Rachel nachman aup policy project

Acceptable Use Policies in Schools:

An Overview

Rachel Nachman

What Is An Acceptable Use Policy?

An Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is a “legal document that sets standards for responsible use of computer technology” (Miller, 2004, p. 24).

According to the Media Awareness Network (as cited in Miller, 2004), “at the school level, an AUP acts as a written contract between administrators, teachers, parents, and students. It outlines the terms and conditions for Internet use by defining access privileges, rules of online behaviour, and the consequences for violating those rules” (p. 24).


AUPs (in schools) should be designed to:• Educate parents about their children’s use of the Internet• Educate students about the risks of the Internet• Educate students about appropriate and inappropriate use of the Internet• Encourage ethical behavior and discourage criminal behavior• Encourage polite and civil communication• Encourage integrity and honesty• Encourage respect for others and their private property• Protect the school networking equipment and software from danger List Retrieved From iSafe


AUPs (in schools) should be designed to:• Discourage copyright infringement, software priacy, and plagiarism• Assure Internet users that their online activities are monitored• Assure Internet users that their e-mail privacy is (or is not) being respected

List Retrieved From iSafe

What Should Be Included In An AUP?

AUPs should be clear, concise, and written in a positive manner. In order to be effective, they must be written in language that the users understand.

Additionally, the acceptable and unacceptable behaviors should be clearly outlined and defined. The rules and regulations discussed within the AUP must be clearly stated and explained.


According to Miller (2004), there are five main sections of an Acceptable Use Policy:

Section 1 – Defines the Internet and provides the purpose of the Acceptable Use PolicySection 2 – Provides a description of appropriate online behaviorSection 3 – Provides users with a list of “do’s” and “don’ts” regarding rules and regulations for using the computers and technology systemsSection 4 – Discusses the consequences for noncompliance with the AUPSection 5 – A signature section for users. By signing this section, users are stating that they have read, understood, and agreed to the rules and regulations discussed within the AUP.


An Acceptable Use Policy should also clearly define any terminology used within the document.

Overall, nothing should be “left up to imagination” after reading through the entire AUP. The clear, concise wording, definitions, and thorough explanations should directly convey the rules and regulations regarding acceptable and unacceptable use of a school’s computers, network, or technology systems (Becta, 2009).

AUPs should be reviewed and updated regularly.

Why Should Schools And School Districts Have An

AUP?

We live in a technological society, and school administrators, staff, and students use technology every day. The Internet is used for lesson planning, accessing educational materials, and sharing resources and ideas. Our students use it to communicate, to learn, and to play. Overall, the Internet allows us to access information instantly without ever leaving the classroom.


AUP?However, the use of the Internet doesn’t just have positive effects – it can be dangerous as well. There are websites with inappropriate content, and there are opportunities for users to use the Internet for malicious purposes such as cyberbullying or to gain access to confidential information.

Thus, school districts or systems need to ensure that their staff and students are using the Internet and technology systems appropriately. This is the primary purpose of an Acceptable Use Policy.


AUP?

Overall, “effective AUPs can help to establish, and reinforce, safe and responsible online behaviours”

-Becta, 2009

The Acceptable Use Policy Within Montgomery County

Public SchoolsMontgomery County Public Schools employs its own Acceptable Use Policy, titled “User Responsibilities for Computer Systems, Electronic Information, and Network Security”. There is only one county-wide AUP; that is, the same document is used for both staff and students within the school system.

This AUP can be found on the Montgomery County Public Schools website.


Public SchoolsThe purpose of the AUP is clearly stated:

“To ensure the security of all elements of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) computer systems, related technology, and electronic information”

-Montgomery County Public Schools, 2012


Public SchoolsAdditionally, this AUP aims to:

• “Delineate appropriate uses for all users of MCPS computer systems”

• Promote intellectual development through the use of computer systems, related technology, and electronic information in a safe environment”

• “Ensure compliance with relevant state, local, and federal law”

Information retrieved from Montgomery County Public

Schools


Public Schools

Prior to discussing the different rules and regulations regarding acceptable use, definitions are provided for various terms that are used throughout this document.


Public SchoolsThe AUP discusses procedures regarding electronic data and information security. These procedures are implemented in efforts to ensure data and information security within the MCPS technology network.

These procedures include:• Users may only access information and/or computer systems that they are authorized to access• Users are responsible for their individual user accounts• Users must log off before leaving a computer station• Users need to secure their electronic data and information


Public SchoolsWhile the AUP does not discuss a procedure regarding electronic transactions and signatures, there is a statement advising users to read the “Manual of the MCPS Computer Systems Security Procedures” to learn more information.


Public SchoolsThe AUP discusses procedures regarding the physical security of MCPS hardware and computer systems equipment. These procedures are implemented in efforts to protect the physical MCPS technology equipment.

These procedures include:• All computer equipment must be supervised. If staff members are unable to supervise an area, the equipment must be secured.• No computer equipment can be removed from MCPS property without “appropriate authorization”. If appropriate authorization is given, users must follow procedures for signing equipment in and out• An equipment inventory must be maintained and updated regularly


Public SchoolsThe AUP discusses procedures regarding systems and application security. These procedures are implemented in efforts to protect the MCPS software and applications.

These procedures include:• Users are prohibited from installing hardware or software on MCPS computers or devices (without appropriate permission*)• Users are prohibited from modifying security settings on MCPS computers or devices (without appropriate permission*)• Users cannot change system settings• MCPS software or hardware can’t be installed or copied onto non-MCPS computers or devices

* “Appropriate permission” is defined in Manual of MCPS Computer Systems Security Procedures


Public Schools

The AUP discusses procedures regarding network security. These procedures are implemented in efforts to protect the MCPS network.

These procedures include:• In order to gain access to the MCPS network, a user’s account must be approved by Montgomery County Public Schools


Public SchoolsThe AUP discusses procedures regarding user conduct. These procedures are implemented in efforts to ensure the appropriate use of the MCPS computer systems.

These procedures include:• “Student are staff use of the Internet will be monitored by a variety of methods including, but not limited to, technology and direct supervision”• Users must use network and devices for educational purposes•Any material posted on or linked from the MCPS system or website must serve an educational purpose•MCPS is not responsible for the content published on non-MCPS websites


Public SchoolsVarious procedures are dedicated to the use of e-mail on the MCPS server.

These procedures include:• MCPS e-mail is for educational purposes only• All MCPS e-mails are subject to MCPS review and to be archived• All students using MCPS e-mail must do so for educational purposes• Students are prohibited from using unauthorized e-mail, instant messaging, or participating in chat rooms


Public SchoolsVarious procedures are related to hacking into MCPS data and tampering the MCPS server or computer systems.

These procedures include:• Users are prohibited from tampering with or hacking the MCPS system• Users are prohibited from using the MCPS computer system for illegal activities• Users are prohibited from the deliberate interfering with others’ network access or computer use• Users are prohibited from installing viruses or worms that cause damage to the MCPS computer systems• Users cannot read, delete, copy, forward, print, share, or modify the data files of other users without authorization from the superintendent of schools


Public SchoolsVarious procedures are related to cyberbullying and the public sharing of information.

These procedures include:• Users are prohibited from cyberbullying, harassment, or intimidation• Users cannot post personal information about students or staff on the Internet (using MCPS equipment or resources)• Users cannot post false information about students or staff on the Internet (using MCPS equipment or resources)• Users are prohibited from knowingly participating in the unauthorized sharing of personal information about minors


Public Schools

Various procedures are related to the materials viewed or shared on the MCPS computer systems.

These procedures include:• Users are prohibited from the intended access of inappropriate materials• Users cannot copy or transfer copyrighted materials or software without authorization


Public SchoolsThe AUP also states consequences for non-compliance with the procedures discussed within the document. The consequence depends upon the AUP violation.

MCPS Employees:• Conference• Warning

• Letter of reprimand• Loss of privileges

• Suspension without pay• Demotion• Dismissal

• Criminal prosecution



MCPS Students:• Telephone call to parents or guardians

• Loss of privileges• Suspension• Expulsion




Other Users:• Loss of privileges


How Should The AUP Be Communicated To MCPS

Staff, Students, And Parents?

“Users are responsible for abiding by the rules applicable to the computer system(s) they use…”

-Montgomery County Public Schools, 2012We need to educate MCPS staff, students, and parents about the rules and procedures discussed within the Acceptable Use Policy.


Staff?

Continuous training and professional development seminars that focus on the AUP should be provided to MCPS staff members.

Staff members should be required to read and sign the county’s AUP at the start of each school year.


Students?Because AUPs are legal documents and discuss various regulations and procedures, they may be difficult for children to understand.

Therefore, a “student-friendly” AUP should be created that “concretely outlines rules and consequences” (Crystal, 2000, p. 27).


Students?This “student-friendly” AUP should be posted where computers (or other technology systems) are located, such as in a school computer lab or near classroom computers.

The AUP should also be included in school and student handbooks (Miller, 2004).

Students should be required to read and sign the AUP at the beginning of each school year.

Schools should provide educational lessons or workshops that focus on teaching students about their school’s AUP. Additionally, schools could also not allow students access to their user accounts until after they attend these workshops (Kinnaman, 2003).


Students?“Students are to be educated about appropriate online behavior including interactions with other individuals on social networking sites and in chat rooms, and about cyberbullying awareness and response”

-Montgomery County Public Schools, 2012

We also need to educate students about appropriate online behavior. This can be completed through educational discussions and workshops. Any education about appropriate online behavior should be directly linked back to the AUP.


Parents?The AUP should be included in parent brochures and handouts. It should also be discussed at school- and county-wide events such as “Back To School Night”. Schools should actively discuss the AUP with parents.

A “parent-friendly” AUP should also be created for those families that are not familiar with the technical definitions and components of the MCPS server or computer systems.

How Should The AUP Be Implemented In The

Classroom?In the classroom, it is the teacher’s responsibility to implement the school’s AUP and to ensure that all students are following the policies discussed within the document.

We need to serve as role models regarding safe, healthy, legal, and ethical technology use. We must also practice safe, healthy, legal, and ethical technology use in our own lives.

We must teach our students the skills they need to use the Internet (and other technology) responsibly, maturely, and safely.



We must expose our students to the school’s AUP and we must explicitly teach and review the different rules, regulations, and procedures embedded within the document.

We must discuss the importance of following our school’s AUP and the importance of using technology safely and appropriately.



We must monitor and supervise our students’ use of the Internet and of the computers to ensure that they are abiding by school policy.

We must ensure that our students are not sharing their user account information with their classmates.



Teachers must ensure that students are using MCPS computers and devices for educational purposes only.

Teachers must ensure that students are not accessing unauthorized e-mail, instant messaging, or chat rooms while using an MCPS computer or device (or while using the MCPS server).



We must educate our students on cyberbullying, harassment, and online intimidation.

We must ensure that our students are not completing acts of cyberbullying, harassment, or online intimidation.


School?It is crucial that we educate our colleagues about our school’s Acceptable Use Policy. We must ensure that not only are our students abiding by the AUP, but that our fellow teachers are as well.

Teachers should ensure that their technology equipment is under supervision and/or secured at all times.

Teachers should not be logging on to any other user account.

Teachers should not be sharing their user account information with others.



Teachers must not install any hardware or software onto MCPS computers or devices (unless given authorized permission to do so).

Teachers must not modify any security or system settings on MCPS computers or devices (unless given authorized permission to do so).



Teachers must use MCPS computers and devices for educational purposes only.

Teachers should only send e-mails that serve an educational purpose.



Teachers must not access inappropriate material on MCPS computers or devices.

Teachers must not publish personal data or information about students online.



Teachers should not read, delete, copy, or modify data files of other users (without authorization of the superintendent of schools).

Teachers should not use the MCPS network or computer system for illegal activities.

Conclusion

Overall, Acceptable Use Policies are developed to ensure appropriate and safe technology use. As teachers, we must make sure that both we and our students are abiding by the policies and regulations discussed within our school AUP.

Text ReferencesBecta. (2009). AUPs in context: Establishing safe and responsible online behaviours. Retrieved from

http://education.qld.gov.au/studentservices/behaviour/qsaav/docs/establishing-safe-responsible-online-behaviours.pdf

Crystal, J. (2000). Empowering your acceptable use policy. Technology & Learning, 21(4), 26-27.

iSafe. (n.d.). Acceptable use policies. Retrieved from http://www.isafe.org/imgs/pdf/education/AUPs.pdf

Kinnaman, D. (2003). Critiquing acceptable use policies. Retrieved fromhttp://www.io.com/~kinnaman/aupessay.html

Miller, J. (2004). Intellectual freedom and the internet: Developing acceptable use policies. School Libraries in Canada, 23(3), 24-33.

Montgomery County Public Schools. (2012). User responsibilities for computer systems, electronic information, and network security. Retrieved from http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/pdf/igtra.pdf

Image ReferencesSlide 1: https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ3Rj4xNujNWS2dJ_Gja0y6JMN4cU9K1EB8W8u3A-GsiiDoivTkhA

Slide 1: http://www.acespyreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Child-Computer-Monitoring.jpg

Slide 4: http://dpsschools.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/screen-shot-2011-09-01-at-2-49-10-pm.png

Slide 4: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SzLsL1Z1TAg/Us1pVVmPPyI/AAAAAAAADyE/pda66Q6ix14/s1600/photo%2B2-755366.JPG

Slide 5: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c1/Computer-aj_aj_ashton_01.svg/320px-Computer-aj_aj_ashton_01.svg.png

Slide 5: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63z9wnvYJ7o/U45ifU-ymfI/AAAAAAAAAl8/9B-o6fhQx1I/s1600/Tablet.png

Slide 5: http://www.stuartsclipart.co.uk/technology_clipart/technology_clipart_graphics/ipad-clipart02.png

Image ReferencesSlide 7: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qzQwQWKpNW8/UNW7DEM0kSI/AAAAAAAAAF0/Rsv2a-UZbI8/s200/TTPCG+HISTORIE.jpg

Slide 8: http://www.springlakeparkschools.org/sites/springlakeparkschools.org/files/files/district/news/2014/03/imagem_internet2008.jpg

Slide 10: http://static.ddmcdn.com/gif/tech-in-education-1.jpg

Slide 10: http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2014/3/10/1394465904745/Pupils-of-years-5-and-6-o-011.jpg

Slide 12: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/global/2011/images/mcps-title.png Slide 16: http://www.contractlogix.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/digital-signature-contract-management-software.png

Slide 19: http://comerecommended.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2.jpg

Image ReferencesSlide 21: http://www.netsmartz.org/~/media/NetSmartz/Images/thumbnails/AdditionalResource_Grouped/Issue_email.gif

Slide 24: http://tourismkeralas.com/education/images/temp/group-of-teens-at-computers-2-iclip.jpg

Slide 27: http://secureacom.com.au/images/sydney-business-computer-network-service.jpg

Slide 27: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-imXbLPHSKXs/TXIxq8BaS1I/AAAAAAAAAFE/PM8Pho7O_5Y/s1600/computer-hardware-and-networking3.jpg

Slide 29: http://www.multiculturalchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Professional-Development-Picture.png

Slide 30: http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2012/4/24/1335260650450/Serious-students-using-co-008.jpg

Slide 33: https://www.mysecuremgr.com/sites/folder32765/site_images_system/user/father-son_on_computer.jpg

Image ReferencesSlide 33: http://static.ebony.com/Family_using_computer_article-small_13704.jpg

Slide 38: http://internet.yosoyeunji.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cyberbullying.png

Slide 41: https://cdn4.iconfinder.com/data/icons/aiga-symbol-signs/439/aiga_mail-512.png

Rachel nachman aup policy project

Education

Transcript of Rachel nachman aup policy project