In a 21st century learning environment, school community members are spending more and more time using technology and being online. This exposure to technology and an online environment supports the need for policy that can protect the school community members from possible negative outcomes and promote positive technology use.
Acceptable Use Policies (AUP) for technology use are an essential component for the successful and productive integration of technology in schools and other educational settings. “An AUP is a written agreement, signed by students, their parents, and teachers, outlining the terms and conditions of Internet use” (ISafe, 2014). These AUP provide the framework, guidelines, and expectations for the behavior around technology use. A well constructed AUP can promote positive digital citizenship among educational staff, students and parents.
The AUP should incorporate behaviors that are prohibited and also behaviors that promote positive technology use. Following are some of the topics that should be covered in and AUP (Common Sense Media, (2013):
- Use of Network
- Internet Safety (privacy, inappropriate content, unwanted contact)
- Filtering and Monitoring
- Copyright and Ownership of Work
- Network Security and Privacy (student data)
- Disciplinary Action
- Digital Citizenship
- Social Media Usage
Careful evaluation of each of these topics needs to be weighed to make sure that they protect students and staff, but also do not impede in the development of digital technology integration possibilities.
Thinking about my current educational setting the existence of a complete AUP seems somewhat elusive. The district has created Information Technology (IT) guidelines that only address a small portion of acceptable use in regards to prohibited behaviors. They currently do not have policy in reference to technology use that promotes positive behavior and academic use. The current filtering, monitoring, and internet safety that is in place overemphasizes student safety and can inhibit and block appropriate educational resources. I do think that student safety is a priority, but teaching appropriate digital citizenship can alleviate some of these concerns. If students are taught how to behave and held accountable for unacceptable behaviors the over blocking of resources can be limited. I think all teachers should incorporate igital citizenship in their classrooms to help reinforce and create a positive technology culture within their school. Recently in EDTECH 502 we were asked to create a webpage on digital citizenship. Here is a link to my page: Netiquette
Acceptable Use Policy Examples
Additional Resources
References:
Common Sense Media. (2013). 1-to-1 Essentials AUP. Retrieved on February 6, 2014 from http://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/1to1/aups
ISafe. (2014). Dig Deeper: Acceptable Use Policies. Retrived on February 6, 2014 from http://www.isafe.org/imgs/pdf/education/AUPs.pdf
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