Module 6: Digital Citizenship

I'm currently working at the University of Wollongong (UOW) as a researcher and this institution has an Acceptable Use policy which was first put into place in 2004 (Cyber Security Management, 2016). The policy aims to ensure the appropriate use of Information Technology (IT) and services to support learning, teaching, research, administrative, and service functions within the university.  The AU policy defines acceptable behaviour expected of users of the universities IT services. This document is designed to allow legitimate and optimal use of IT facilities and states that users must take responsibility for using the universities IT services in an ethical, secure and legal manner, respecting the objectives of the University and the privacy, rights and sensitivities of other people.

The full written policy is available publicly online at the University of Wollongong website and outlines how the university expects its community members to use hardware and information systems such as the Internet and any applicable networks at the university. The document clearly defines what is acceptable use and what is unacceptable use and places emphasis on the shared responsibility and ownership of university hardware and networks. The AU policy states the need for safety and privacy as well as outlining the consequences of violating rules set forth, where penalties for students who engage in IT misconduct are given in the universities Student Conduct Rules. 

The UOW AU policy states that it does comply with state and federal telecommunication codes, laws, and regulations and dictates that users must comply with fair-use laws and copyright regulations while accessing and utilising the Internet and other network materials and resources (Office of Education Technology, 2012). 

Common Sense Education (n.d.) outlines that institutions should have a plan of when to review their AUP. There is no direct statement in the UOW AU policy which dictates when reviews should be conducted but there is a track record of past reviews which occurred sporadically between 2004 to 2016, with major reviews every 5 years. With the rapid development of technology, more consistent reviews may be required to ensure policies are kept up-to-date. Furthermore, the Office of Education Technology (2012) recommend that AU policies state the educational uses and advantages of the Internet in the establishment, an element which is not featured in the UOW policy. 



References 

Common Sense Education. (n.d.) 1-to-1 Essentials: Acceptable Use Policies. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/1to1/aups

Cyber Security Management. (2016). UOW IT Acceptable Use policy. Retrieved from http://www.uow.edu.au/about/policy/UOW002319.html

Office of Education Technology. (2012). Acceptable Internet Use Policy. Retrieved from http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/safety_crisis_management/internet_safety/acceptable_use_policy.shtml 











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