In this section, you will learn more about York County School Division's Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Use the following questions to guide you through this page.

• What is an AUP? 
• How does the AUP help students stay safe on-line in other settings away from school?
• What role does the AUP play in your efforts to integrate technology into your lessons?

"By definition, an AUP is a written agreement signed by students, their parents/caregivers, and their teachers. It outlines the terms and conditions for using technology-based devices maintained by schools and personal technology-based devices used during school hours on school property."
~The Virginia Department of Education

At the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year, all YCSD students were required to return a signed AUP. The document not only outlined student and staff responsibilities when using school division technology resources, it also required parents/caregivers to identify which internet and network services they give their students permission to access. The AUP is given to all new students when they enter the school division.

The YCSD AUP states,"Every division student who wishes to use YCSD network services, web-based resources and the Internet must have a parent/guardian signature on this AUP form."

Because this form is not signed each school year, it is extremely important that students are reminded of their responsibilities when using the school division's technology resources.

• Are they aware of what they signed?
• Do they know their responsibilities?
• In addition, are you aware of your responsibilities as a YCSD employee?

Take a few moments to preview a few key points from the YCSD AUP. Click here to read the entire document for additional information.

 

 

In addition, users shall:

• use proper network and e-mail etiquette,
• properly use and care for all technology and network equipment,
• be responsible for all material in his/her y drive, and
• not install personal software on any division hardware.

The following statement from the AUP is extremely important when students are using the computer:

"All division teachers and staff will monitor all user activity in classrooms, labs and libraries and will pursue appropriate disciplinary actions based on the Student Conduct Code or criminal statutes as appropriate for any violations of this AUP."

 

Remember: A vital, workable Acceptable Use Policy should be based on a philosophy that balances freedom and responsibility.

Take a moment to think how these policies help and not hinder student learning as well as model appropriate use for all online activity, even home use. You can use the Making Connections graphic organizer to help.

When integrating technology in the classroom, it is important to remind students of the guidelines outlined in the AUP. Careful monitoring will support your efforts to help students become responsible computer users.