People, Words & Change (PWC) wishes to encourage the correct and proper use of digital technology and expects staff, volunteer tutors and learners to use technology during the normal course of work and learning. We wish to encourage appropriate internet use and to increase individual skills, competency and understanding. This policy outlines how PWC staff, volunteer tutors and learners can use digital technology professionally, ethically and lawfully, while maintaining the safety and security of information and property, and without compromising confidentiality.
PWC provides internet access for its staff, volunteer tutors, contractors and learners for learning, teaching and administrative purposes. PWC permits limited personal use of the internet during designated break times provided that the material accessed is appropriate, is not potentially offensive to others and is consistent with our Code of Conduct. Internet use on PWC computers may be subject to monitoring, including sites visited, as allowed by Canadian law. Any individual using PWC’s digital technology inappropriately could put PWC and/or its employees, volunteer tutors and learners at risk.
Staff members, volunteer tutors, contractors or learners using the PWC computer lab or PWC digital technology shall:
- Create and use strong, secure passwords. These passwords will be kept confidential and only be shared as needed with appropriate individuals.
- Set up and use a lab e-mail account for learning purposes.
Staff members, volunteers, contractors or learners using the PWC computer lab or PWC digital technology shall not:
- Use instant messaging or other “chat” software unless it is being used for learning and teaching purposes.
- Access, display, print, upload, share or download offensive or inappropriate material. This includes (but is not limited to) material related to pornography, mature content, gambling, illegal substances, racism, sexism, violence and/or illegal activity.
- Knowingly create, download, upload or transmit data or material that can corrupt or destroy other users’ data and/or hardware.
- Download and/or update software and/or other material without permission. All hardware and software remain the property of PWC.
- Access or use peer-to-peer file sharing sites (e.g., to find movies or books).
- Conduct private business for gain or profit.
- Disclose financial or operational information that is not public.
- Disclose or share personal information about other employees, volunteers, contractors and/or learners.
- Publish or reproduce material that belongs to others without their knowledge and permission. Any material that is shared will be attributed and sourced appropriately and accurately.
- Post or tag the name, photograph or other identifying information of another staff member, volunteer, contractor or learner without that individual’s knowledge and permission.
