Acceptable Use Policies What you need to know as an elementary school teacher
Jan 15, 2016
Acceptable Use Policies
What you need to know as an elementary school teacher
Sections of an AUP
The National Education Association suggests that an effective AUP contain the following six key elements:
NEA recommendations for an AUP
a preamble
a definition section
a policy statement
an acceptable uses section
an unacceptable uses section
a violations/sanctions section
Other sections in many AUP’s
Disclaimer
Student and parent signature form
Preamble - components
Philosophy -
a description of the instructional philosophies and strategies to be supported by Internet access in schools
Preamble - components
It’s a Privilege
-a statement reminding users that Internet access and the use of computer networks is a privilege
Preamble - components
Technology Uses and Advantages
-a statement on the educational uses and advantages of the Internet in your school or division
Definition Section
Defines key words used in the policy
Some AUP’s will not have this section. This lack may not be a problem
Policy Statement - components
The computer services that are covered
How students get access to computer services
Policy Statement - components
A clear statement of the code of conduct governing behavior on the Internet
Policy Statement - components
Individual Responsibilities
-a list of the responsibilities of educators, parents, and students for using the Internet
Acceptable Uses Section
Define appropriate student use
Usually in the form of a list.
Unacceptable Uses Section
Clear, specific examples of what constitutes unacceptable student use.
Violations/sanctions section
How violations will be handled
Description of the consequences of violating the AUP
Violations/sanctions section
How to report policy violations
Who can answer questions about AUP
Violations/sanctions section
The sanctions section is essential for new teachers. You need to clearly understand the sanctions and the procedures for reporting violations.
Disclaimer
This absolves the school division, under specific circumstances, from responsibility
Signature Form
-a signature form for teachers, parents, and students indicating their intent to abide by the AUP
Overview
A well-written Acceptable Use Policy focuses on responsible use of computer networks, including the Internet, and the sanctions for being an irresponsible user.
Some Sample AUP’s
http://www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/MinorES/techAUP.htm
http://intranet1.canacad.ac.jp:3445/Elementary/112
http://www.k12.hi.us/~kamehame/kam3aupmain.html
Sample Elementary AUP - Lennox School District
We are pleased to announce that electronic information services are now available to students and staff in our district. The Lennox School District strongly believes in the educational value of electronic services and recognizes the potential to support curriculum and student learning by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication.
Sample Elementary AUP - Lennox School District
The Lennox School District will make every effort to protect students and teachers from any misuses or abuses as a result of their experience with an information service, but please discuss the following use guidelines with your child and sign where indicated.
Sample Elementary AUP - Lennox School District
Your and your child's signatures will indicate acknowledgment and understanding of these standards. As a user of this service your child will be expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette.
Sample Elementary AUP - Lennox School District
Telecommunications Use Guidelines:
1. BE POLITE. Never send, or encourage others to send, messages that are not polite.
Sample Elementary AUP - Lennox School District
Telecommunications Use Guidelines:
2. USE APPROPRIATE, RESPECTFUL LANGUAGE. Remember that you are a representative of your school and district when you are on-line. Always use language that is appropriate and respectful in your messages
Sample Elementary AUP - Lennox School District
Telecommunications Use Guidelines:
3. PRIVACY. Do not EVER give any personal information online, such as a home address or phone number, for yourself or any other person.
Report to your teacher any person who asks for personal information.
Sample Elementary AUP - Lennox School District
Telecommunications Use Guidelines:
4. INFORMATION. The Lennox School District makes no guarantees of any kind about the accuracy of information found on-line.
Sample Elementary AUP - Lennox School District
Telecommunications Use Guidelines:
5. VANDALISM. Do not damage any school computer systems. Never move, delete, or trash any applications or files that are not yours.
Sample Elementary AUP - Lennox School District
Telecommunications Use Guidelines:
6. OTHER: The school principal may determine other behavior to be inappropriate.
Sample Elementary AUP - Lennox School District
Telecommunications Use Guidelines:
Required SignaturesI understand and will follow the guidelines listed in this document. I understand that the use of this electronic service is a privilege, and inappropriate use will result in the loss of that privilege and/or disciplinary action.
Student Name (please print) ____________________Student Signature ____________________Parent or Guardian Signature ___________________Date:__________
What is the Lennox School District missing from its AUP?
Missing Disciplinary Action
AUP with Disciplinary Action
http://www.marioncea.com/teacher/Jstudentindex.htm#POLICY%20JCDAC
Common Disciplinary Actions
Disciplinary Actions
1. Send a warning reminder to parent and student about the AUP agreement
2. Loss of Internet privileges for one week
3. Loss of Internet privileges for one month
Common Disciplinary Actions
Disciplinary Actions (cont.)
4. Permanent loss of Internet privileges
5. Other disciplinary action as defined below:
6. For repeated offenders—Action taken according to guidelines set forth in Student Code of Conduct under the Intermediate Offenses—Class II (See student handbook)
Your Responsibilities as a teacher
Read the AUP
Understand the AUP
Make sure the sanctions are clear
Communicate AUP and sanctions with parents and students
Monitor compliance and give sanctions
Bibliography
Education Worldhttp://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr093.shtml
Virginia Department of Educationhttp://www.pen.k12.va.us/go/VDOE/Technology/AUP/home.shtml#components