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Gwinnett County Public Schools

Acceptable Use Policy for Students

Student Acceptable Use Policy

Gwinnett County Public Schools recognizes that the use of technology has a significant role in teaching and learning and the operation of the school system. Students and staff have access to the Internet and a variety of technology tools, applications, and devices, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to learn, interact, share, create and innovate. Staff members utilize these same resources as a means to effectively engage, motivate, and direct student learning and collaborate with colleagues.

When using GCPS technology or network access, students are expected to follow the Student Conduct Behavior Code, including respecting others’ privacy. Online student accounts to be used for legitimate educational purposes will be subject to monitoring and review, including review of text and attachments that are related to that student or students. At NO TIME should a student consider GCPS email, networked applications, or account or technology access private or confidential in any way.

While the school district does maintain internet filters, there may be times when a student may accidentally or purposefully discover inappropriate materials online. Gwinnett County Public Schools DOES NOT CONDONE the use of such materials. Inappropriate use of any GCPS technology resource or network access is a violation of the Student Conduct Behavior Code.

Gwinnett County Public Schools is a 1:1 district. When a device has been assigned to a student and taken home or a technology resource has been checked out to a student, it is the family’s responsibility to monitor its use to ensure the student is following the Student Conduct Behavior Code and to ensure that the device or resource is returned in the condition it was received.

All students are expected to treat these learning tools with respect. GCPS technology, network access, and electronic resources must not be used to:

  • Harm other people.
  • Interfere with other people’s work.
  • Steal property.
  • Gain unauthorized access to other people’s files or programs.
  • Gain unauthorized access to online resources, including obtaining or using someone else’s password.
  • Make changes to the hardware or software configuration of any machine, including installing or deleting any software.
  • Improperly use the network, including introducing software viruses and/or bypassing local school or office security policies.
  • Steal, alter, or damage data and/or computers and network equipment.
  • Access, upload, download, and/or distribute pornographic, hate-oriented, profane, obscene, or sexually explicit material.
  • Misrepresent or plagiarize student work

Failure to follow these guidelines can violate O.C.G.A. § 16-9-90, § 16-9-91, § 16-9-93, and § 16-9-93.1 as well as Title XVII of The United States Public Law 106-554, known as the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Such use can also lead to disciplinary actions, up to and including loss of access to GCPS technology resources and further disciplinary actions as defined by existing GCPS policies. Such disciplinary actions may include confiscation of technology being used inappropriately if an incident occurs.

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

COPPA applies to operators of commercial websites and online services and limits their ability to collect personal information from children under the age of 13. COPPA allows the school to act as the parent’s agent and consent to the collection of a student’s information on the parent’s behalf within the educational context— where an operator collects personal information from students for the use and benefit of the school, and for no other commercial purpose. By signing the response form, parents grant consent for Gwinnett County Public Schools, and Gwinnett County Public Schools’ employees, to act as the parent’s agent in providing consent for the collection of student information within the educational context.

Supplemental Technology and Student Email

GCPS provides access to Google G Suite for Education and Microsoft Office 365 as supplemental resources to the district’s adopted Learning Management System for local schools to use if they wish. GCPS will allow the use and issue student email (Google Gmail and Microsoft Outlook) accounts to students for use internal to GCPS only. Students can access the email from any device via the Student Portal. However, for security purposes, students will only be able to send and receive emails to and from other Gwinnett County Public Schools users.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools for Learning

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 are future-ready, students should learn to evaluate if and how they should use AI and develop responsible and ethical practices when using AI tools. Students should follow the most recent version of GCPS Human-Centered Guidance for AI.

  • Evaluating AI Tools: Students should use AI tools with the guidance of trusted adults. Students should evaluate the purpose, safety, and trustworthiness of AI tools before use.
  • AI for Academic Purposes: Prior to use, refer to teacher guidance on the appropriate use of AI tools in academic settings. Guidance may change based on assignments and learning goals.
  • AI Output Review: Always review and critically assess outputs from AI tools before submission or dissemination. Students should never rely solely on AI-generated content without review.
  • Bias and Misinformation: Be aware that AI-generated content may possess biases or inaccuracies. Always verify AI-produced results using trusted sources before considering them in academic work.
  • Safety & Respect: Users must not use AI tools to create or propagate harmful, misleading, or inappropriate content.