Acceptable Use Policy

An acceptable use policy (AUP) is a written policy of rules users must follow in order to use a network.  Often, the AUP is authored by an employer, and given to employees to sign in order to gain access to systems such as the computer system and internet, or an internal telephone system.  According to the National Education Association (NEA), an AUP should contain six important features.  (Note:  I located the AUP for both my district and my school.  For the purpose of this blog post, I will focus on the school AUP because it is more student centered.) 

The policy should include a preamble which explains the reason for the policy, describes the development of the policy, and the goals of the policy.  The preamble of our AUP explains the reason for the policy, which is to protect the school and the users both in the use of technology.  The preamble designates individuals classified as authorized users of technology as students, employees, board members, parent volunteers and other authorized members of the school community; and all these users must sign the AUP prior to use of technology in the school.  The preamble also states that the resources may be used for educational purposes only.

The definition section should define key words in the policy so that all users there is no ambiguity when reading the AUP.  My school AUP doesn’t have a separate section for definitions, but rather includes the definitions in the text of the document at the point where such a term appears.

The policy statement defines what computer services the AUO covers and situations in which students may use these services.  The AUP from my school indicates that the technology covered under the AUO include computers, printers, software, online catalogs/databases, network file servers, data files and access to the Internet, but the use is limited to educational purposes only.  Also, students and parents, as well as the student’s teacher, must sign the contract that covers school policies, and students must sign the technology resource user agreement as an authorized user prior to being allowed to use school technology. 

The acceptable uses section outlines appropriate student use of the network.  The policy at my school indicates staff will provide instruction on proper use of technology.  Teachers will supervise student use of technology and on the internet to ensure websites visited are only those that are age appropriate for the students.  Students will use technology resources for school purposes only. 

The unacceptable uses section notes what type of use is prohibited with school resources.  Students will not attempt to destroy data or work that belongs to another person.  Also, personal information about the student or school will not be shared on the internet.  Students will not knowingly spread a virus or use technology for any type of bullying or intimidation.  Technology will not be used in any way that conflicts with the school’s purpose or with our school character traits.  Websites that are obscene, violent or that contain illegal or inappropriate material should not be accessed with school technology.  Any email on the network is subject to review by administration of the school. 

Our AUP does not have a specific violations/sanctions section.  The AUP is in the student handbook, which also includes the school’s discipline policy.  The discipline policy would be in effect for any violation of school rules, including the AUP.   

 To view my wordle, click here.