"The Internet is a mirror of the world around us.
If something exists in real life, it probably exits
in some form on the Internet... good or bad. "

     By now you are realizing just how much information is out there! How can you encourage your students to use these Internet resources responsibly? There are resources and strategies that you can use to assist your students in using the Web responsibly.

• Acceptable Use Policies, other contracts, and safe surf'n cards
  
  
• Computer placement and classroom guidelines
  
  
• Safe search tools for students
  
  
• Bookmark files for classroom activities
  
  
• Blocking and filtering software
  
  
• Strategies and software that allow you to access Web resources off-line

     A well designed Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) directs responsible, ethical, and legal use of the Internet by the school community. Students are usually given an AUP which they (and their parents) are required to sign before the student gains access to the Internet at school. To aid your school in developing an effective Internet policy, you may perform an advanced search for "Acceptable Use Policy" AND K-12 using the search engine AltaVista - www.altavista.com and review the many AUPs listed.

     Other AUP resources on the Web:

• K-12 AUPs - contains a legal and educational analysis of
  K-12 AUPs, templates for school board policy, acceptable student use, student account agreements, school employee account agreements, guest account agreements, and a letter to parents.
  www.erehwon.com/k12aup/
  
  
• Rice University - many links to sites that examine both acceptable use policies and the issue of intellectual freedom.
  gopher://riceinfo.rice.edu:1170/11/More/Acceptable
  
  
• Conroe Independent School District, Texas - an excellent example of a K-12 school district that put its AUP and student handbook online.
  www.conroe.isd.tenet.edu/policies/internet/policy.htm

     Perform the phrase search, "Acceptable Use Policy" AND K-12 in your favorite search tool. Compare AUPs you find with your school's current AUP.

     You may choose to create a contract or written agreement detailing teacher expectations for Internet use and the consequences of misuse. It is then signed by the student, teacher and parents thus putting all on the same page.

     Many schools choose to design a driver license with a small picture ID. It is earned by the student after demonstrating understanding of appropriate Internet use and must be placed beside the computer while surfing. Misuse of the Internet means loss of license until Internet privileges are earned again.

     Some schools have used tote 'n chip cards. A tote n' chip card is a signed card, earned by the student after learning appropriate Internet use. It must be visible beside the computer when surfing. Misuse of the Internet means a corner of the card is clipped off. If all four corners are clipped the student loses all Internet privileges for the year. This has some draw backs for you - the teacher - it gives students four chances to get YOU into trouble with school policy makers.