Erin Settle EDIM 514 Appropriate Use/Internet Safety Policy

January 23, 2014

After reviewing my districts Responsible Use Policy found on the district webpage, I believe that it does a good job covering the basics found in CIPA. I know our technology department is very serious about aligning our RUP with CIPA and that is evident in the policy. The RUP lays out the purpose of the RUP, the authority the district has, guidelines that clarify by example the guidelines that apply to determining whether a given use is acceptable or not, and delegation of responsibility. At the beginning of the year, every student and parent receives a copy of the policy and signs the RUP stating that they have read and understand the policy. If the RUP is not followed then the students computer privileges will be taken away. CIPA lays out that minors should be educated about appropriate online behavior including topics such as cyberbullying awareness and interacting with others on social networking sites and in chat rooms. I believe our district does a good job at addressing this. Our guidance counselor comes into the classroom multiple times throughout the year and conducts lessons on these specific issues. They address this at all age levels and the students are educated about these topics year after year. Under the authority section of my districts RUP it clearly states that they have filters that comply with CIPA. This is evident in the fact that students have a school email address and the RUP states that students are unable to send or receive emails from unauthorized addresses. The RUP also states that the student should not expect any privacy using this email. This is one way the district also monitors what students are doing. As far as rules and processes there is nothing outlined in our RUP. As a building, we tend to follow the same rules and procedures that are given to use by our building technology leader. She is in constant contact with us and gives us a set of rules and procedures that she has found helpful in the past. For example, there are guidelines for how to handle the many different types of technology the students are using, how to turn them on and off properly, how to retrieve them and place them back and plug them in. In addition, there are rules for not using any last names when students are creating and posting projects for safety reasons. There are ways the teachers can bypass filters when needed. If a teacher wants to get onto a site that is blocked they must use their username and password to continue on. We are aware that this is a way to monitor what we are viewing on the computer but as long as we are showing that we are using the material for educational purposes there are no questions asked. In my opinion, I do not feel that these restrictions and barriers that have been put into place hinder teachers. Our district is in fact extremely supportive of both teachers and students using technology. I appreciate the support and encouragement from our district

to use as many different technologies as we can with our students. With the privilege of using such technologies, it only makes sense that there are rules and procedures put into place to hold teachers and students accountable for their actions. It is not a hindrance, but rather a way to make both teachers and students think about what they are using for their work and especially a way to protect students from inappropriate content. Technology is an amazing resource and learning avenue for both teachers and students. I think the rules set in the CIPA force districts to think about the information they use in their RUPs, as well as the enforcement of them. It challenges teachers and students to think about proper use of technology and the Internet, so everyone can improve their education, but in a safe fashion.