Acceptable Use Policies (AUP) are basically the rules of using technology in an organization, workplace, school, or membership. It usually consists of documents that outline how people are expected to use a network to communicate with each other and how the system (hardware and software) are used in combination to aid in communications or technology functions.
Often an AUP includes consequences if they are not followed by users. In schools, having a AUP that is revised and reviewed with a structured approach supports all learners, teachers, and staff as technology changes and use changes. I found an article in Education World that outlines a clear and sensible approach to create and gain support for a school AUP. (Murphy, 2011) Murphy mentions that a successful AUP starts with creating a culture of responsibility. Murphy has steps to a successful AUP that include:
- Start with a vision
- Have a committee
- Take a step back and look at things from the outside
- Get buy-in from all stakeholders
- Teach responsibility
I think these steps are basic, but a clear path to beginning to create an AUP for any organization that has a strong desire for their tech users to be part of a culture of understanding that involves technology and communication.
I looked around at some AUP examples and here is a list of a few quality ones I found:
AUP for Bellevue Schools in Bellevue, WA:
In conclusion, I found a lot of variants in the language of AUPs. I found it interesting that Seattle Schools AUP states that the internet is a privilege – right in the title. All the policies were clear that the acceptable use is the responsibility of those using the technology and included school appropriate language, common sense, reporting unacceptable use, violations of policy and restrictions on users that violate the policies. Almost all the policies defined what acceptable and not acceptable behaviors and choices lead to violations.
Murphy, K., (2011). Acceptable-use policies in the 21st century, Education World. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/bringing-acceptable-use-policies-into-21st-century.shtml
Amy's EdTech 541 Blog Spring 2019 
Great post this week, Amy. I also encountered a variety of components when looking at different policies. While most policies contained some sort of similar structures to the others, I felt that the most effective policies were simplified and centered around the level of comprehension of their audiences. One of the most important aspects of an AUP is understandability. Thanks for sharing the resources!
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