Issues in Implementing Technology in Schools Social Issues Legal Issues Ethical Issues

Social Issues Cyber bullying is an incident when the Internet, cell phones, and other electronics are used to intentionally hurt or embarrass another person. Children may use the internet inappropriately for social interaction. Many people are using social network sites like Facebook and twitter for social interaction. The Digital Divide is all the U.S. households with Internet or Broadband Access, October 2003. Social issues include cyber bulling, online interaction, and digital divide. Cyber bullying is the use of the internet, cell phones, or other electronic devices to intentionally hurt someone’s feelings. This could be the spreading of lies, rumors, or insults targeting a person for the purpose of intimidation as well as posting personal information about a person on a web site. Some children have suffered from depression and suicide due to cyber bullying. Many teenagers are using the internet inappropriately. “Sexting” is an example of using technology inappropriately. People are also beginning to use Facebook and twitter more often than they used to. This is one of the main ways to socially interact with someone via technology. The digital divide separates technological haves and have-nots.

Legal Issues Copyright protects the rights of the owner of intellectual property. The right to privacy is one of the most significant issues in both education and society. Once technology is made available someone must ensure that it is being used appropriately. The fair use guidelines describe circumstances that teachers can used copyrighted materials during instruction. Copyright protects the interests of those who create works, whether text, music, artwork, software, or any other creative product. Every person has a right to privacy. One of the most significant violations of privacy relates to online privacy. Explain COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. When student’s are allowed to use the internet teachers must make sure they are using it appropriately. Many schools have filtering software.

Ethical Issues The content on the internet is not regulated. It can contain material that is inappropriate for children. Should society censor what is put on the internet? Some students are now hiring other students to do their work for them. Freedom of Speech The content on the internet is not regulated; therefore, it may contain information that is inappropriate for children. Do you think the information on the internet should be censored? Have you come across any websites that show academic dishonesty? Have you ever heard that everything on the internet is true? What do you think?

Remember Technology is slowly taking over the world. Be smart when using the internet. Never display your personal information on a website! Always be honest when using the internet. Explain different ways technology is being used. Explain smart steps to using the internet. Talk about internet dating. Explain how to use the internet for bill paying and other personal information.

Resources Lever-Duffy, Judy, Jean B. McDonald, and Al P. Mizell. Teaching and Learning with Technology. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 2003. Print.