Acceptable Use Policies Montgomery County Public Schools Presented by Maria Meli October 2013

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Overview What is an Acceptable Use Policy? ▫ An Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is a written document that lists safe computer system use procedures for all users of a network. What information is in an AUP? ▫ An AUP includes:  Procedures that computer users should follow  These procedures are specific and identifies who needs to follow each one.  List of consequences if procedures are not followed

Importance of AUPs Why are Acceptable Use Policies important? ▫ AUPs help inform school staff and students how to use school technology responsibly. ▫ It clearly outlines what users should do in order to have a safe learning environment using the school computer system.

MCPS AUP Overview The User Responsibilities for Computer Systems, Electronics Information, & Network Security identifies what all users of MCPS computer systems should do to promote a secure network of computer use.User Responsibilities for Computer Systems, Electronics Information, & Network Security

What is expected of MCPS users? All users: ▫ Understand contents of AUP ▫ Responsible for their own accounts and actions Staff: ▫ Use computers responsibly and for educational purposes only ▫ Educate students in proper online use Students: ▫ Understand and follow appropriate online behavior

Consequences EmployeesStudentsOther Users Conference Warning Letter of reprimand Loss of privileges Suspension without pay Demotion Dismissal Criminal prosecution Call to parents/guardians Loss of privileges Restitution Suspension Expulsion Criminal prosecution Loss of privileges Criminal prosecution

Educate Our School Community Post the county AUP on school website for all users to reference Discuss at staff meeting in beginning of school year to refresh staff of their computer use responsibilities Share with parents at back to school night School could create poster of AUP procedures and post by every computer for consistency among school community

Educate Our Students Prior to using computers in classroom, discuss rules for using computers at school ▫ Important to establish appropriate rules at the beginning of the year Create kid-friendly reminder poster and post it by the computers in classroom Provide learning opportunities for students to practice proper online use

Teacher’s Responsibilities Review policy and understand content Make sure to use MCPS computers for educational purposes only Educate students on responsible online use Implement safe security practices ▫ Keep computer and technology secure when you’re not present ▫ Log off computer when not in use

Additional Information on AUPs Acceptable Use Policies. iSAFE America Inc., Retrieved from ▫ This article discusses why schools need AUPs Palgi, R. D. (1996). Rules of the Road: Why You Need an Acceptable Use Policy. School Library Journal, 42(8), ▫ This article identifies what should be included in an AUP and how the whole community has a responsibility to follow the AUP.