It is important to develop a clear set of standards and expectations for use of the internet in the classroom. You should first check with your district or school to see if there is an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) already in place. If an AUP is not in place, then you should consider developing one in collaboration with students, other faculty, parents, and administrators. An AUP makes the school community aware of the responsibilities involved in using the Internet.
The National Education Association (NEA) suggests that an effective AUP contain the following six elements:
- Preamble explains the process involved in determining the goals of the AUP.
- Definition of the Goals of the AUP and key words used in the AUP.
- Policy Statement tells what computer services are covered by the AUP and the circumstances under which students can use computer services.
- Acceptable Uses defines appropriate student use of the computer network.
- Unacceptable Uses gives clear and specific examples of what constitutes unacceptable student use.
- Violations/Sanctions establishes procedures for the reporting and handling of policy violations.
