ICT Management in Schools Policy

1. What is this policy about?
   1. This policy defines the parameters of ICT management in schools, specifically:
      • ICT Asset Management
      • Network access
2. Policy Statement
   1. It is the duty of each school to ensure that all staff are aware of their responsibilities under this policy.
   2. ICT services, assets and infrastructure in ACT Education and Training Directorate Schools including network access, software, end user devices, data cabling and cabinets, wireless access points, internet access and internet filtering are managed centrally through Shared Services ICT.
   3. To ensure the ongoing reliability of the centralised network, school-based staff are not permitted to modify, augment or circumvent the systems managed by Shared Services ICT.
   4. Technical support and/or changes to all centrally managed ICT services, assets and infrastructure are provided by Shared Services ICT.
   5. Wireless internet access is provided to all schools to enable a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) approach. Student and Staff personal devices used in this environment may access the school’s wireless internet. The physical asset will not be supported by Shared Services ICT.
   6. All ICT devices that are purchased using ACT Education and Directorate funds are ACT Government end user devices. All schools must comply with all other relevant ACT Government policies, standards and frameworks including the Procurement Framework, ICT Security Policy, ACT Protective Security Policy.
   7. All ICT assets that have reached end of life must be disposed of in line with the ACT Government Procurement Framework. Access to school network services provided by ACT Government is managed by Shared Services ICT. Staff and students are responsible for the secure and responsible use of the network.
3. Who does this policy apply to?
   1. This policy applies to
      • ACT public schools
      • Directorate staff that lead and support the use of ICT in schools.
4. Context
   1. The provision of quality ICT resources is crucial to ensuring access and promoting innovation.
   2. The Internet and other Information and Community Technology resources constitute a critical component of the teaching, learning and administrative functions of a school.
5. Responsibilities
   1. The school principal: is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring all staff are aware of their responsibilities.
   2. Policy Owner: The Deputy Director-General, Organisational Integrity is responsible for this policy.
6. Monitoring and Review
   1. The Policy Owner monitors the policy. This includes an annual scan of operation and review. A full review of the policy will be conducted within a three year period.
7. Contact
   1. For support contact Information and Knowledge Services on (02) 6205 8272 or email IKS@act.gov.au.
8. Complaints
   1. Any concerns about the application of this procedure or the procedure itself, should be raised with:
      • the school principal in the first instance;
      • contact the Directorate’s Liaison Unit on (02) 6205 5429.
      • online at https://www.education.act.gov.au/about-us/contact_us.
      • see also the Complaints Policy on the Directorate’s website.
9. References
   1. Definitions
      • ICT: refers to Information and Communication Technology.
      • Network: refers to the hardware and software Infrastructure that give staff and students access to shared ICT resources and drives.
      • ICT Assets: computers, printers, projectors, interactive whiteboards, televisions and any other electronic device that can connect to a computer network or the internet.
   2. Legislation
      • The Education Act 2004 provides for the operation and governance of ACT public schools
      • The Government Procurement Act 2001 outlines the requirements for the procurement of government assets.
      • The Public Sector Management Act 1994 outlines the general obligations of public employees.
   3. Implementation Documents
      • SchoolsNET Operational Guide - contains procedures outlining the use and management of ICT in schools.
   4. Related Policies and Information
      • Communities Online: Acceptable Use of ICT - Parents and Students Policy
      • Use of Personal Electronic Devices (PEDS) in Schools Policy
      • Personal Electronic Device Guidelines
      • ACT Government ICT Security Policy
      • ACT Government Encryption Policy
      • ACT Government Acceptable Use of ICT Resources policy

ICT Management in Schools Policy: IMS201402 is the unique identifier of this document. It is the responsibility of the user to verify that this is the current and complete version of the document, available on the Directorate’s website at http://www.education.act.gov.au/publications_and_policies/school_and_corporate_policies/A-Z.