Schools need an acceptable use policy (AUP) to outline rules for appropriate use of computers and internet access in schools. The internet provides a powerful educational resource but also risks, so an AUP specifies acceptable and unacceptable uses. It covers access privileges, penalties for violations like vandalism, and is a legally binding document signed by educators, parents, and students. While not perfect, an AUP can help guide responsible technology use by students when designed to respect rights and responsibilities of all parties.

1. Why do schools need an acceptable use policy?

3. The internet is a powerful educational tool offering instant access to information

4. students and teachers can now access more information than any school library could ever provide before.

8. “” Teaching students responsible behavior, asking them to sign an agreement, and providing written descriptions of the consequences for wrongful actions” provide a different approach for educators. These agreements are called Acceptable Use Policies (AUP)

9. What is an acceptable use policy?

10. An AUP specifically outlines acceptable uses, rules of on-line behavior, and access privileges. Also covered are penalties for violations of the policy, including security violations and vandalism of the system A written agreement outlining the terms and conditions of Internet use

11. A legally binding document signed by the educator, parents and the student. Acceptable Use policies (AUP)

12. Most AUP’s outline

14. AUP’s are not the perfect solution. They do not absolve a school system of liability and they are not the only method of dealing with student use of technology.