Technology: Acceptable Use Policy

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Acceptable Use Policies are an important part of information technology in that they lay out the proper and recommended use for the technology provided by a district or company. The Children's Internet Protection Act (2000) requires that school districts provide protection to student users and while protection for students is important in the digital world, Bosco and Krueger (2011) state in their article "Moving From 'Acceptable' to 'Responsible' Use in a Web 2.0 World", "highly restrictive Internet and mobile policies in the school environment provide only a false sense of protecting kids". Instead of focusing on acceptable use (what they can and cannot do) we need to shift our focus to responsible use (how to use it the right way and at the appropriate time) they say. 

The district I work for has an extensive Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and it is signed by students and staff members before technology is issued. It is also included in the handbook for both employees and students. Below I have broken the policy into its strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths:
  • The policy clearly states the resources that are accessible to users such as databases, libraries, electronic resources and the internet. This helps user understand what is covered by the policy.
  • The policy clearly states the rules for appropriate use and specifically addresses email accounts and individual account safety such as not sharing passwords. It also clearly states the inappropriate uses clearly and in language that most students can understand. Consequences are listed clearly and the reporting process for violations is also included.
  • As stated above, it is included in the handbooks. To me this shows a dedication to making this important policy in the schools and district, which aims to be a destination district. 
Weaknesses:
  • While the policy is extensive, it does not address or encourage positive and responsible uses. Students may be more open to following and caring about policy more when it includes what they can do or examples of how it can be used to help.
  • The policy bans personal devices. On one hand, it is impossible for a large district to install firewalls, system maintenance and maintain the integrity of the device but some families are not able to take on the financial responsibility of having a district device and would rather provide a device that is already owned by the family. 
 
Overall I feel that the policy is a strong starting point but could be further strengthened by moving toward responsible use and what the right behavior looks like as opposed to a focus on the negative behavior. 

Resources:

Bosco, J., & Krueger, K. R. (2011, July 20). Moving From “Acceptable” to “Responsible” Use in a Web 2.0 World (Opinion). Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/technology/opinion-moving-from-acceptable-to-responsible-use-in-a-web-2-0-world/2011/07 

Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). (2019, December 30). Fcc.gov. https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/childrens-internet-protection-act

ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES MISD STUDENT ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2023, from https://www.mansfieldisd.org/uploaded/main/departments/technology/assets/studentaup.pdf

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