Acceptable Use Policies (AUP) are a mandatory form for students each year.

As a teacher, I hand these forms out each year to my homeroom students, and usually it is one of the first forms I receive from my students. I find that my students want to use the technology that we have available as often as possible, and my students understand that they are not allowed on computers for any reason without delivering a signed copy of it back to the school. Each student has an account that gives students permissions on the network that they must have activated in order to log on to the computer. No form, no activation, no computer use; it is that simple. But why is there a need for an AUP and its acknowledgement by students and parents and TEACHERS? As noted in Tech & Learning, tools and media have no intent, people do. Acceptable Use Policies may differ in language, but generally outline the proper, and improper, use of technology related services for a school district or public/private companies. Their intent is simple: the use of the provided technology is a privilege, not a right. Each person who uses, or is responsible for someone who does, must be aware and understand why the policy exists, and the ramifications if the policy is not followed. In a school district, an AUP usually begins by stating the provided technologies and services are for educational use only. It details the meaning of educational use in a clear and concise fashion so that there is no mistaking what it means. There should then be several examples of appropriate use of the technology and in addition to several examples of would be inappropriate use. Next, it should outline the penalty for abuse of the privilege. Finally the policy includes an acknowledgment page which is signed by members of the intended audience. Below you will find a few examples of Acceptable Use Policies from schools in the Central Ohio area: A. B. C. D. Licking Heights Local Schools Columbus City Schools New Albany-Plain Local Schools Bishop Hartley High School

References Tech & Learning. (2012). Looking to create a social media or BYOD policy? Look no further. Retrieved from http://www.techlearning.com/Default.aspx?tabid=67&EntryId=4355