Before students access the Internet,
school administrators, teachers, media specialists, and parents need to
develop a formal set of usage guidelines. Such guidelines are called
"Acceptable Internet Use Policies," or AUPs. An AUP outlines
the terms and conditions of Internet use, access privileges, and rules
of online behavior. It is signed by students, parents, and teachers.
A good AUP usually includes, but is not
limited to, the following components:
- a description of the instructional
philosophies and strategies to be supported by Internet access;
- a statement of the educational uses and advantages of the Internet to
your school or division;
- a code of conduct governing behavior on the Internet;
- the consequences of violating the AUP;
- a description of what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable use of the
Internet;
- a statement reminding users that Internet access and the use of computer
networks is a privilege;
- a statement that the AUP is in compliance with state and national
telecommunication rules and regulations; and
- a signature form on which teachers, parents, and students can indicate
their intent to abide by the AUP.
Before drafting an AUP for your school,
district, or classroom, have a look at the following resources and
examples from schools around the country. Feel free to send us your
school AUP to add to our list.
Bellingham Public Schools Parent Permission Letter
Armadillo
The Houston Independent
School District WWW Server- Internet Permission Form
Spanish version
Helena High School, Helena, Montana
Acceptable Use Policy
Indiana Department of Education Access
Network Policy
Los Alamos Middle School, New Mexico
Acceptable Use Agreement |
