AUP Confusion

As the use Internet has developed, a wealth of complicated issues have begun to emerge: cyberbullying, plagiarism, and privacy to name a few (Roblyer, 2016).  In order to help combat inappropriate behaviours schools and workplace started to implement what is known as an AUP.  An AUP or Acceptable Use Policy has slightly different names depending upon the place.  However, it is an incredibly important concept that all places of work and learning need to have to ensure that everyone understands what is acceptable when using devices.  Simply put an AUP outlines what a particular organization deems is appropriate use of devices for its users (Rouse, 2014).  This is typically signed before allowing users to access the organization's devices or Internet.

The AUP has always been a particular challenge to me as I work with elementary students.  The tendency with AUP's is to list the behaviours that you don't want using negative statements like "I will not use the internet to download illegal material."  This language is not appropriate in my working environment.  When working on developing the AUP for the Elementary school, I wanted to focus on the positive and what students will do.  I also wanted to incorporate the IB Learner Profile.  To view the finalized form of the AUP please go here (Lea, Brendan).

Another challenge with developing an AUP is the language that is used.  The above sample is in very simple language so that students are easily able to know what is expected.  However, this (Thornhill Elementary) example contains several words and ideas that students might not understand but, as indicated at the bottom of the page, they are still expected to sign.

The Iron County School District AUP (Iron County School District) provides more detail than the one the I created.  It should also be noticed that it places an emphasis on what the students will do instead of the negative statements.  However, it almost crosses the line of not being appropriate for younger student use simply based on the complexity of the language.

Finally,  The Lincoln School developed their AUP in a completely different manner.  For their (The Lincoln School) AUP they decided to create a brochure.  What is great about this idea is that it has to be signed by both the students and the parents.  This is a great way to ensure all parties are informed of the expectations and will hopefully spark conversation at home as well.  Also important, is the place where students can indicate their understanding.  This is useful for teachers, so that they if there are any aspects of the AUP which need to be reviewed.

What all of this discussion should indicate is that there is no right or wrong way for an AUP to look.  However, a couple of general tips when creating ones for younger students:

1. Focus on what they will do (nobody likes to be told what they won't do).
2. Mention the consequences but don't make it the main focus.
3. Find ways to include parents in the conversation.
4. Use simple language.

With these tips in mind, I am sure that you will develop a spot on AUP that is appropriate for your audience.

References:

Lea, B. (n.d.) Student Acceptable Use Policy.  Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/a/bifskorea.org/forms/d/1Qi5TgeQ7PvwLw1pQMgZtGWUoVY6h0pdX197cLXOX6PU/viewform

Iron County School District. (n.d.). K-5 student computer acceptable use policy.  Retrieved from http://irondistrict.org/handbook/policy-handbook-table-contents/section-e/policy/k-5-student-computer-acceptable-use-policy

Roblyer, M. D. (2016).  Integrating educational technology into teaching (7th ed.).  United States: Pearson Education, Inc.

Rouse, Angie D. (2014, July).  Acceptable use policy (AUP).  Retrieved from http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/acceptable-use-policy-AUP

The Lincoln School. (n.d.).  AUP brochure final.  Retrieved from https://drive.google.com/a/u.boisestate.edu/file/d/0B97dtNaizshYdFRNVWFiZ3RyUUE/view?pli=1

Thornhill Elementary. (n.d.) Acceptable Use Policy.  Retrieved from http://www.thornhillschool.org/about-our-school/acceptable-use-policy/