Week+3+Assignment+Part+3.6,+Reading+Reflection+on+ISTE+Chapter+6

This standard is about the social, ethical, legal, and human issues of technology. I learned that there are 4 major areas in education: digital equity, privacy, student's online safety, and copyright infringement. I was relatively familiar before this program with the ideas of digital equity (Mason & Dodds, 2005) and online safety. What was new for me was privacy and copyright. In EDLD 5344 School Law and EDLD 5362 Information Systems Management I learned about the importance of keeping student records private (Essex, 2004). When I looked into using engrade, an online way for parents to view their children's grades I knew that it had to be secure. There had to be no way for other parents or students to view anyone else's grades. In the end, I decided not to use engrade. But it was not due to privacy issues, it was due to digital equity issues. I found out during Back to School Night that only a third or less of my student's parents would take advantage of viewing grades online. Given the complexities of passwords, usernames, and my having to update a separate gradebook, I decided it wasn't worth the effort.

Online safety is another concern as I let my students do research on the web. Our school district has a pretty aggressive filter, but nothing is perfect. I make sure my students understand they are not allowed to enter any information personal information on a website. They must leave the site immediately. As an instructor I want them to both have access to the widest range or information, while at the same time keeping them safe. I make sure thy understandI would assess myself as doing a pretty good job of this so far. My students quite frankly, have not had much time using the internet previously even though they are in 6th grade. But they are learning how to do research and how to determine what is relevant information. Interacting with forums, and the professors and students in this program have helped my craft my own approach to online safety with my students. I want to learn what has worked and what hasn't. There is no need to reinvent the wheel here.

I learned that the 4 major areas of this standard are very complex with lots of implications in and out of the classroom. I know that the internet and web 2.0 tools in particular are vital to help children learn and be ready for the future. I need to keep this in mind as I strive to improve and update my professional practice. Continuing to stay in touch with others in educational technology and my fellow students in this program will be extremely beneficial. This issues raised and addressed in this standard are something I must continually research and investigate. Especially the need for online safety both inside and outside of school. Fortunately, there are many resources regarding school safety (Joseph, 2007). The technology will not be standing still. In fact the pace of change will most likely escalate. It is vital that I be up to date.

References

Essex, N. (2004). Confidentiality and student records: Ten ways to invite legal challenges. The Clearing House, 77(3), 111-113. Joseph, L.C.(2007) Keeping safe in cyberspace. //Multimedia & Internet @ Schools//, 14(1), 17-20 Mason, C.Y. Dodds, R. (2005). Bridge the digital divide for educational equity. //The Education Digest//, 70(9), 25-27