What is an AUP? According to Common Sense Media, "An acceptable use policy (AUP) is a policy that outlines, in writing, how a school or district expects its community members to behave with technology. Similar to a Terms of Service document, an AUP should define publicly what is deemed acceptable behavior from users of hardware and information systems such as the Internet and any applicable networks."
How can it help? It essentially spells out what is acceptable and what is unacceptable within the digitial learning community for which it was established. The easier it is to understand, of ourse, will make it easier to follow as well as to enforce when needed.
How to best make an AUP work? Communicate, communicate, communicate--particularly on the front end. Make it easy to understand what the rules are, why they are in place, and what will happen if they are not followed. It only makes sense that an AUP is only as good as its follow through. If lots of rules are in place, yet none are inforced...it is not effective at all in reality.
How would I help implement an AUP?
- Communicate expectations, all the time, every time!
- Document, document, document. Make sure all group sign off on awareness of the rules and their implementation if broken.
- Keep it simple! Make sure the language is easy to understand for the masses.
- Be willing to update as necessary. Technology in the digital world changes. It's pretty likely that your AUP will need to change from time to time as well.
- Ask for feedback. Someone may have an idea that should be included. It takes a village--otherwise, why would we be a part of digital learning communities at all??
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