ICT policy

Purpose and scope

This policy:

  • establishes guidelines and expectations for learners participating in the InspireU learning programmes
  • outlines the appropriate and responsible use of ICT resources and technology
  • applies to all learners enrolled at InspireU
  • covers the use of ICT resources. Some examples include:
    • computers
    • laptops
    • tablets
    • smartphones
    • internet access
    • software applications
    • online platforms

Responsible use

When using ICT resources, learners are expected to be:

  • responsible
  • ethical
  • compliant with all applicable laws and regulations

Use of ICT facilities are subject to the provisions of the:

  • Data Protection Act 1998
  • Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988
  • Protection from Harassment Act 1997
  • Communications Act 2003
  • Malicious Communications Act 1988
  • Public Order Act 1986
  • Obscene Publications Act 1959 and 1964
  • Protection of Children Act 1978
  • Sexual Offences Act 2003
  • Sex Offences Act 2003
  • Memorandum of Understanding
  • the Computer Misuse Act 1990

Learners should:

  • respect the privacy of others
  • refrain from unauthorised access, use, or disclosure of personal information
  • use ICT resources for educational purposes
  • refrain from engaging in activities that are:
    • illegal
    • inappropriate
    • disruptive to the learning environment

Internet and network usage

Learners should:

  • use internet access provided by InspireU for educational purposes and avoid accessing or distributing inappropriate or offensive content
  • respect copyright laws and intellectual property rights when using online resources, ensuring proper citation and attribution
  • not engage in any activities that may compromise the security or integrity of the InspireU network or ICT infrastructure

Data and information security

Learners should:

  • take necessary precautions to protect personal data and sensitive information shared through ICT resources
  • not share their login credentials or access codes with others. They should report any suspected security breaches or unauthorised access immediately

Online communication and social media

Learners should:

  • use appropriate and respectful language when communicating online, including:
    • email
    • discussion forums
    • social media platforms
  • refrain from cyberbullying, harassment, or engaging in any form of online behaviour that may cause harm or distress to others
  • be cautious about sharing personal information online and should not disclose identifying details, such as personal addresses and phone numbers

ICT resource care and maintenance

Learners should:

  • handle ICT resources with care and report any damages or malfunctions promptly to InspireU staff
  • not install or download unauthorised software or applications on InspireU ICT resources
  • respect the acceptable use policies and guidelines of any external online platforms or software used during the program

Consequences of policy violations

Violations of this ICT policy may result in disciplinary actions. Some examples include:

  • loss of ICT privileges
  • temporary or permanent removal from the program
  • legal consequences if applicable laws are violated

The severity of the consequences will depend on the nature and frequency of the violation. This is determined by the InspireU staff.

You must not use InspireU systems for:

Creating copying, sending, storing, displaying or receiving of:

  • any offensive, obscene or indecent images, data or other material
  • materials designed or likely to cause:
    • upset
    • annoyance
    • inconvenience
    • needless anxiety
  • material which could be considered:
    • menacing
    • discriminatory
    • harassing
    • bullying
    • fraudulent
    • confidential or private
  • material that is for ’leisure activity’ (for example, playing games) unless this is an integral part of the course
  • material that infringes the copyright of another person, including unlicensed or illegal software

You must not create, run, send, store or transmit:

  • defamatory or libellous material
  • unsolicited commercial or advertising material
  • inappropriate material to any other network users or distribution lists that wastes network resources
  • personal resources, for example,photographs and music

 You must not:

  • use other people’s passwords or log in identities
  • change, copy, corrupt or destroy any other users’ data
  • deliberately introduce viruses, worms, Trojans or other harmful or nuisance programmes or files on to InspireU systems
  • enable access to any non-InspireU members without permission
  • install, remove or copy software
  • change screensavers, workstation configurations
  • disconnect cables on equipment or connect other devices to any PC
  • record images without the explicit consent of the individual(s) captured in the photograph or video. These images must not be used in an inappropriate way
  • use InspireU IT system in a manner that could be reasonably regarded as being discriminatory based on:
    • race
    • religion
    • belief
    • gender
    • sexual orientation
    • gender reassignment
    • age
    • disability

InspireU reserves the right to define all terms (for example, menacing, indecent, defamatory and libellous) in the light of current legal and best industry practice standards.

Please note that it is illegal to view indecent images of children.

Policy review

This ICT Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. Any updates or changes to the policy will be communicated to learners and relevant stakeholders.

By adhering to this ICT Policy, learners are expected to:

  • demonstrate responsible and ethical use of ICT resources
  • foster a safe and productive learning environment within InspireU