Technology+Facilitation+Standards+VI

ISTE’s Standard VI, Social, Ethical, Legal, and Human Issues Standard VI is very complicated and has new implications every day. It begins by discussing the social issues of technology. The U.S. Department of Education is responsible for data relating to how educational resources are utilized. According to Wells & Lewis, the digital divide among students is getting smaller. The divide among students in urban and rural areas and school minorities is getting smaller in regards to having broadband access. As a technology leader, it is imperative that these areas are addressed. The schools that are actively using technology are receiving more funds to continue their pursuits while schools that are not using technology are receiving greater cuts. Another area of concern is meeting the requirements of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). All students must have equal access to technology and it is our responsibility to make that happen. The second area of great concern is student safety. Schools have taken measures to keep students safe from websites that are offensive, pornographic or potentially dangerous by installing appropriate software filters. Schools that have an E-rate and are receiving federal funds are required to do so. Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires the use of filters. The most recent area of concern is the use of Web 2.0 tools. These tools provide an opportunity for students to have a greater audience for their work, a purpose and provide an opportunity for them to make a difference in creating their futures. The problem educators are grappling with is how to maintain student safety. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prevent the use of identifying a student with specific data or photography. The technology facilitator will need the assistance of administration and perhaps a legal team to ensure compliance. The use of social networking is an increasing problem. While networking provides an opportunity for students to collaborate it also creates an avenue for additional problem. “By providing personal information online and being lured into face-to-face meetings, children and teens have unwillingly aided in pedophiles in committing crimes against them”. (Williamson & Redish, 2009). It is a school’s responsibility to teach safety while online. Parents and guardians need to accept responsibility as well. Copyright is a topic that is difficult for digital natives to comprehend. They have instant access to any information they can imagine yet they don’t understand that just because they are able to view the information does not give them a legal right to take it or reuse it without referencing the source. The Copyright Act of 1976 if difficult to understand and ambiguous, yet we must attempt to teach our students the law. The best approach is to provide training to students as well as teachers regarding the law. Everyone must be familiar with current standards, what is acceptable and what is not. Most schools require permission from parents prior to allowing students to using the internet or publishing work. A course for parents to teach their child internet safety and netiquette is beneficial. Lessons regarding cyber bullying and possible risks are a necessity. The goal is to use technology to the fullest, while keeping our students safe.

References Williamson, J., & Redish T. (2009). Social, Ethical, Legal, and Human Issues. In Jeff Bolkan, Lynda Gansel, Lanier Brandau (Ed.) ISTE’s Technology Facilitation and Leadership Standards (pp. 123 - 146). International Society for Technology in Education. Eugene, OR

Wells, J., & Lewis, L. (2006). Internet access in U.S. Public Schools and Classrooms: 1994-2005 (NCES 2007-0200). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Educational Statistics.