Polices+Explained+with+Examples

= AUPs/CUPs - Feel a little overwhelmed by acronyms? AUP stands for “Acceptable Use Policy” and CUP means “Classroom Use Policy.” = The two documents have minimal differences: AUPs are more formal; CUPs are more student oriented.
 * AUPs and CUPs are written sets of rules for computer and Internet use, are meant to be read and signed by all parties concerned, including students, parents and teachers.
 * AUPs and CUPs define appropriate computer use and describe inappropriate behavior. They let everyone know the expectations and consequences for the use of computers. Teachers can use both types of documents to convey class norms to students and parents. Find out about the school’s existing policies and work on customizing and enhancing them for the classroom to avoid problems later.


 * AUPs **
 * Ensures that all staff members and students understand what is expected of them while working on the computers. It informs parents about the standards the school upholds. When all parties have information and education, fewer unforeseen surprises pop up.
 * Created at the administrative level and outline appropriate and inappropriate computer behavior. Most teachers will have already signed AUPs for their schools or districts.
 * Address specific unacceptable computer behaviors: giving out personal information, breaching school security, inappropriate language, copyright violation and plagiarism.
 * Informs the users that some of the material they encounter may be inappropriate for children. The AUP should outline what measures the school will take to minimize such events from occurring. Teachers should able to answer any questions parents may have concerning the safety of their children.


 * CUPs **
 * To inform students and parents about acceptable and unacceptable types of behavior in a classroom, establish a Classroom Use Policy (CUP). Think of the CUP as an extension of the existing classroom rules.
 * Student involvement in creating the CUP can encourage compliance.
 * CUPs not only create guidelines and make boundaries, they set up stringent consequences they encounter may be inappropriate for children. Alleviate any misunderstandings of the rules by making sure that student, parent and teacher all sign the CUP.
 * A typical CUP includes rules for safe computer use. Consider including guidelines for e-mail, Internet and general computer usage. Keep in mind, however, a district’s AUP regulations are binding and may not be overridden by a CUP.


 * Safety First **

Before anything else, teach students how to act safely on the computer. Include CUP guidelines like the following for appropriate e-mail and Internet use:
 * Never give out personal information (last name, address, phone number).
 * Turn off the monitor and tell a teacher right away.
 * Never share a password.
 * Never respond to any messages that create uncomfortable feelings.
 * Never respond to e-mail without showing the teacher first.


 * Use the Internet for school projects only.
 * Get teacher permission before printing anything from the Internet.
 * Do not type in any URLs without the teacher’s permission.

No matter what happens, some students will try to test the limits. So, be prepared. See that the CUP has a list of consequences for inappropriate computer behavior. Arrange them by type of offense or frequency of offense. These consequences may include verbal warnings, written notes home to parents to be signed and returned and the loss of computer privileges for a specific amount of time, depending on the rule broken.
 * Setting Limits **

Be creative in teaching students the CUP. Some teachers post the CUP along with their regular classroom rules and discuss it the first day of school. Other teachers keep copies displayed next to computers so students remain aware of what they can and cannot do on the computer.
 * Implementation Ideas **

The goal is for students to know the CUP and how to use computer properly. The skills and knowledge they gain will go with them into the rest of their lives. Start them off with good computer habits.

= Examples: =
 * [[file:Business Dept Computer Usage Agreement.doc]]
 * [[file:CBMS Acceptable Use Policy.doc]]
 * [[file:classroomcomputerusage.doc]]
 * [[file:techplan.doc]]