I don't know how many of you are using Google Drive, but there are many great resources available through it. I have created a QR code scavenger hunt for use by teachers, possibly in small groups during a faculty meeting. The hunt takes you to many of the resources provided by Google. To use the QR codes just download a code reader onto any device, wifi is not required to read the codes once you have a reader.
Here is the link to my Google Doc of the scavenger hunt: Google Doc for Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Monday, September 15, 2014
Acceptable Use Policies
The Madison County Schools Acceptable Use Policy, or AUP, was written in 2001, and revised in 2012, to inform employees, students, and parents of appropriate technology use for the school district. The AUP can be found here: Madison County Schools AUP. While teaching for Madison County, I reacquainted myself, my students, and their parents each year with our AUP.
The AUP first states that the goal for technology in Madison County schools is to promote educational excellence, and it is a privilege that can be taken away with improper use. Violations are outlined including any activity that is damaging to the hardware or student, or that may go against school policies. One violation that stood out to me was giving out personal information online including full name, address, and phone number. I understand that this is to protect students identity and location, but technically this includes employees as well. It seems to create a gray area since employees may find it necessary to give out such information.
The AUP goes on the thoroughly outline Internet safety including being personally responsible and
Internet safe by not revealing for identity to a stranger. Internet filtering is explained and readers are reminded that online activity will be monitored by the district. Electronic mail is permitted and provided for employees and select students. Access is for professional purposes, but personal e-mail is acceptable on a limited basis. With this in mind, it appears that Gmail would be permissible under Madison County's AUP since there are no restrictions on email providers. The AUP also outlines the use of web pages and Internet publishing, along with security. A large section is devoted to copyright restrictions and the consequences of breaking copyright laws. The last section goes back over specific consequences for violations of the AUP.
Overall, I think the AUP clearly states Madison County's expectations for technology use within the district. The main point of an AUP is to protect the district, the employees, and the students. Madison County's AUP clearly states how to use technology responsibly and any recourse for not doing so.
The AUP first states that the goal for technology in Madison County schools is to promote educational excellence, and it is a privilege that can be taken away with improper use. Violations are outlined including any activity that is damaging to the hardware or student, or that may go against school policies. One violation that stood out to me was giving out personal information online including full name, address, and phone number. I understand that this is to protect students identity and location, but technically this includes employees as well. It seems to create a gray area since employees may find it necessary to give out such information.
The AUP goes on the thoroughly outline Internet safety including being personally responsible and
Internet safe by not revealing for identity to a stranger. Internet filtering is explained and readers are reminded that online activity will be monitored by the district. Electronic mail is permitted and provided for employees and select students. Access is for professional purposes, but personal e-mail is acceptable on a limited basis. With this in mind, it appears that Gmail would be permissible under Madison County's AUP since there are no restrictions on email providers. The AUP also outlines the use of web pages and Internet publishing, along with security. A large section is devoted to copyright restrictions and the consequences of breaking copyright laws. The last section goes back over specific consequences for violations of the AUP.
Overall, I think the AUP clearly states Madison County's expectations for technology use within the district. The main point of an AUP is to protect the district, the employees, and the students. Madison County's AUP clearly states how to use technology responsibly and any recourse for not doing so.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)