This site is designed to help those who are starting to use computers and the Internet in the classroom, to develop Alternative Use Agreements, as well as provide safety tips for Internet exploration for parents, teachers and students.Ý An AUA is a set of rules that those participating in using computing facilities need to abide by.

Here are some sites to get startedÖ

Monitoring Internet Use

Want to learn more about how to encourage effective uses of the Internet while keeping safety in mind? There are many products available to monitor and censor websites that children and employees are accessing, and that protect against troublesome viruses and other threats that arise with Internet use. This site provides links that tell more about the specifics in Internet safety and how to pursue Internet excellence. 

www.re-soft.com

Internet Protection for Parents, Teachers, and Employers

Many Internet Service Providers have adopted Acceptable Use Policies to ensure the confidence and safety of their subscribers. Typically included are guidelines concerning libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic, threatening, abusive, or illegal behavior online, as well as the use of the service to spread unsolicited e-mail. Included is useful information for parents, teachers, and employers on how to keep internet use appropriate. There are:

Search engine for kids

AT&T WorldNet for Kids allows children to search for content that is geared t toward their interests and is safe.

Free downloadable filtering software

AT&T WorldNet Service offers Cyber Patrol software, along with its companion software Kids Cyber Highway, free of charge for the first year. After that period, customers have the option of continuing with Cyber Patrol at a special discount off the standard list price. Surf Watch is also offered for a 30 day free trial without further obligation. At the end of the 30 day trial period, customers have the option of licensing the software at a special discount.

Browser with child-safety features

AT&T WorldNet Service also comes bundled with Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0, which features child-safety and security features. Ratings are also available that can provide parents with the ability to create restricted sites and safe sites. 

www.getnetwise.org/tools/toolspolicies.shtml

Develop an "Acceptable Use Policy" (AUP)
for Schools and Public Libraries

This site provides some samples of "Acceptable Use Policies" developed by schools and libraries across the country with the intent on providing young people access to the Internet with an understanding of the responsibilities Internet use requires. Learn all that you need to know about Acceptable Use Policies, how to critique them, and see examples of some schools and libraries policies that have already been enforced.

www.monroe.lib.in.us/~1champel/netadv3.html


Acceptable Use Policies

With Internet access becoming more and more common within our schools, it is clear that a clear set of guidelines for the use of the resources that this access provides are needed for the guidance of the students, teachers, administrators, parents, and board members in developing and understanding policy regarding these resources. This site has links to answer any question one might have on AUP's from what they are all the way to tips for parents and teachers. All of your questions and areas of interest regarding AUP's can be found here.

http://chico.ric.edu/armadillo/acceptable.html
 

 

Kresa Technology Services
"We make technology work for schools."

Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency presents a unique website that focuses on Internet safety, website blocking and filtering devises, and online help sites.

Safety Sites for Parents: Contains four different links that focus on tips for parents and teens. One of links is called Safeteens.com. It discusses specific information children should avoid giving on the Internet. Like talking to strangers, children need to be aware of the dangers of Internet use.
 

 

Filtering (Blocking): this contains information explaining what blocking and filtering as well as free Internet Filtering Software and technology help guides.
 

 

Technology Services: links that discuss training classes, technical support, and Internet resources.
 

 

www.kresanet.org/kresa/techserv/netsafety

Understanding and Creating "Acceptable Use Policies"

Do the computers being used by students have Acceptable Use Policies? What is an Acceptable Use Policy? How should schools create their own AUP's? About.com provides a link to computer networking, which in turn link to information concerning Acceptable Use Policies. This website offers an explanation of an AUP, as well as how to create your own for use at school

The importance of AUPs is fairly well known to organizations like schools or libraries that offer Internet as well as internal (intranet) access. These policies are primarily geared towards protecting the safety of young people against inappropriate language, pornography, and other questionable influences. An Acceptable Use Policy offers mutual protection and effective resource sharing for students.

Every shared computer network should have an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP, also known as Appropriate Use Policy). Simply defined, AUPs are verbal or written agreements all parties on the network promise to adhere to for the common good. These agreements define the goals for acceptable practice as well as unacceptable behaviors and the consequences.

www.compnetworking.about.com

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ÝÝÝ

Nathan Maus, Erin Bonner, Jen Gerow, Shelley DeLeeuw