33+ Sample Student Technology Use Agreement

FREE Student Technology Use Agreement s to Download

33+ Sample Student Technology Use Agreement

What Is a Student Technology Use Agreement?

What Is Responsible Use of Technology?  

Sample Terms In a Student Technology Use Agreement

How to Create a Student Technology Use Agreement

FAQs

What is a student AUP?

How would you use technology to support students?

How does technology affect you as a student?

What Is a Student Technology Use Agreement?

A student technology use agreement is a formal written agreement between a student and an educational institution or organization (e.g., school, university, tutoring center). It is an agreement that aims to regulate and promote the responsible use of technology. 

According to an online article published by American University School of Education, around 92% of teachers recognize and understand the impact of technology in education. Moreover, the same article also stated that 59% of elementary school students reported that using digital learning tools have aided them in their academic grades and exam scores.  

What Is Responsible Use of Technology?  

For students and young children, especially those who were born in the 21st century, technology has been a big part of much of their lives. Many of these children cannot imagine a world without their smartphones or computers. Technology definitely has its advantages and benefits; but for children who are still in their formative years, there is still a need for adults to help guide and manage their use of technology. The following examples are some primary concepts related to the responsible use of technology.   

Regulated internet use. Technology, like most things, can be abused. The internet has undoubtedly brought about a dramatic shift in the way people live their lives and relate to others. But along with the benefits and positive outcomes, the hyperconnectivity that the internet has introduced also came with some risks and threats. For students and younger children, the internet can be a powerful and useful resource for education and even recreation. But if left unchecked or without parental supervision, the internet can be a dark and disturbing space as well. Cybercrime and child pornography are among the most serious online threats. Thus, it must be stressed that parents, teachers, and adults in general have the important responsibility to guide and moderate students’ internet and social media use. Supervised device usage and screen time. When it comes to computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones and other devices, children need the same guidance as well. Multiple research and studies have warned against the effects of excessive screen time. Too much time spent in front of computer or smartphone screens can have detrimental effects on individuals. Parents and teachers must take it upon themselves to limit the device usage of young children, whether at home or in school. Social media can be a powerful distraction that could potentially affect a student’s academic performance in a negative way. It may hinder their ability to focus and accomplish classroom requirements on time. The remedy to this is overseeing the child’s device usage and imposing appropriate restrictions on screen time. Appropriate software and applications. With the thousands and thousands of apps available in the market and thousands more still in development, it can get quite overwhelming for a consumer. Today, there is essentially an app for anything. From fitness to finances to meditation, the options are endless. The convenience and availability of these applications and software are designed for accessibility. For children and students, it is also that much easier to access because of smartphones. Parents ought to take responsibility for what their children are downloading or installing on their devices. Adults should ensure that apps are age-appropriate and safe for children. Fortunately, many technology development companies take this into consideration and apply appropriate measures to restrict app usage only to users who meet the age requirement. Respect for Property and Privacy. Within the context of educational institutions, it is the duty of school administrators and educators to instill the value of respect and courtesy in their students. This includes respect for school property. Whether it is tables, chairs, books, or even devices, young students ought to show respect for items that are lent or entrusted to them. Respect is inherently linked to responsibility. Moreover, with the advent of remote learning and online classes, some schools offer to lend their students laptops and tablets to assist in their education. It then becomes the responsibility of the student to care for and use the device only for the appropriate reasons. When the time comes to return the learning device, it must be in good condition or at least the same state it was when it was first lent.

Sample Terms In a Student Technology Use Agreement

When it comes to student technology use agreements, there can be various provisions included in the contract. Although its specific content would greatly depend on the author, the following are just some common conditions usually contained in a basic student technology use agreement. 

Loss or Damage. When a student is given the responsibility of looking after school property, such as a technological device, it is expected that he or she will be able to return it after the assigned period of time. If in any case there is damage to the device or it cannot be located, there are usually terms in the agreement addressing this potential scenario. Whether it is replacement or the payment of a fine or penalty, it must be stated clearly in the contract agreement. The student must be able to understand what the consequences are for failure to take care of the technological device. The point is not to threaten or promote fear in the student, but to encourage them to act responsibly with regard to school property. Injury and Liability. As mentioned in previous sections, technology is not bad in itself. It is when it is used in a harmful or abusive way that it can cause injury and fault. A student technology use agreement should be able to internalize that notion. The failure to exercise prudence and responsibility in the use of technology (e.g., social media) should not be left unchecked. Schools must teach their students how to use technology for good and not as a tool to harm other people. Therefore, the formal agreement should indicate the consequences for inflicting injury as well as the grounds for liability with regard to technology use. For example, there must be appropriate measures in place if a student defames or maligns another student. A technology use agreement should not merely promote liability, but the values of accountability and discipline as well. Care and Maintenance. Another important provision that ought to be included in a student technology use agreement is the terms regarding proper care and maintenance of the technological device. Students must be made aware that they are given the responsibility and obligation not just to use the device leased to them, but to actively care for it and maintain its functionality. This helps promote the value of ownership and discipline. If the student knows how to care for things that are not their own, it contributes to their sense of responsibility and instills discipline in them. The details on care and maintenance can be specific or general as need be. What’s important is the stipulations are value-laden, descriptive, and clear.

How to Create a Student Technology Use Agreement

To create a student technology use agreement, you need to be aware of what you are asking of the student. And if you are looking for quick but reliable sample templates to serve as reference, simply download a sample template from the selection above. Choose one that suits your needs and follow the step-by-guide guide below.   

Step 1: Parties 

The first step in writing a student technology use agreement is establishing the identities of the parties involved. In this case, it is typically the student and the school or educational institution. Make sure to indicate the complete name of both parties. You can also include either party’s address. This section acts as the introductory part of your formal agreement. Thus, you need to ensure that the format and structure of this section is appropriate. Highlight the names and addresses of the participating parties either by using bold or underscored text.     

Step 2: Obligations and Responsibilities

Once you have established the identity of the parties involved in the agreement, another key section is the parties’ responsibilities. In order to help manage expectations, you need to determine the functions or obligations of both the student and the school. For example, a student’s main responsibility is to exercise diligence in using technology. On the other hand, the school, university or educational center is tasked to safeguard and promote the safety and academic formation of the student.   

Step 3: Terms and Conditions

One of the most fundamental sections of a formal student technology use agreement is the terms and conditions. You need to set provisions in place that will help direct the agreement. Conditions can either be expressed in general or specific terms. Some examples of terms include schedule of technology use, penalties, liability clause, confidentiality clause, period and duration of the agreement, among others. The format of this section is critical too. To make it more organized, you can either list it in numerical order or in separate bullet points.   

Step 4: Consent and Confirmation 

The final step in creating a student technology use agreement is to provide a formal declaration affirming that both parties are amenable to the terms and conditions. The purpose of this section is simply to present a confirmatory statement wherein both student and school give their free consent. This section of the agreement only needs to be brief. A couple of sentences should do. Lastly, make sure to leave enough space at the bottom of the page for all parties to affix their name, signature and date.  

FAQs

What is a student AUP?

AUP stands for acceptable use policy. A student AUP helps regulate the internet usage of students in school.

How would you use technology to support students?

Technology can be a powerful tool to help and support students in their education. Online groups and forums, online classes or even digitalization of assignments are some simple ways of maximizing technology to support students’ learning.

How does technology affect you as a student?

Technology can positively affect and improve one’s learning and education if used responsibly. But gadgets, devices, and social media can also be potent sources of distraction if used excessively or incorrectly.

If you are tasked to draft a student technology use agreement, you need to make sure it is comprehensive, logical and well-written. Browse the wide collection of sample templates above to get started on your own agreement contract today!