Acceptable Use Policy
An acceptable use policy (AUP), to me is something that is very important to the classroom. Students need to know what is expected of them and their actions while using technology. Having an AUP for your classroom establishes rules so students know how they are expected to behave because the instructor cannot be constantly watching everyone. The students benefit from this because they know what the rules are and what is expected of them. This reduces the amount that students misuse the technology that they are given the privilege to use. An AUP protects the school from the individual actions of students that do not follow the AUP by having, in cases, the student’s privileges of using the technology revoked. When a student violates the AUP, they can have their learning process hindered for they are at a disadvantage and can no longer use the technology. A student is bound by a contract that is the AUP to give them freedoms for: creativity and innovation, communication and collaboration, research and information fluency, critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making, digital citizenship, and technology operations and concepts. This contract between the student and the school goes beyond technology provided by the school, but in this case, will be focused on that students contract in relation to technology. How use policies are carried out and are structured fairly will also be discussed. From policies that I observed through research I have found that all schools have covered the terms stated in the ISTE NETS-S. I think that it is essential for schools to reach all of these points in their AUPs, for a panel of experts writes these standards. With dedication to students and a carefully well designed lesson plan, any instructor should be able to go above and beyond touching each standard. All of the AUPs model a rough outline given by the US government. All respect the privacy of other students, respect the academic integrity of electronic resources,