Digital Safety

Acceptable Use Policy

This week I explored Acero's acceptable use policy (AUP) for technology in order to better understand what students should do or shouldn't do in regards to their technology use.  An AUP is an agreement between the student and the district designed to keep students safe online. This agreement allows them to explore the digital world as part of their education, instead of accessing inappropriate or harmful sites (Kajeet). I found Acero's acceptable use policy in our 2022-2023 school year student handbook. This acceptable use policy is tailored for students. 

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Findings

The policy lists 14 prohibited uses and 4 potential consequences. This policy definitely focuses more on what student's shouldn't do rather than what they should do. I believe this document is used more as a reference after a student breaks the policy rather than a teacher tool for students to reference prior to misusing technology. I think in order strengthen the relationship between students, schools, and parents, a acceptable use policy should be made at the school level. Students, teachers, administrators, and parent should participate in the creation of this policy. Students on student council or other related clubs should have the majority of the say in making this document, while the adults are there for advice and moderation. Each year students on the council can meet to make changes or add necessary amendments as needed. This process will allow students to create a document that is student led with positive language and intent in mind. The final result of this policy can be made into flyers around the building. 

One aspect I found in Acero's acceptable use policy is where they state, "Access to the System is a privilege and may be revoked at any time by Acero." (93). This quote from the policy reminded me of when I learned about Twitters Terms of Service. The language in both policies are almost exactly the same. Both companies are stating that they are in control of the system and they can take it away at any time. 

In order for students to access the technology privilege's they must complete the Authorization for Access to Acero Technology Systems by Students. The last portion of this policy states that it is applicable to all school-based personnel, Information Technology (IT) personnel, legal department personnel, and executive management at Acero. I have worked for Acero for 3 years and this was my first time reading this policy. 

Securing your Digital Life

Sean Gallagher discusses the best practices there are in order to secure your digital life. One suggestion he gives is to always lock your phone with a 6 digit passcode. This suggestion reminded me of how many times I have seen little kids with their iPad or their parents spare phone open it with no passcode. Caregivers want their children to easily be able to access the device so they think there is no harm in having no passcode with it. However, there is personal data and information on that device that could be stolen if the device gets lost or stolen. But kids never lose anything right...

Overall, this weeks theme of digital safety just reaffirms my belief that digital literacy, online communication, and digital safety should be taught early and should be taught often. Just like with any other content, students need MANY instances of meaningful exposure in order to have learned fully. This type of learning should be project based with engaging, relevant topics to them. If students love YouTube, discuss, practice, and explore proper communication types on YouTube. If your students are younger, introduce them to YouTube Kids which is a safer, cleaner version of YouTube.