Technology plays a very important role in the daily life of students, especially students with special needs. We sometimes forget the simple things such as the student's workstation (Follow link to e-tools for workstations) when using a computer. Many stations are built the same, but not all of our students are the same. I teach in a K-8 school with one computer lab. Are those workstations appropriate for that range of kids? I don�t think so! Many students with special needs also require special programs and software (Follow link for Adapted software). Another great tool when looking at classroom diversity is The Equity Index. This tool can be used to address some of the cultural diversity within a classroom. In order to accommodate all students equally the teacher has to make an effort to do that, and most good teachers do that without thinking. Good teachers create a positive learning environment for all their students naturally.
When it comes to technology you have to be very careful in many different areas. First your computer or computers in a school are the property of the Board of Education. Your emails are public documents! Your computer can and will be monitored by school administrators. You are restricted from many or any websites the school chooses to block. You are required to sign a five page document on acceptable and appropriate use (Follow link to ethics in cyberspace). You are responsible for students using your computer. Are these things good or bad? It really doesn�t matter, if you use your computer for appropriate school use. I have witnessed many of my colleagues use their work computer for use that is not appropriate during school hours, such as making purchases on Ebay. Many teachers across the state and country have been fired for misuse of their workstation. I�m glad that I have chosen the educational technology major program through ECSU because the courses that I have taken and the books that I have read have opened my eyes to what should and shouldn�t be done from work/school.
In my time as a health and physical education teacher, I try to model appropriate use for my students. One paper that I developed in EDU-621 about Network Access and Security has really helped with my understanding of acceptable use. One of the things I show my students is the brochure on internet safety (Appendix D) I developed for one of my graduate classes. I show it for two reasons: first to display the ease of making a brochure, and second to explain the dangers on the internet that they are not aware of. I also have my students complete projects using PowerPoint so I have them view my slide show on Plagiarism (Appendix L). Each student in our school is required to sign an acceptable use policy as well, so the students are aware that they will be monitored on their use of computers, and what the consequences are for unacceptable use. As technology grows it has become more evident that ethics in cyberspace are going to have to be a priority. Being ethical in your use of the internet and all of the information it provides is a new concept to many students and teachers. Hopefully most teachers and students are practicing quality ethics in cyberspace.
Connecticut State Department of Education. (2007). Connecticut code of professional responsibility for teachers. Retrieved June 8th, 2009 from http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/cwp/view.asp?a=2613&q=321332
Equity Index. (200). Equity Index. Retrieved June 8th, 2009 from http://equity.4teachers.org/index.php
McLaren, P. (1989). Life in schools: An introduction to critical pedagogy in the foundations of education. White Plains, NY; Longman, Inc.
Ormrod, J. E. (2008) Human Learning 5th edition. Upper Saddle, New Jersey: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.
Sergiovanni, J. and Strratt, J. (2007) Supervision a redefinition: Eighth Edition New York NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Willard, N.E. (2007). Cyber-safe kids, cyber-savvy teens: Helping young people learn to use the internet safely and responsibly. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
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