Field+Based+Activities+Reflection+TF+VI.A

==== Standard VI.A is about understanding applying and teaching the social, ethical, legal and human issues surrounding the use of technology in schools (Wiliiamson & Redish, 2009). Our high school has an AUP regarding social media and teachers. It states that teachers and students should not communicate via a teacher's personal social media site. I actually became aware of this policy when my prinicipal, who had been my longtime Facebook friend, unfriended me once I was hired at his school. ====

Solomon and Schrum say "No conversation about students and Web-based activities would be complete without remarking on the the treats that lurk online...School districts have to do everything in their power to prevent problems before they start." Our AUP, which is appropriate and comprehensive does just that. But is not readily available in writing anywhere. As a leader I had to see that teachers could easily access the policy in case there is a question.

Another activity that illustrates this standard regards the use of online textbooks. Our district has Kurzweil software, which, among other things, coverts text to speech. Every district textbook is accessible using this software. The problem is these online versions of textbooks cannot used in the place of a physical school-issued book. It is to be used strictly as a learning tool for students who are auditory learners, or who need some assistance in reading. Once we learned that it was available for any student (not just special ed students) it was decided that the software would be installed on all student-accessed computers.

To ensure that copyright laws are not broken, teachers utilizing it in their classrooms must sign off on an agreement stating that they are aware of the copyright laws regarding its use.

I am interested to see what measures are taken to ensure copyright compliance in schools which are replacing all textbooks with digital versions, and issuing laptops instead.

References

Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). // Web 2.0 new tools, new schools //. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology 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. ====