Teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices.
As social media continues to permeate our society and change the way we communicate, I've made it a priority to teach my students proper digital etiquette and responsible social interactions.
I personally would opt for a classroom that was less police-state in regards to technology and more about personal responsibility. Knowing how and when to properly use cell phones and social media is more important because when these students I have leave the four walls of my classroom and move on to the world at large I won't be there to help them make sure they are not revealing too much personal information on Facebook. For example, if a stranger from Angola is trying to get you to fly to his country and be his husband, you probably have shared some information on Facebook that you shouldn't have.
This year I've used the resources at The Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship to engage students in a dialogue about using their technology in an appropriate way. We've a range of topics ranging from proper conduct on the Internet to proper use of your ATM and using e-commerce.
One thing our district has done well is giving everyone access to technology. My program has computers for everyone to use, which fosters opportunities for students to engage in diverse and meaningful learning. Each freshman in our district gets a laptop that follows them through their senior year.
An area that I have lacked in, not only professionally but also personally, is using the appropriate documentation when using things such as photos or information. If I need a picture for a presentation I Google it, download it, and insert it. I never even gave a thought to citing or giving credit. I figure it is on the Internet so it is there to for me to use for educational reasons.
However, now that my students and I have been talking about copyrights and fair use not much is probably going to change for us. Not that we shouldn't take the time to search for Creative Commons materials. But in the midst of deadlines and necessity it is likely that last thing on our minds.
As social media continues to permeate our society and change the way we communicate, I've made it a priority to teach my students proper digital etiquette and responsible social interactions.
I personally would opt for a classroom that was less police-state in regards to technology and more about personal responsibility. Knowing how and when to properly use cell phones and social media is more important because when these students I have leave the four walls of my classroom and move on to the world at large I won't be there to help them make sure they are not revealing too much personal information on Facebook. For example, if a stranger from Angola is trying to get you to fly to his country and be his husband, you probably have shared some information on Facebook that you shouldn't have.
This year I've used the resources at The Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship to engage students in a dialogue about using their technology in an appropriate way. We've a range of topics ranging from proper conduct on the Internet to proper use of your ATM and using e-commerce.
One thing our district has done well is giving everyone access to technology. My program has computers for everyone to use, which fosters opportunities for students to engage in diverse and meaningful learning. Each freshman in our district gets a laptop that follows them through their senior year.
An area that I have lacked in, not only professionally but also personally, is using the appropriate documentation when using things such as photos or information. If I need a picture for a presentation I Google it, download it, and insert it. I never even gave a thought to citing or giving credit. I figure it is on the Internet so it is there to for me to use for educational reasons.
However, now that my students and I have been talking about copyrights and fair use not much is probably going to change for us. Not that we shouldn't take the time to search for Creative Commons materials. But in the midst of deadlines and necessity it is likely that last thing on our minds.
