In a world driven by technology, school districts must be aware of the internet and its capabilities. It is also important for them to develop a plan regarding internet usage by students and staff. This is where an Acceptable Use Policy comes in.
“The Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for Internet Use is one of the most important documents a school will produce” (Education World, 2011). The Media Awareness Network (2010) refers to an AUP as a written contract between administrators, teachers, parents and students. It should be seen as a legal document that is unique to your school or district, which protects the school and students, and provides information to parents.
Education World (2011) recommends incorporating the following properties in an AUP:
1. Preamble– states the purpose, goals, and procedures used in developing the plan.
2. Definitions– key words and terms present in the policy are defined to ensure student and parent understanding.
3. Policy Statement– a description of what the policy includes and under what circumstances students will be using the internet.
4. Acceptable Use Section– defines appropriate use of computers by students and employees.
5. Unacceptable Use Section– clearly defines inappropriate use of computers by students and employees. This section includes any websites deemed inappropriate, as well as unacceptable student behavior.
6. Violations/ Sanctions Section- provides information about how to report violations and where to find additional information. Disciplinary actions may be specific or align with other actions indicated in the school’s rules and regulations.
It is important to keep in mind that each school or district’s policy will like differ. In addition, it’s not enough to simply have an AUP. It is the districts job to teach what is appropriate and why, and for teachers to faithfully reinforce the policies.
Examples of Acceptable Use Policies:
Campbell County School District- Gillette, Wyoming
Lake Washington School District
School District of Osceola, Florida
Carlisle Local School District- Carlisle, Florida
References:
EducationWorld. (2011). Getting Started on the Internet: Developing an acceptable use policy (AUP). Retrieved from http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr093.shtml
Media Awareness Network. (2010). Acceptable use policies for internet use. Retrieved from http://209.29.148.33/english/resources/special_initiatives/wa_resources/wa_teachers/backgrounders/acceptable_use.cfm
Ashley Eivins: EDTECH Portfolio 
Ashley,
I think your AUP blog is clear and very well organized. I really like the point you made about educating the teachers about the policy so that it can be properly enforced.
-Jennie
Ashley, Your AUP is very well written. I agree that this is one of the most important documents a school district can have. My school district has one that is not defined very well, and we have frequently run into issues, especially since the district has decided on a BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) policy. Thanks!
Cybil