Participate 4 - Digital Rights & Responsibilities

 Planning for Supporting and Protecting a Digital Learning Community through Digital Rights and Responsibilities

Planning for a Digital Learning Community (DLC) can assure that the citizens within the community have access to an environment where the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) protects its members as well as the community by agreeing upon procedures before any learning takes place. Before members engage with the learning community, the procedures and processes should be presented and agreed on. Generally, a written agreement that is signed by the community members is a good way to help protect the DLC.  The agreement discloses expectations and policies as well as consequences for not adhering to the policies.

The best way for a DLC to establish maintain a flourishing environment is for all community members to engage and follow the Acceptable Use Policy.  Expectations for proper netiquette and behaviors should be modeled by teachers and administrators. Also, keeping a posted digital copy of the AUP is a good way to assure that it can be easily referenced and not forgotten. Another method for encouraging the referencing of the AUP is to include it in news feeds from time to time for the duration of the learning.