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

Hi All! My name is Ashley and I teach 4th grade in Gillette, Wyoming. I love my job, but feel as though I need to challenge myself and my students. This is why I am pursuing a master’s degree in educational technology from Boise State University. I’ve only taken 502 so far, but thoroughly enjoyed my experience and the webpages I was able to create. My goal is to effectively integrate technology into my instruction to enhance the education of my 21st Century Learners. I look forward to the rest of my masters and the world of technology I am bound to discover throughout the process.