtain such material
e)using Results network to distribute such material
f) using Results network to bring Results into disrepute
g) downloading or installing software
h) frequently using services that are unrelated to their course, causing Results’ staff to be concerned about the effect of this activity on achievement with course work
i) playing online games other than those created for learning purposes using online chat services unless specifically authorised by a tutor
j) using Results network in any way that is disrespectful or potentially harmful to other students, Results staff, or the hardware and software provided by Results

2 Personal safety when using the Internet

2.1 There is evidence that some websites, including those used for academic purposes, are accessed by users who wish to exploit young people. Students are advised to exercise care when communicating through the internet with people they do not know personally.

2.2 The following guidelines should be followed:

• Never arrange a meeting alone with someone you have made contact with on the internet
• Never disclose any personal information through the internet to unknown persons or organisations
• Be aware that any unknown persons you are communicating with through the internet may not be who you think they are and photographs they display may not be their own

3 Saving and backing up work

3.1 It is the student’s responsibility to save their work and one of the most important things they must learn from the start is how to do this. It is essential that students save their work to the space on the network which has been set up for you.

3.2 Students are also advised to back up final assessment work or other important
work on their own memory stick or other data storage device. Some students have lost important work in the past because they have not done this. Students will be provided with information on how to do this.

4. Use of Data Storage Devices(This includes CDs, DVDs, Floppy Disks and USB Memory Devices)

4.1 The purpose of this section is to outline the acceptable use of data storage devices on Results computers. USB memory devices are also known as ‘memory sticks’ and ‘pen drives. It is important that students read this section carefully to understand how to safely use devices to save your work.

4.1 The purpose of this section is to outline the acceptable use of data storage devices on Results computers. USB memory devices are also known as ‘memory sticks’ and ‘pen drives. It is important that students read this section carefully to understand how to safely use devices to save your work.

4.2 The following Conditions of Use apply to all students:

• Students are responsible for the information and data held on their USB memory devices.
• Students can only use data storage devices on Results network for their work
• Students can only use their own data storage device if it does do not require a mains electricity supply
• Powered data storage devices can only be used if they are Results property and are supplied through Results’ IT Services.
• Students are personally responsible for the correct use of their data storage device. Results will not accept responsibility for any data loss or damage to devices caused by incorrect connection, ejection or shutting down of computers.
• Data storage devices must not interfere with the setup of any Results’ computer hardware or software. Students are therefore not permitted to use data storage devices containing computer games, viruses, public domain software (free software),
  shareware, illegal copies of any kind, pornography or other offensive materials
• To ensure that storage devices are virus free, students should only use these on equipment with up to date anti-virus software. If they are unsure about this, they should scan their device(s) using virus protection software before use.
• Sensitive data or data generated and owned by Results, members of staff or other students, must not be copied or removed from the network without consent.

5 Data Protection

5.1 The College must follow some rules too. We need to gather, process and store some personal data from you so that we can provide an excellent service.

5.2 According to the General Data Protection Act 2018, the College must follow the following rules for the data we collect:

• processed fairly and lawfully
• obtained for a specified and lawful purpose and shall be processed only for that purpose
• adequate, relevant and not excessive for those purposes
• accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date
• kept for no longer than is necessary for that purpose
• processed in accordance with the data subject’s (your) rights
• kept secure from unauthorised or unlawful processing and protected against accidental loss

6 Intellectual Property Rights – Copyright

6.1 Copyright laws allow owners of copyrights to take legal action where materials are used without permission.

6.2 Copyright laws may apply to materials published on the internet (such as text, audio, videos, movies, music or graphics), even if there is no direct statement on a website about copyright.

6.3 Users of Results network and IT facilities must follow the copyright laws. Users must not:

• use illegal copies of a licensed computer program
• download, copy, store or transmit copyrighted materials without permission
• access any systems that you are not authorised to access

7 Health and Safety

7.1 This section of the policy gives guidance for protecting your health and safety while using Results’ computers.

7.2 It is the user’s responsibility to:

• take regular breaks from the computer screen
• adjust chairs to support the lower back
• maintain an upright position above waist level
• tilt the keyboard using the ‘props’ at the back
• type with your wrists straight and with your hands in line with your arms
• place the mouse at a comfortable distance from the edge of the table to avoid stretching your arms
• adjust the screen so that your eyes are at the same level as the top of the screen
•  position the screen appropriately to avoid glare and adjust the brightness of the screen to the lighting conditions in the room
• leave enough room under the desk for free movement of legs
• change sitting positions from time to time Drinks or food are not allowed near computer terminals.

7.3 Bags or other items must not be placed where they are in the way of anyone walking past or using another computer.

7.4 Students and staff must use their own personal headsets on computers

8 Security and Privacy

8.1 To ensure security of the systems and the privacy of users, you must not

a. access the network with someone else’s details

b. give your own access details to someone else

c. access the network through other unauthorised means

8.2 You are advised to save your work on your network space on a regular basis, while using the system.

9 Printing

9.1 Results is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its activities including the use of paper for printing. All learners are asked to support this aim. Please use printing facilities for course work only, and only print out documents when essential.

10 Distance teaching and Learning Support.

10.1 With technological implementation into the teaching and learning environment it has become a vital need for the college to ensure that all the key stakeholders such as faculty, management and students are well versed with use of various technological tools that facilitates teaching and learning accessible anywhere from the world.

10.2 Redesigning courses for fully online delivery will involve new ways of thinking about learning, teaching and assessment. The Results Digital team along with other department faculty teaching fellows and learning technologists have created a staff development programme to support colleagues to prepare for online and socially distance teaching. The focus will be on the adaptation of existing modules for delivery in an alternative context and securing student engagement online.

10.3 The DTL support addresses the basic issues facing those teaching in a Canvas VLE, as well as providing teaching and teaching support staff with an authentic experience of being an online learner. The course introduces various educational approaches that might be considered in the transition to VLE, although support in these areas will be localised and supported by facilitating staff at the faculty or departmental level.

10.4 Results college has committed itself to boost its IT and digital services by
incorporating 3rd parties and own team to make sure the business operations run smoothly without any hindrances both at direct and digital learning environment.

10.5 All students and staff will be able to get in touch with the tech support via online@resultsco.org.uk