Participate 4.1.1

Participate 4.1.1
Digital Rights and Responsibilities

When being a part of a DLC it is important for citizens to uphold laws and have access to robust, safe, and ethical resources. This is done by creating and implementing an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).  By having and implementing this plan citizens will become aware of their Digital Rights and Responsibilities.

An Acceptable Use Policy must address these key points:

• Technology that will be covered by the AUP
• Usage
• Internet Access
• Email
• Social Networking, Web 2.0, Digital Learning Communities
• Mobile Devises
• Security
• Downloads
• Netiquette
• Plagiarism
• Safety
• Cyberbullying

Woodward Academy has an excellent example of an Acceptable Use Policy on its website:
http://www.woodward.edu/students/acceptable-use-policy/index.aspx
There is also a chart outlining unlawful online conduct and applicable federal laws. This emphasizes how important it is to have and follow an AUP.

Having students and parents read and sign an AUP is the way a school should introduce the AUP. It is important for teachers to emphasize the AUP and refer to it often.