Standard+VI


 * Reflections on Technology Facilitator Standard VI: Social, Ethical, Legal, and Human Issues **


 * Standard VI from ISTE’s Technology Facilitation and Leadership Standards (Williamson & Redish, 2009) relates to technology leaders and facilitators “incorporating social, ethical, and legal issues into educational technology practice” (p. 133). This standard also focuses on providing equal access to all students, copyright laws, student privacy, and utilizing technology to meet the needs of diverse learners. **


 * The performance indicators I experienced for this task mainly focused on assisting teachers in using technology to meet the needs of diverse learner. During EDLD 5364 Teaching with Technology, we were introduced to the CAST UDL web site, which I had never seen or used before. We used the Universal Design for Learning model to build technology-rich lessons that addressed different learning styles and abilities (or disabilities). After learning about this model, I showed the members of my collaborative Algebra II team and other member of the math department how it worked (TF-VI.B.1, B.2, and C.1). We designed several lessons incorporating this model and the teachers were very impressed with its capabilities. **


 * In EDLD 5301 Research, we learned about copyright laws including properly citing sources, creative commons licenses, and intellectual property. When I gave a group assignment in my Algebra II class which involved using the Internet and conducting research, I spoke to each class about properly citing their sources and acting ethically while on the web (TF-VI.A.1). **


 * After reading this chapter in the textbook, I learned that even though practicing ethical and legal behavior is considered an important aspect of implementing technology in schools, very few educators know the laws (and therefore cannot teach them to students), or don’t care about the laws, or don’t want to spend the time learning about the laws. If this is an important standard that teachers are expected to practice with their students, then they need to be trained to do it. I have been teaching for 14 years and didn’t know or follow copyright laws before learning about them in this program. I was surprised to find out about all the laws I had been breaking by simply asking someone to download some songs or copy a DVD for me. These kinds of violations have become so commonplace, that no one adheres to them or really cares. I also learned that online safety is a very tricky area, especially as teachers are encouraged to use web 2.0 tools such as blogs and wikis to display student work. Districts have to be very careful to keep student identities protected, while also providing equity and instructional efficacy. Technology facilitators and leaders must develop policies that strike a balance between these areas. **


 * After talking to many educators about current copyright laws, student privacy issues, and online safety, most teachers did not know enough about the laws to enforce them or teach students about them. A sort of “ignorance is bliss” attitude prevails about these subjects. When I informed them about some of the current laws, most teachers seemed surprised, but not really interested in changing current practices. I think that if lawmakers want to make sure educators and students are following these laws, then more education about the laws needs to take place to both teachers and students. **


 * I am puzzled by the lack of knowledge about ethical online behavior and copyright laws by current educators. There is very little training for teachers already in the workplace in this area. I am not sure if new teacher programs at the university level are educating teachers in this area, but they should be. I would be interested to take a survey at my high school to determine the amount of knowledge our faculty has on these issues, and what technology leaders can do to help educate them and our students about practicing ethical and moral behavior when using technology. **

Citations:

Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). //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.