The Moss-Free Stone

We are currently working on creating teacher training opportunities that would introduce them to blogs, wikis, media sharing, and other read/write web tools and enable them to be integrated in the classroom. I fear, however, that we have skipped a step in the process: establishing acceptable use policies for students/teachers. My mind is already grappling with the complexity of this project, as it will certainly require a delicate balance of ensuring appropriateness of content while allowing for the creative freedom that is such an integral part of the tools. Previously, our district has applied general rules/codes of conduct to the web. For example, a student was disciplined for posts on her MySpace page based upon a signed code of conduct for the extra-curricular organization to which she belonged. If we are going forward, however, with our Web 2.0 initiatives, it is imperative that we get this process rolling.

As we begin this process, I am hoping to receive input from my blogging community friends.

• What have your own schools and districts implemented with regards to acceptable use policies in this area?
• What are the policies that you would consider critical?
• How do you achieve balance, ensuring appropriate use without stifling creativity?

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