I believe as a teacher it is my responsibility to guide my students in proper and ethical online behavior in today’s digital world. Unlike previous generations, current students have grown up with a world of information right at their fingertips. It is important that I make my students aware that increased access to information requires increased awareness of the rules governing the use of that information and increased scrutiny on their parts about the validity of that information. My job as a teacher is to educate my students on the concepts of copyright and fair use. Students need to know they cannot simply take what they want without first assessing the merit of the information and giving due credit to the owner.
I believe students need to be aware that their online presence is a reflection of themselves both personally and professionally. Pamela Medels at the New York Cyber Times makes the observation “With today’s kids, tech savvy often outstrips ethical smarts”. (Medels, 2000) Students must realize that hurtful or derogatory comments typed on a computer screen are no less painful than those said in person. In addition, students need to be aware of how they portray themselves in cyberspace. Media, such as photos and videos, posted online could be seen by anyone and could potentially affect them positively or negatively years down the road.
I believe technology can allow me as a teacher to help each and every student succeed. Proper use of technology and best practices can allow me to add educational value to existing lessons. (Martin & Martin, 2006) Online and computer based resources can be powerful tools to help bridge language gaps in the classroom or for personalizing the pace of lessons. Students can also access class materials outside of school allowing them to work and study on their own time.
I believe as a teacher I can take advantage of new technologies to expand the classroom to a global scale. Former US Secretary of Education Rod Paige said “For our nation to continue to engage other nations effectively, we need to give our students at all levels an international education of the highest standards.” (IIE Network, 2001) Collaboration with students from other countries can allow my students to not only learn about other cultures and places but to see projects in my science classroom from different perspectives.
As we progress through the 21st century, technology is going to play an ever larger part in our everyday lives. My goal as a teacher is to help my students make the most of this technology in order to remain current and competitive in the future.
Works Cited
IIE Network. (2001, 10 17). Retrieved 11 26, 2009, from Institute of International Education: http://www.opendoors.iienetwork.org/?p=29408
Martin, E. G., & Martin, C. M. (2006). Best Practices in Technology Education. Retrieved 11 26, 2009, from Virginia Tech. Technology Education: http://www.teched.vt.edu:16080/CTTE/ImagesPDFs/BestPracticesInTE.pdf
Medels, P. (2000, 02 16). Technology Cybertimes. Retrieved 11 26, 2009, from New York Times on the Web: http://faculty.plattsburgh.edu/stewart.denenberg/csc372/articles/ethics%20education.html
