Web Services is over - ban lifted

It is important for members to understand the context in which the Federation Council on 19 November lifted the long standing ban on Web Services.

The DET have made a commitment that Web Services as we know it will not be rolled out to any additional schools after the end of the 2005 school year. In addition, the only schools to which it will be rolled out in that time are those which had already agreed to participate.

The Council Decision congratulates all members who have strongly supported the Federation's ban.

What is now proposed by the DET is secure internet browsing and email services to all staff and students. This will not include the chat, forum and web page functions of the old Web Services.

The new service will provide access to the DET Portal for all staff and students through the use of a log on and password, which will enable you to browse the internet and access filtered, secure DET email.

All transactions will be logged and archived to provide security for staff and students.

The DET have made a number of other written commitments relating to cyber harassment, protocols, global address lists, policies and procedures, training and a review of the system in the second half of 2006. In particular, their letter included the following words:

"There is no requirement by the Department, nor should there be any requirement at the school/college level, for teachers to engage in email communication with staff, students or parents/caregivers. Staff will be provided with an option to disable their email account within the DET Portal. There is no requirement for teachers to access or use email outside of school/college hours."

The Council Decision includes the following:

"The Federation will seek the assistance of Fed Reps to ensure that workload implications particularly associated with provision of passwords and mailbox capacity, is carefully monitored."

This information will assist the Federation during the review process next year.

The Federation will provide detailed written advice for members by the first day of Term 1 2006.

For further information

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Last Modified: 23 Nov 2005