Acceptable Use Policy

Lincoln Learning Solutions Acceptable Use Policy

 

  1. Purpose This Acceptable Use Policy (“AUP”) establishes guidelines and responsibilities for the use of Lincoln Learning Solutions’s (“LLS , “we”, “us”, “our”, or the “Company””) Lincoln Empowered digital curriculum, Instructional Services, and/or Lincoln Content Bank, as well as any other websites, platforms, applications, content, media outlets, and third-party elements that comprise the products or services (“Products or Services”) used within K-12 educational settings and made available by LLS. The objective of this policy is to ensure a secure, respectful, and productive learning environment for all students, staff, or users of LLS’s Products or Services.
  2. Scope This policy applies to all students, parents, teachers, administrators, staff, schools, districts, organizations, or agencies (“Users”, “you”) who utilize the Products or Services provided by LLS.
  3. Acceptable Use
    • Educational Purpose: The use of any Products or Services provided by LLS is strictly limited to educational purposes, including but not limited to research, instruction, and learning activities. Users are expected to engage with these resources in a manner that supports and enhances the educational objectives of their respective educational settings. 
    • Respectful Communication: All Users of any Products or Services provided by LLS must communicate in a respectful and responsible manner through all types of communication including but not limited to emails, chats, synchronous conferencing, in both written and verbal forms. This includes but is not limited to refraining from any form of harassment, bullying, or use of inappropriate language. Users must act with integrity and honesty in all interactions and activities. Communications should be conducted in a manner that fosters a positive and inclusive educational environment.  
    • Academic Integrity: Users of any Products or Services provided by LLS are required to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights. This includes adhering to the intellectual property of others, properly citing sources, and avoiding any form of plagiarism. Users must not reproduce, distribute, or display copyrighted materials without proper authorization. 
    • Artificial Intelligence: LLS recognizes the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. We are committed to ethical, equitable, and effective use of AI technologies within the classroom and encourage it’s deliberate use with educational technology. However, the same provisions of Academic Integrity apply to any User’s use of Artificial Intelligence technology or tools in conjunction with the Products and Services.  For more details, please refer to our Artificial Intelligence Guiding Principles. 
    • Privacy and Security: Users of any Products or Services provided by LLS must protect their own privacy and the privacy of others. This includes not sharing personal information such as addresses, phone numbers, or passwords. Unauthorized access to another individual’s account or personal information is strictly prohibited. Users must take appropriate measures to secure their own accounts and data. LLS is committed to protecting the privacy of its users. Our Privacy Policy outlines the types of information we collect, how we use and safeguard that information, and your rights regarding your personal data. By using the Products or Services, you consent to the data practices described in our Privacy Policy. For more details, please refer to our full Privacy Policy. 
  1. Unacceptable Use
    • Inappropriate Content: Users of any Products or Services provided by LLS are prohibited from accessing, sharing, or creating content that is obscene, harmful, or disruptive to the educational environment. This includes but is not limited to content that is sexually explicit, violent, or discriminatory. 
    • Cyberbullying: Any form of cyberbullying, harassment, or intimidation by Users of any Products or Services provided by LLS is strictly prohibited. This includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. 
    • Unauthorized Activities: Users of any Products or Services provided by LLS must not engage in activities that could harm the network or digital resources. This includes hacking, spreading malware, or downloading unauthorized software. Users must not attempt to bypass security measures or gain unauthorized access to systems or data. Additionally, the use of bots, automated programming, or any other automated methods to gain access to, manipulate, or exploit Products or Services is strictly prohibited. 
    • Unlawful Activity: Users of any Products or Services provided by LLS are strictly prohibited from engaging in any unlawful activities. This includes but is not limited to activities such as fraud, theft, and any other illegal actions that violate local, state, or federal laws. 
    • Commercial Use: The use of Users of any Products or Services in whole or in part made available by LLS for commercial purposes or personal financial gain not otherwise contractually agreed to is strictly prohibited. This includes advertising, selling, leasing, or purchasing Products or Services. 
  1. Monitoring and Enforcement
    • Monitoring: LLS reserves the right to monitor and review all digital activities conducted using the Products or Services made available by LLS. This is to ensure compliance with this policy and to maintain the integrity and security of the educational environment. 
    • Intellectual Property: LLS possesses express rights of use or ownership of all elements contained withing the Products and Services made available. LLS shall have the exclusive right to enforce its intellectual property rights hereunder and all users shall provide reasonable assistance in such enforcement efforts as requested by LLS. Should a user become aware of any entity infringing on LLS’s intellectual property, said user shall be obligated to immediately notify LLS of the same in writing. This provision shall survive the use of any Products or Services made available by LLS. 
    • Consequences: Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action. This can include but is not limited to loss of access to digital resources, suspension of services, or other appropriate measures as determined by LLS. Any consequence will be determined based on the nature and severity of the violation. 
  1. Reporting Violations Users are encouraged to report any violations of this policy to a teacher, administrator, or staff member of LLS. Reports should be made promptly and include as much detail as possible to facilitate investigation and/or resolution.
  2. Policy Review This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains current and effective. Revisions will be made as necessary to address emerging issues and to reflect changes in technology and educational practices.  LLS will post a notice on https://www.lincolnlearningsolutions.org to notify you of any substantive changes to the AUP.
  3. Agreement By using any of the Products or Services made available by LLS, users acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy. Continued use of these Products or Services constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions outlined in this policy.