Reflection+TF+-+6+Social,+Ethical,+Legal+and+Human+Issues

[|Reflection 6 Tech. Reflection wk 6..doc]

Reflection on TF Standard VI: Social, Ethical, Legal and Human Issues

Due to new technologies emerging everyday and the uncertainty of how they can and will be used by students, teachers, and administrators as well as the consequences, both positive and negative, that may result, technology facilitators have a difficult job as they are looked to for guidance and leadership in addressing social, ethical, legal, and human issues of technology use in education (Williamson & Redish, 2009, p. 123). This is the foundation of ISTE’s Standard VI. Throughout the course of my Master’s studies, we have discussed various issues pertaining to standard VI. One such discussion focused on a very real issue that affects every school system at one time or another: cyber-bullying. There are several issues here that schools must address, but one key component is how we teach our students to be responsible internet citizens. While most students who chose to cyber-bully another student do so intentionally, I have seen students suffer the consequences of not really understanding their obligation as a digital citizen to act in a reasonable manner. These students too often face the charge of cyber-bullying with no such intent; usually, they simply thought they were joking or teasing someone. Students really don’t understand that it is difficult to interpret tone in text messages or Facebook comments. “If we are going to provide students with computers, Internet access, cell phones, and the like, we have an obligation to teach them how to use these tools ethically” (Bissonette, 2009, p. 73). Our school addresses internet etiquette during our freshman orientation camp, but I think we could use the opportunity during class time to remind students of the appropriate uses of technology when assigning team projects based in technology. I personally plan to do just that when the opportunity arises in my health classes this next year. Another area that Standard VI is associated with is our concern for privacy. Today, a school system network contains vital employee information, student records, and such. Government regulations such as FERPA and employee privacy laws have made understanding and applying Standard VI components one of the most challenging aspects of being a technology leader. Currently, at our school we have direct access to the district communications department if we have questions about student information and records. That way, our need for information is balanced with the student’s right to privacy. At the beginning of every school year, I always meet with the parents who lead my swimming and diving booster club, and one of the main issues we discuss is student privacy issues. I spend a great deal of time sharing what I can and cannot say as well as what they can and cannot say or do to in their role as supporters of the team. Even for parents who may have heard me talk about these concerns in prior years, I think it is a good reminder, and I find the parents appreciate knowing why or why not something can or cannot be shared. Usually, this helps them to be more understanding when conflicts or concerns arise that need to be addressed in private manner. Standard VI relates to all teachers as they use items that are copyrighted. I feel like many times school administrators really turn a blind eye to some employee uses of copyrighted material. Here, the technology leader should step in explain that the information is copyrighted and is not to be used in the infringed manner. In EDLD 5363 Video Technology and Multimedia, we were required to review the use of copyright as it pertained to digital images and/or music usage. After a few discussions with other teachers, most are unsure of the law and do not know where to turn for media sources that have a creative commons copyright, or copyright that allows for educational use. I feel that most school district personnel could benefit from having a yearly professional development session that teaches how to use these types of material in a legal and ethical manner. I still feel that I have much to review and learn about copyright laws as they pertain to schools. “Copyright law is confusing” (Solomon and Schrum, 2007, p. 139). As a coach I produce an end of the year video, and as I discuss with my parents it cannot be sold because of the copyright infringement issues with the music that we choose to use. This tends to be an issue that parents really don’t understand. Another critical issue that school systems need to periodically review with all students and employees is the proper use of e-mail. The Internet has spawned hundreds of lawsuits from employees and parents. E-mail has played a prominent role in many of these, including cases of sexual and racial harassment as a result of e-mailed jokes. The law on the Internet and e-mail is still confusing. School districts must design appropriate policies so that they may protect themselves from many claims. I’ve learned from many colleagues’ mistakes that firing off an angry e-mail will only get you into trouble, even if you are ultimately in the right. I always try to wait before I send an e-mail or call a parent if I am emotionally charged up. I prefer to think about my points and positions so I can produce positive results. I also tend to have someone else edit or read any e-mail I may have concerns about to see if anything can be misinterpreted. These are also copied to an appropriate administrator, again so as to keep misinterpretations at bay. As a technology leader, I must set an example of what we can and cannot use, explain how it can be used or when we need to get prior permission, and finally how to cite the material. Technology in schools must be safely and responsibly used by all stakeholders. According to Williamson and Redish (2009), technology leaders must be deeply knowledgeable about legal, ethical, social and human issues in relation to technology use, as they are responsible for developing, implementing and communicating rules, policies and procedures pertaining to technology. Therefore continued education concerning these policies and having frank conversations with other district leaders about the implementation of these polices in a school district is a must. Turning a blind eye to these issues will only invite a lawsuit down the road. Personally and professionally, I would rather spend my time and effort learning about “what not to do” rather than “what do I do now”.
 * Self-Assessment**
 * Learn as a Learner**
 * Lifelong Learning Skills**

References

Bissonette, Aimee M. (2009). //Cyber law: maximizing safety and minimizing risk in classrooms//.Thousand Oaks, CA. Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). //Web 2.0: New Tools//, New Schools.Eugene,OR: International Society for Technology in Education. Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). //ISTE’s technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do//.Eugene,OR: International Society for Technology in Education.