Technology in the Classroom The Social, Ethical, and Legal Issues By, Aimee Clark

“We need technology in every classroom and in every student and teacher’s hand, because it is the pen and paper of our time, and it is the lens through which we experience much of our world.” – David Warlick

What is Educational Technology? Any technology used by educators in support of the teaching and learning process.

What are the social issues involved with educational technology? Digital Divide- separation between the haves and the have-nots. Cyber bullying- using technological devices to hurt or embarrass others Social Networks- online communities of people with a common interest Future of US Science and Technology Can you think of examples of social issues?

Factors That Affect Digital Divide Gender Race/Ethnicity Employment Status Family Income Is there really a great digital divide anymore? The National Center for Education Statistics reports that there are virtually no differences in Internet access between poor schools and wealthier schools any more, as Internet access has steadily been increasing in public schools over time (Fox, 2005).

Digital Divide As you can see, when income is increased, so does the percentage of internet users.

Cyber bullying Exclusion Impersonation Harassment Cyber stalking Gossip Exclusion Impersonation Harassment Cyber stalking Flaming Outing and Trickery Cyber threats Stories of Cyber Bullying in the News, Schools, Myspace, Facebook Have you seen any incidents of cyber bullying in your personal life? In the media?

Social Networks “Careless words and foolish pranks are a part of growing up. But, in cyberspace, a moment's ill-thought words and deeds can quickly mushroom into a community event that never quite goes away, potentially resulting in serious consequences for all involved.” Sexting What are some of the consequences of irresponsible posts/photos on technology devices?

The Future of U.S. Science and Technology U.S. needs Science and Technology experts. We must be able to compete in the global market. Teaching tomorrow’s technology today. How important is it that we teach technology literacy? What will it mean for the future of the US?

Ethical Issues Freedom of Speech Privacy Academic Honesty

Freedom of Speech Internet content is not regulated and some may be inappropriate for children. Some forums are research-based and some are simply opinions. Who is responsible for monitoring student access? Should some Internet content be censored?

Privacy Privacy vs. control monitoring? A school’s primary responsibility is the safety of the students. Monitoring in schools is appropriate and expected. When is it ok? Where do we draw the line?

Academic Honesty Data is easily accessed and shared. Essays for hire?! Cheating and plagiarizing Antiplagiarism Software You MUST ALWAYS give credit where credit is due! CITE your sources.

Legal Issues Copyright and Fair Use Privacy ADA Compliance Acceptable Use Software Piracy

Copyright and Fair Use Policies Copyright – Protects the rights of the owner. Fair Use Guidelines Four questions What is the intended use? What type of work is it? How much of the work do you intend to use? What impact does this kind of use have on the market for the work? Just as there are laws protecting the written word in books, there are laws that protect intellectual property on the Internet.

Online Privacy Children have a right to privacy. Parental permission. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act(COPPA) Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Irresponsible sharing of student information. How can a student’s safety be jeopardized by sharing info on the Internet?

ADA Compliance Americans with Disabilities Act Information presented electronically must be as accessible to children with disabilities as to those without. How might we ensure that we stay within the ADA guidelines?

Acceptable Use Educators must protect students against inappropriate behaviors and information. Code of ethics Filtering software It is the school’s responsibility to enforce the rules set in the district’s code of ethics. The code of ethics should be signed by both the student and the parent.

Software Piracy Copying software to share with others. “the most common problem isn't hacking or cracking; It's the unauthorized downloading of games and software.” Students and teachers must abide the copyright laws for software.

“Education is evolving due to the impact of the Internet “Education is evolving due to the impact of the Internet. We cannot teach our students in the same manner in which we were taught. Change is necessary to engage students not in the curriculum we are responsible for teaching, but in school. Period.” – April Chamberlain

Sources Gilkerson, Luke. “Bullying Statistics: Fast Facts About Cyberbullying.” Breaking Free Blog. Covenant Eyes, 2012. Web. 22 July 2012. Hinduja, Sameer. “Keep your head above social media: Facebook, texting, sexting...How to keep it all from spinning out of control.” Educational Research. MemberGate Membership Site Software, n.d. Web. 22 July 2012. Lever-Duffy, Judy, and Jean B. McDonald. Teaching and Learning with Technology. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc., 2011. Print. Office of News and Public Information. “Education and Social Issues.” National Academies. National Academy of Sciences, 2008. Web. 22 July 2012. Starr, Linda. “ Tools for Teaching Cyber Ethics.” Education World. Education World, 2003. Web. 22 July 2012. Valdez, Gilbert. “Critical Issue: Technology: A Catalyst for Teaching and Learning in the Classroom.” NCREL. North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, 2005. Web. 22 July 2012.