Friel (2001) states that once the computers are hooked up and we are ready to go online we still need to look at how are we going to use the internet, what types of resources should the students have access to and how are we going to show the students the correct way to use the internet? Students need to understand copyright issues, how to site work of others and acceptable ways to use the internet. Friel also brings up the debate of using filters throughout a school district or only at specific schools. She also touches on privacy issues.
In Stafford Co. we do have internet filters, at least in the elementary schools. With these filters it will not bring up websites that contain explicit language, porn and dating services. Personally, I am glad they have these filters but they only work so far. One day I was trying to look up meteorologists for my second graders. I used ask.com to see if there was a site to explain about the profession. The first two website addresses that came up had blurbs that had explicit language in them and I told the students to go away until I found a better site.
I did have a problem with the Privacy Issues section in the article. Yes, we should explain to the students that it is wrong to try to read, copy or change other people’s e-mail but school e-mail is not a good example. Since public schools are funded by the state and county all of our e-mail falls under the Freedom of Information Act. At and time, school or state officials and parents can request to see our e-mails.
Friel, L.L.(2001). “Using Technology Appropriately” Technology In Its Place. Jossey-Bass: San Francisco.
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It is agreed that filters in schools can be good and can be bad. The author suggests that when an inappropriate Web site pops up this can be an opportunity for a teaching moment in a teacher's classroom. Others may disagree - especially, depending on the age of the student. This is where a schools policy comes into play. As long as the entire community played a role in developing this policy there should be no issues. Though, the creators should be open to research and expert findings when bringing suggestions forward and change should be constant.
I like the idea in our reading of the importance of school leaders to be in touch with what the community thinks and feels. This is a continued theme thus far in this class and an important one. When the entire community has a voice on important issues educational goals and objectives of the community can be obtained and reached. This entire community involvement also applies to AUPs and creating policies to teach our students about information literacy. Issues such as, what happens when my student sees bad language or an inappropriate Web site should be outlined. At least, it would help.
Privacy issues are important for both students and teachers to understand. Information transferred over the Internet can be accessed at anytime by anyone that uses the Internet. This could mean school personnel, federal agencies, other students, or a person trying to gather information about you. Nothing is safe.
I am glad that there is controversy in our readings for each of you. There should be. We should not take what we read as pure fact. That is one part of being information literate. Another part is backing up your opinions with research.
Good posting!
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