9 Policies and protecting yourself

Study this website, http://www.fluidoldham.co.uk/ esafety/ charter.php [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] . It shows an e-safety charter, developed by pupils, of their rights when using the internet. How does that compare with your school’s acceptable use policy (AUP)?

This website, http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/ server.php?show=ConWebDoc.51178 , shows another charter but adds to the rights by outlining the responsibilities that go alongside.

Watch the following videos.

These three websites give information about creating a school’s AUP:

An AUP outlines acceptable and unacceptable behaviours when using technology and network resources provided by the school, both on and off site, or when using personal technologies on school premises or networks.

A good AUP should protect staff as well as learners. The principles and sanctions for misuse should be clearly communicated to parents so they can support the school in the policy and mirror good use of the internet at home. An AUP is not a legal requirement for school but something which is seen as good practice.

Reflection

Has your school got an AUP?

Did you sign it?

Can you remember what it says?

Have you reminded the pupils about it frequently?

Is it based on rules? Or rights?

Is your on-line life professional?

Can your pupils, parents, employers find out about your lifestyle, immediate family, holidays or hobbies from your web persona?

Do you abide by the rights and responsibilities?

Would it be possible for your class, school or partnership to create its own charter?

If you used the AUP audit tool on the NEN website how did you get on?

Do you think having looked at the resources you could produce an AUP for your school?

8 Other issues – viruses and malware

Further reading