FOR
INTERNET-LINKED PRIMARY-SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Crystal K. MERIWETHER, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Abstract
A democratic process offers a way to facilitate and set guidelines for policy development in primary-secondary schools which encourages collaborative and cooperative explorations and use of the Internet for learning and discourages inappropriate use.
Özet
Demokratik bir süreç, Internetin, ögrenmede ortak ve paylasimli kullanimini tesvik etmek ve uygunsuz kullanimini engellemek üzere ilk ve orta okullarda kural gelistirmeyi yönlendirmek ve kilavuz olusturmak için bir yol önermektedir.
Introduction
The Internet is the collection of information services publicly available on the interconnected computer network that spans the globe (Harris-Braun,1996, xxvii). These services include email, connection services such as Telnet, and data-access services such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and Archie, as well as the most recent addition (1993), the World Wide Web (WWW).
The WWW is the multimedia portion of the Internet which contains an ever-growing collection of text, pictures, sounds, and videos on an unlimited number of topics. Because of the amount and timeliness of information available, the WWW is making a major contribution to education. Nowhere can this impact be more visible than in the world's primary and secondary schools which have links to or are about to join the Internet world.
The Internet as an Instructional and Professional Tool
As an educational resource in the classroom, the World Wide Web can be used to: *
take online field trips to locations that students otherwise could not visit; *
view pictures from outer space via NASA and the Hubble Space Telescope; *
generate and analyze maps and other graphic data to increase student understanding; *
find news and information in a variety of foreign languages written at various levels; *
publish student work; *
read newspapers, magazines, books, particularly those unavailable in ones school; *
participate with scientists and other students in ongoing expeditions.
Teachers and administrators can use this technology to: *
obtain lesson plans and instructional ideas in all subject areas; *
interact with professional educational organizations and colleagues; *
learn skills and techniques to increase personal professional effectiveness; *
review curriculum and instructional materials and requirements; *
practice foreign language skills; *
share personal expertise and experiences with others; *
review professional journals, magazines, newspapers, and research; *
obtain public domain and shareware of all types; *
participate in discussion groups; *
become involved in Internet-based curricular projects.
However, no one "owns" or "controls" the Internet, although various countries have tried. A plethora of student-appropriate and student-inappropriate materials exist. It is estimated that there are more than 100,000 Web sites...and that number increases daily. One of the policy issues that American schools have had to deal with in earnest, particularly since the inception of the WWW in 1993, is how to control student access to controversial information without blocking their ability to find useful materials. Parents, school staff and administrators, educators, politicians, and almost anyone concerned about the education of our young people have suggestions. Since the Internet was not designed with children in mind, both the US and individual state government have attempted to legislate online materials to deal with safety, liability, and content concerns. These attempts have been unsuccessful because of the logistical and philosophical problems with such an approach.
Education in Democracy
The Internet, particularly the WWW, is truly democratic---any student who has access to the Web whether in the smallest village or the largest city can see and use exactly the same information as any other student with the same language and technical proficiency. Because of this limitless resource, it is critical that teachers understand how to use the medium to enhance and expand their classroom activities. Responsibility for controlling what children view does not belong to any government---it belongs to parents and, by extension, to educators who are entrusted by parents to help teach their children. According to Robin, Keeler & Miller (1997,147), one of the most important lessons that children must learn when growing up is how to stay safe and avoid danger. Teaching students how to seek, evaluate, and analyze information they need and avoid information that is inappropriate and irrelevant, promotes strong analytical skills and good citizen-ship. This approach is far more effective than if elected politicians attempt the impossible task of turning the Internet into a completely child-safe environment. It is more effective than access control software which only keeps students from the most obvious inappropriate sites or greatly restricts acceptable sites, thereby limiting the scope of useful material.
The Directorate General of Press and Information of the Turkish Republic pamphlet "Education in Turkey" (1990, 6) cites the following Turkish educational goal:
Education in democracy: Efforts will be directed towards instilling in students the required knowledge for democracy; to create a society that is strong, stable, free and democratic, with citizens possessing the necessary knowledge relevant to administering the country, with developed feelings of responsibility and respect for moral values.
There is no greater tool available than the Internet at this time available for Turkish students to learn both this required knowledge and the personal responsibility necessary for democracy.
The Acceptable Use Policy
In keeping with the democratic ideals of the society, parents, teachers, and students at each school must work together to monitor and control the information that students see via the Internet. This can be accomplished through a process of developing, adopting, and implementing an Acceptable Use Policy or AUP. An AUP is an agreement between the users and the provider of computer services that outlines the rules for using the services. In schools, an AUP is a common way to ensure that the students under-stand the ways in which they are and are not allowed to use computer resources (Robin, Keeler & Miller, 1997, 27).
AUP's delineate the boundaries of appropriate and inappropriate student behavior. The rules of using the Internet are clear to parents and teachers as well as to students. The AUP can provide guidance for a student who encounters inappropriate materials, how he/she should seek out the supervising adult. However, as this approach is based upon student responsibility---an honor code---the AUP does not prevent students from behaving irresponsibly or inappropriately. It does make the consequences clear. And again, while the AUP is critical in insuring proper use of the Internet, it is insufficient by itself. Parents, teachers, librarians, media specialists, administrators all need to take an active role in guiding students in their Web exploration.
Purpose of Paper
The purpose of this paper is to suggest a way to facilitate and set guidelines for exploring and using the Internet for learning in an environment that supports collaboration and cooperation (Fishman &Peal, 1994). The process which follows focuses on students and Internet use in school settings. Policies can be developed also which focus on school staff and the Internet provider (province/nation). It is suggested that this approach be considered for use the Turkish educational system.
Suggested Steps in Developing An Acceptable Use Policy 1.
Determine who will develop the AUP. A small number of people whose input is vital to the successful implementation of the new policy should serve on the committee. The principal/assistant principal, the technology coordinator/librarian/ media specialist, Internet-using teachers, knowledgeable parents, and age-appropriate student government representatives should be considered for membership. 2.
Educate the Committee members. The group must know: *
who provides the service, who the peers are, and who receives the service *
how the Internet will be used in the school (focused research projects or free exploration); *
what kind of physical access will students have....shared computers or single use? limited numbers of computers? who gets to use them and when? *
what kinds of Internet access does the school have beside the Web for students? electronic mail, Usenet News, chat, FTP? *
what can be printed? downloaded? with instructor's permission only? *
what legal issues need to be considered? software piracy? copyright law?
privacy? freedom of expression? safety? plagiarism? morals and ethics? harassment? (Manning/Houston) Online behaviors (Netiquette)? *
what behaviors are to be controlled? *
what consequences are available for inappropriate behaviors? *
how involved with parents be in the implementation of the AUP? *
how will the AUP be presented to students and staff? *
will students sign a contract to use Internet services? 3.
Committee review of AUP samples. There is no need to "reinvent the wheel". The Committee should examine copies of other schools' AUPs as templates for development. Ideally, the Committee will seek out samples via the Internet.1 4.
Committee members write the first draft of their school's Acceptable Use Policy (Classroom Connect). *
Policy should explain what the Internet is, how students and teachers will be accessing it, and how it will be used in classrooms. *
Policy should explain the responsibilities of students while online. *
Make clear that use of the Net is a privilege and not a right, and outline the penalties and repercussions of violating the AUP. *
Provide space for everyone to sign...students that they have read the document and understand it; parents that they are aware that their child could access potentially inappropriate material, and that they accept responsibility if their child accesses the school's Internet connection from home; teachers should sign on behalf of the school. 5.
Committee shares the draft policy with the school principal if she/he was not a member of the Committee and then with the school faculty, student government, and parents organization for their reactions. 6.
Committee makes final revisions to the AUP. 7.
School Council/appropriate body reviews the draft AUP. If acceptable, it approves. If unacceptable, draft is returned to Committee for revisions. 8.
Once approved, the AUP is presented to students, parents and staff. 9.
Appropriate training for all school staff who have Internet access to ensure that they are adequately trained on the use of the browser, on search strategies for finding resources, and understands the issues of appropriate and inappropriate materials. 10.
Students and parents sign AUP contracts. 11.
Student violation of the AUP is treated through regular channels at school as would be any other violation. Parents are notified of student violation. 12.
Review the AUP on a yearly basis or more often as needed to provide for the ongoing online developments and the school's needs.
This is a critical time for continuing and new users of electronic technology for educational purposes. Easily understood language which states acceptable and responsible behaviors expected of both providers and users, and what consequences of improper use of such technology will follow, prevents problems online and encourages efficient, ethical and legal usage. The previous steps provide a broad outline for the process needed to develop an Acceptable Use Policy in primary and secondary schools. With modification, the process can meet the needs on a regional, provincial, ministerial, and/or national policy level as well.
Keywords: acceptable-use-policy
APPENDIX 1
Sample Acceptable Use Policy for Primary-Secondary Schools modified from a document provided by Education Gopher at Florida Tech listed at gopher.sci-ed.fit.edu Port70 in Internet/Contact:
APPLICATION FOR ACCOUNT AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR USE OF INTERNET
Please read the following carefully before signing this document. This is a legally binding document.
Internet access is now available to students and teachers at XXXX School. The access is being offered as part of a collaborative research project involving XXXX School, YYYY Institute of Technology, and the ZZZZ Department of Education. We are very pleased to bring this access to our school and believe the Internet offers vast, diverse and unique resources to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing this service to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence in our school by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication.
The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers. Students and teachers have access to
1) electronic mail communication with people all over the world;
2) information and news from NASA as well as the opportunity to correspond with the scientists at NASA and other research institutions;
3) public domain and shareware of all types;
4) discussion groups on a plethora of topics;
5) access to many University Library Catalogs, the Library of Congress, CARL and ERIC.
With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. YYYY Institute of Technology and the ZZZZ Department of Education have taken available precautions to restrict access to controversial materials. However, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials and an industrious user may discover controversial information. We (YYYY Institute of Technology and ZZZZ Department of Education) firmly believe that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of this Project.
Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, and regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users
who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire. In general this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the
network resources. If a user violates any of these provisions, his or her account will be terminated and future access could possibly be denied. The signature(s) at the end of this document is (are) legally binding and indicates the party (parties) who signed has (have) read the terms and conditions carefully and understand(s) their significance.
Internet - Terms and Conditions
1) Acceptable Use - The purpose of NSFNET, which is the backbone network to the Internet, is to support research and education in and among academic institutions in the U.S. by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. The use of your account must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of the XXXX School. Use of other organization's network or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Transmission of any material in violation of any US or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Use for commercial activities not acceptable. Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited.
2) Privileges - The use of Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. Each student who receives an account will be part of a discussion with an Internet-trained faculty member pertaining to the proper use of the network. The system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use and their decision is final. Also, the system administrators may close an account at any time as required. The administration, faculty, and staff of may request the system administrator to deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts.
3) Netiquette - You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include (but are not limited to) the following:
a) Be polite. Do not get abusive in your messages to others.
b) Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.
c) Do not reveal your personal address or phone numbers of students or colleagues.
d) Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do
have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported the
authorities.
e) Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users.
f) All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property.
4) YYYY Institute of Technology and the ZZZZ Department of Education make no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. YYYY Institute of Technology and the ZZZZ Department of Education will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This include loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by it's own negligence or your errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via YYYY Institute of Technology and ZZZZ Department of Education is at your own risk. YYYY Institute of Technology and ZZZZ Department of Education specifically deny any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.
5) Security - Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem on Internet, you must notify the Designated Internet system administrator. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Do not use another individual's account without written permission from that individual. Attempts to login to Internet as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to Internet.
6) Vandalism - Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet, or any of the above listed agencies or other
networks that are connected to the Internet backbone. This includes, but not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
7) Updating Your User Information - Internet may occasionally require new registration and account information from you to continue the service. You must notify Internet of any changes in your account information(address, etc). Currently, there are no user fees for this service.
8) Exception of Terms and Condition - All terms and conditions as stated in this document are applicable to the XXXX School, the YYYY Institute of Technology, and the ZZZZ Department of Education in addition to NSFNET. These terms and conditions reflect the entire agreement of the parties and supersedes all prior oral or written agreements and understandings of the parties. These terms and conditions shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the state/province of AAAA, and the country of BBBB.
I understand and will abide by the above Terms and Conditions for Internet. I further understand that any violation of the regulations above is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any
violation, my access privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary action may be taken and/or appropriate legal action.
User Signature:_____________________________ Date: ___/ ___/ ___
******************************************************************
PARENT OR GUARDIAN (If you are under the age of 18 a parent or guardian
must also read and sign this agreement.)
As the parent or guardian of this student I have read the Terms and Conditions for Internet access. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes and that XXXX School, YYYY Institute of Technology and the ZZZZ Department of Education have taken available precautions to eliminate controversial material.
However, I also recognize it is impossible for XXXX School, YYYY Institute of Technology and the ZZZZ Department of Education to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold them responsible for materials acquired on the network. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child's use is not in a school setting. I hereby give permission to issue an account for my child and certify that the information contained on this form is correct.
Parent or Guardian (please print): _______________________________
Signature: _________________________________ Date: ___/ ___/ ___
******************************************************************
SPONSORING TEACHER (Must be signed if the applicant is a student). I have read the Terms and Conditions and agree to promote this agreement with the student. Because the student may use the network for individual work or in the context of another class, I cannot be held responsible for
the student use of the network. As the sponsoring teacher I do agree to instruct the student on acceptable use of the network and proper network etiquette.
Teacher's Name (please print): __________________________________
Teacher's Signature: _________________________ Date: ___/ ___/ ___
******************************************************************
APPLICATION PORTION OF DOCUMENT
User's Full Name (please print): _________________________________
Home Address: ____________________________________________________
Home Phone: ____________________ Work Phone: _________________
I am a.....
____ XXXX School student and will graduate in _______.
____ XXXX School teacher, teaching ______________in grade______ .
____ XXXX School staff working as a __________________
____ XXXX School parent/community member.
When your account is established you will be notified of your logon name and user password. Thank you for your interest and support of this exciting new resource in XXXX School.
Sali Ozturk Academic & Research Computing Services
Training Coordinator XXXX Institute of Technology
(212) 768-8000 ext 8895 150Cevre Sokak
AUP@INET.fit.edu Ankara, Turkey
APPENDIX 2
Internet References for Acceptable Use Policies (AUP) and the World Wide Web
Public School Districts (Collection of individual schools within a governing region) *
Minot Public School, Minot, North Dakota
http://minot.com/~nansen/links/tech/AUP.html *
Anoka Hennepin School District, Anoka, Minnesota http:/www.Anoka.k12.us/Technology/AUP.Policy.html *
Pequot Lakes School, Pequot Lakes, Minnesota
http://www.uslink.net/~jboos/AUP.html *
Blue Earth County, Mankato Area Schools, Mankato, Minnesota http://www.isd//.k12.mn.us/guidelines.html *
Bellingham Public School, Bellingham, Washington
http://www.bham.wednet.edu/231inet.html *
Los Angeles Unified School District
http://lausd.k12.ca.us/aup.html *
Rocky Mountain High School Net, Ft. Collins, Colorado gopher://riceinfo.rice.edu:1170/00/More/Acceptable Collins *
Brevard County School District
gopher://riceinfo.rice.edu:1170/00/More/Acceptable/fla
State Educational Organizations *
Wasington School Information Processing Cooperative
http://inspire.ospi.wednet.edu/Policy_draft.html *
Minnesota Regional Netword Corporation (MRNet)
http://www.mr.net/about/aup.html *
Utah Education Network
gopher://riceinfo.rice.edu:1170/00/More/Acceptable/Utah
Articles Available *
The Internetworked School: A Policy for the Future, Barry J. Fishman and Roy D. Peal http://www.covis.nwu.edu/Papers/Fishman&Peal1993.html *
K-12 Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ftp://ftp.classroom.net/wentworth/Classroom.Connect/aup.faq.txt *
Internet School Networking Working Group, R. Manning and D. Perkins, ISD Houston, TX gopher://riceinfo.rice.edu"1170/00/More/Acceptable/banning
Internet Books *
Educator's Guide to the WEB, Bernard Robin, Elissa Keeler & Robert Miller, New York: Henry Holt & Company Inc., 1997. http://www.mispress.com *
The World Wide Web 1996, John December & Neil Randall, Indianapolis, IN: Sams.net Publishing, 1995. *
The Internet Director, Version 2.0, Eric Harris-Braun,New York: Random House, 1996. http://www.randomhouse.com
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICIES
FOR INTERNET-LINKED PRIMARY-SECONDARY SCHOOLS
CRYSTAL K. MERIWETHER, PH.D.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, USA
Dr. Crystal K. Meriwether
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Abstract: A democratic process offers a way to facilitate and set guidelines for policy development in primary-secondary schools which encourages collaborative and cooperative exploration and use of the Internet for learning and discourages inappropriate use.
1 A Sample Acceptable Use Policy and related Internet Web sites are provided in the Appendix. It is not within the scope of this paper to delineate an AUP in detail. The development of the AUP should be based upon the needs of the users and providers of the Internet Services and the answers to questions listed under Step 2 of the process.