[ArrogantBustard]

I'd almost be willing to bet that the "teacher" is unaware of the existence of any "browser" not named "explorer". Ever. In the entire history of computing.

I had told [name] to close the program {firefox} and to resume work

The "teacher" is unaware, here, that the "work" could be done using a program other than "explorer".

[twntaipan]

If the kid didn’t install Firefox (not impossible, but not likely in a school; if he could install a program on a school computer, the school has a serious IT problem), and if he was told to use the Internet to do research, he didn’t do enough to warrant suspension.

The assignment wasn’t to use Internet Explorer; it was to do research on the Internet.

[RonF]

The "teacher" is unaware, here, that the "work" could be done using a program other than "explorer".

Not necessarily. I could have said this myself in the sense of "Close Firefox and finish your work using Explorer."

This kid needs to stop being a wiseass trying to show someone how slick he is and follow the rules.