Should public schools open up access to all web2.0 tools, including allowing students to blog, or watch youtube videos?
In the blog "Reinventing Project-Based Learning", Suzie Boss introduces an article in Edutopia about "Unlocking the Toolkit" and how safe is to safe? The "Tool Kit" being discussed is Web 2.0 and online resources.
How many times have you been surfing the net when you come across inapproriate materal accidentally by typing .com instead of a .org? These mistakes can seem innocent, but can lead to big problems in a classroom and in doing internet research/activities with students. Web filters and firewalls do a great job in preventing such "accidents" whether it be intentional or not. According to the "Children's Internet Protection Act" it is a district's responsibility to protect its students/users from being subject/accessing inapropriate visual depictions of material that is obscene, pornographic, and harmful to minors. Filters and Firewalls not only help with this, they often hinder useage of any site that may contain a keyword that can trigger material of such a nature. So, how do we go about utilizing the valuable, and necessary tools, while maintaining a safe learning environment?
"Befriend the Keymaster"
"Knowing who holds the keys and establishing a good working relationship with that person is one strategy for unlocking the Web 2.0 toolbox. Technology staff, not instructional experts, typically make decisions about Internet filtering." Also, it is important that you are prepared to justify the useage of any site that might be currently blocked by your district. Being able to explain the instructional purpose of any site can help you get things done and available!
"Innovate in Safe Places"
Often, teachers do not use Web2.0, software, or any new application out of fear of the unknown. I don't know of too many teachers who are willing to go out on a limb with technology. Comfort-level has a great deal to do with the successful use of technology in the classroom. A "virtual sandbox" is a great way for teachers to become comfortable with any new application they are asked to use. They provide a safe-haven where teachers can explore, and experiment with the software without fear of getting lost in front of the class. Also, without having fear of "messing things up", and not being able to fix or undo what they have done.
"Teach Digital Citizenship"
It is my feeling that the earlier students begin to use technology, the more comfortable they will be. There have been many times in a class where I have been using a new application with my class (I am the type that is not afraid to dive in) and I have hit a roadblock. I am never surprised to see that there are students who can not only help, but are excited to find out that "they knew more than the teacher". It gives them a GREAT FEELING. However, there have been times when my students feel that they know all there is to know about technology, and they don't need to be told how, when, where, and what to use. This is the wrong attitude. Just as it is a distrcit's job to provide security with filters and firewalls, it is my feeling that a district has a responsibility to teach its staff, parents, and students "Digital Citizenship, Netiquitte, and Internet Safety". There are countless resources out there.
http://www.digitalcitizenship.net/
http://www.digitalcitizenship.net/uploads/1stLL.pdf
http://www.netfamilynews.org/2010/04/help-for-teaching-digital-citizenship.html
http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/net_safety.html
http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/parent-guide/parent-guide
http://www.netsmartz.org/Parents
http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html
"Advocate for Access"
Finally, once everything is in place, the security, the training, the comfort-level, and the curriculum, comes the biggest issue...Access. This brings the question of equity. Who choses who gets what and when? It is true that we have come a long way in terms of providing equal opportunities for access...but it goes without saying that we have a long way to go.
"Teach Digital Citizenship"
ReplyDeleteIt is my feeling that the earlier students begin to use technology, the more comfortable they will be. - Yes Yes Yes! Love this.. If we could stop worrying so much about the dangers and unknown of the internet and teach responsible internet use, our students will be better prepared when they come across something at home without supervision. If they understood the etiquette and digital citizenship rules, it would take the pressure off of them and their parents when they are home alone "web surfing". I am also a fan of advocacy. If I ask our web administrator to open a link to a website, she normally does it for me right away. Sometimes she questions if it is academic, but most of the time it is opened. It all depends who is in charge and what type of administration you have. Usually if you can prove that it will benefit the children in an academic manner, and it does not compromise their safety in any way, it should be allowed possibly in a pilot format first. Always begin with the problem and have the solution to that problem figured out to present along with it. Still slow going.. I agree.
Bernadette, I love your comment concerning "Innovation in Safe Places". The key to education of teachers is professional development. Simply not allowing teachers (and students) use of internet sites and services does nothing except make them curious, and then upset that they are not allowed. If you can educate them on the use of Web 2.0, then the students and teachers (and hopefully the powers that be) will realize that a free internet can only work through education. The founding fathers had the same realization that the more educated the electorate, they better they would be able to vote. Education and enlightenment is the key for everyone.
ReplyDeleteAaron