Running head: brittingham aup reflection1

Brittingham AUP Reflection

D’Vore Brittingham

Presentation: https://youtu.be/bd4iybeFXI0

Brittingham AUP Reflection

An acceptable use policy (AUP) is a document that outlines a set of rules to be followed

by users or customers of a set of computing resources, which could be a computer network,

website or large computer system. An AUP clearly states what the user is and is not allowed to

do with these resources. Educational institutions have a responsibility to keep their students and

teachers safe. The purpose of an acceptable use policy is to inform users about provisions that

have been made to ensure their safety on the electronic network provided by the school and list

prohibited behaviors that would compromise their safety or position in the school.

After examining the AUP of Washington Global Public Charter School (WGLO) against

the district wide policy of DCPS there were a couple of areas that could use updating. For
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example, the AUP for WGLO is not clearly labeled and outlined as an AUP. It is listed as a

subsection inside of the teachers handbook labeled as “Equipment and Electronics Use Policy.”

There isn’t a clear and cohesive message that outlines the purpose of the policy and why it has

been put in place. I believe it would be more beneficial for staff members to have the

Acceptable Use Policy separate of the employee handbook. Having the two things not

intertwined then establishes a clear purpose of “why the policy is needed, goals, and an

explanation of the process for creating this AUP” (Kajeet, 2020).

The WGLO use policy also does not provide definitions of the words used frequently

inside of the AUP. Most times people are reluctant to read an AUP because of the language.

Having definitions presented to readers will make for clear translations of the policy. While staff

members could look-up and define unknown words, having definitions embedded inside the

policy will allow for reader retention. WGLO does have a policy statement of sorts that explains

which services are covered by the AUP for teacher usage. However, because the AUP for

WGLO is embedded inside the teacher handbook it makes things confusing for the reader.

WGLO should consider breaking their AUP up into clear sections and subsections that organize

and help develop the writing of the policy. These clear topics and sections will help the reader

make meaning of the policy and move through the document, bottom line it’ll make the

document more readable.

WGLO also does not have a documented acceptable use policy for students. This does

not propel students into becoming responsible technology users and digitally literate. The school

should put in place a student friendly AUP. Creating technology responsible students is

imperative to 21st century learners. This student policy should be written in student friendly

language that explicitly states what is acceptable and appropriate behavior when using school
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networks or technology. It should also clearly outline the consequences of violating the school’s

policies.

When creating a student centered AUP, consider making it a user friendly agreement

opposed to a cut and dry policy. Using statements like “I agree to”, “I will not”, or “I am

responsible for” helps students to actually connect and internalize the policy. It also helps create

that student friendly language for comprehension. It is not beneficial to have students just “sign”

a policy to check a box, if they don’t fully understand what they’re signing. As educators it is our

responsibility to always ensure we’re setting up scholars for success. Creating a document that

students fully understand and sign drives home the importance of reviewing all things before

giving it your signature, setting up good readers in the near future of signing loan documents, or

leases.

By updating the school’s AUP to reflect these changes, it will ensure that there is a clear

and concise message the school displays for the network usage. Teacher’s will be able to move

through the document quickly and thoroughly. Separating the AUP from the staff handbook will

help create a cohesiveness of the regulations of network and technology usage for staff. Also,

implementing a student AUP creates a contract for safe network usage for students. Having all

parties understand and agree to the school’s AUP, will protect the users and the school’s network

following the schools mission.

References

District of Columbia Public School System (2020, May). Acceptable use policy. Retrieved from

https://dcps.dc.gov/publication/student-and-staff-technology-and-acceptable-use-policy

Kajeet. (2020, September 16). Why Acceptable Use Policies are Critical for Education.

Retrieved from Kajeet: www.kajeet.net

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Washington Global Public Charter School. (2020, August 8). Employee Handbook. Washington,

District of Columbia, United States of America.