Executive Summary:
"There will be plenty of good jobs out there in the flat world for people with the knowledge and ideas to seize them." ~Thomas Friedman, The World is Flat
As Thomas Friedman points out, our world is flattening in many ways. Today's students are living in a connected and interactive world. They may have conversations with people in different towns, states, countries, and continents on a daily basis. They have their own web pages, blogs, and video streams. At home they are learning in ways that are effective, self-directed, and efficient. Now we must ask ourselves, are they learning this way at school?
Because the job market is becoming more globalized, rather than localized, it is very important that we prepare our students for a future in this global world. In order to do this, we must encourage our students to explore and use the resources available to them both in school and at home. We must promote creativity, collaboration, and communication. Students and teachers need to know how to use the resources available to them productively and responsibly. In order to determine the most effective ways to prepare our students for the changing world, I have reviewed the Forest Area School District's current Technology and Internet policies. Below are my recommendations. Please contact me with any questions you may have.
Policy Brief:
"There will be plenty of good jobs out there in the flat world for people with the knowledge and ideas to seize them." ~Thomas Friedman, The World is Flat
As Thomas Friedman points out, our world is flattening in many ways. Today's students are living in a connected and interactive world. They may have conversations with people in different towns, states, countries, and continents on a daily basis. They have their own web pages, blogs, and video streams. At home they are learning in ways that are effective, self-directed, and efficient. Now we must ask ourselves, are they learning this way at school?
Because the job market is becoming more globalized, rather than localized, it is very important that we prepare our students for a future in this global world. In order to do this, we must encourage our students to explore and use the resources available to them both in school and at home. We must promote creativity, collaboration, and communication. Students and teachers need to know how to use the resources available to them productively and responsibly. In order to determine the most effective ways to prepare our students for the changing world, I have reviewed the Forest Area School District's current Technology and Internet policies. Below are my recommendations. Please contact me with any questions you may have.
Policy Brief:
Access, the Digital Divide, and Special Populations
Definitions:
Access - The ability or right to approach, enter, exit, communicate with, or make use of (digital and/or information technology). (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/access )
Access - The ability or right to approach, enter, exit, communicate with, or make use of (digital and/or information technology). (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/access )
Digital Divide - "The term "digital divide" refers to the gap between individuals, households, businesses and geographic areas at different socio-economic levels with regard to their opportunities to access information and communication technologies (ICTs) and their use of the Internet.” ( http://faculty.washington.edu/krumme/internet/divide.html)
Special Populations: In the FASD, the most commonly considered special populations are: gifted/talented, economically disadvantaged, special education, ESL students
Issue Overview:
In today's global society, it is necessary for all students to be technologically proficient. In order for this to happen, several factors must be considered: Do the students have access to the tools necessary to gain technological proficiency ? Are teachers well-trained in technology integration? Are parents and students informed about resources available to them at the school and in the community?
The FASD is fortunate to have access to a wide variety of technology resources including both hardware and software. Students have regular access to computer labs in both buildings and in many classrooms. The problem we are facing is implementation. Teachers do not receive adequate training to successfully and seamlessly integrate technology into their classes.
In order to bridge the digital divide in our school district teachers will need to become more familiar and more comfortable with the resources available to them. This will enable them to better prepare out students for the future.
Studies suggest that when used properly, technology in the classroom enhances student engagement, offers an avenue to deeper understanding, and encourages higher-level thinking skills. It is important that we address these issues as soon as possible so that our students may graduate with the skills required to be productive members of our local, state, national, and global communities.
Recommendations:
1. Implement an ongoing faculty/staff training program. This program can be offered at regular intervals through the school year, during professional development days and after school. The implementation of a technology coach and designation of faculty leaders will allow us to expand this instruction into the regular school day and include one to one instruction. (This program can be expanded to include instruction available to students and parents).
Pros:
- Increased technology instruction will lead to increased technology integration within classrooms.
- Increased instruction will help teachers overcome preexisting inhibitions.
- Individualized instruction will increase meaningfulness of instruction.
Cons:
- Increasing training will also increase the already high demand on teacher's time.
- Since no district funds have been allocated for Professional Development, all trainers will need to be in-house volunteers.
2. Increase student access to technology. There are two computer labs and one library in each building of the FASD. While classes are sometimes scheduled into the labs, many times they are not. Providing coverage for the lab would allow students greater access to technology before school, after school, and during study halls. It would also allow students individualized instruction in their areas of interest.
Pros:
- Students with limited access to technology at home will be able to easily complete assignments and explore new tools.
- Students will be have access to technology tutoring.
- Teachers will have the opportunity to increase the use of technology in out-of-class assignments.
Cons:
- With recent personnel cuts it may be difficult to keep the lab staffed so that it can be open at all times.
- Setting up old computers will require time and updating.
- Old computers in classrooms will most likely have no access to the Internet. Is it worth it?
Resources:
Caught in the Digital Divide.
Retrieved June 30, 2008 from Education World.
Glaser, Mark.
Your Guide to the Digital Divide. Retrieved June 30, 2008 from PBS, Media Shift.
Meier, Deborah (2002). In Schools We Trust. Boston, MA: Beacon Press
Uebelacker, Klau. Closing the Gap in the Classroom. Retrieved July 2, 2008 from Digital Divide Network.
website:
Toward Equality of Access
: Retrieved July 2, 2008.
website:
Copyright
Definitions:
Copyright - "Copyright is a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Copyright covers both published and unpublished works." (http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html#what)
Issue Overview:
Copyright law has become increasing complex with the popularity of the Internet. Many students and teachers use the Internet and other digital resources on a regular basis. Therefore, it is important for faculty, staff, and students within our school district to be familiar with copyright laws, and fair use as well as the rights that protect their own intellectual property. The current Copyright Policy of the FASD is a strong one. However, the policy is slightly out-dated in that it does not address modern copyright issues as they pertain to the Internet digital resources, and electronic media. The largest problem we are facing is that faculty and staff members are simply not familiar with the policy.
Recommendations:
1. Implement an ongoing faculty/staff training program. This program could be implemented by simply discussing copyright laws during a faculty meeting or sending an e-mail about Fair use.
Pros:
- Faculty and staff will be better informed about copyright law.
- Students will better better informed about copyright law if their teachers are knowledgeable about the subject.
- Copyright infringements will decrease.
Cons:
- Increasing faculty and staff awareness of copyright will require time.
2. Update the current policy to include digital copyright. This would probably be most efficiently done in the introductory paragraph of the FASD copyright policy which now specifies only "audio, visual, software or printed materials." It would also be appropriate to add a new section about Fair Use of digital resources.
Pros:
- The policy will be comprehensive and up-to-date.
- Appropriate use of digital resources will be clearly defined.
Cons:
- Updating the policy will require time and money for research and writing.
3. Increase accessibility to the written policy. This can be done easily by either publishing the policy online or placing a printed copy in each library.
Pros:
- Faculty and staff will be able to access the policy easily.
- Increased accessibility to the policy will help faculty and staff become more familiar with the policy.
Cons:
- Posting the policy online will require time and money as no electronic copy of the policy can be located.
4. Increase student awareness. Student awareness of copyright law can be achieved by including the topic of copyright in the curriculum or simply outlining expectations in the student handbook.
Pros:
- Students will be informed about copyright laws. They will know their limitations as well as their rights.
Cons:
- Adding to the curriculum will require time and cooperation across the curriculum.
- Publishing in the student handbook will require time and money.
Resources:
Copyright and Fair Use in the Classroom, on the Internet, and the World Wide Web. Retrieved July 9, 2008 from University of Maryland University College.
website:http://www.umuc.edu/library/copy.shtml
Copyright FAQ. Retrieved July 9, 2008 from US Copyright Office.
website: http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/
Harper, Georgia. Copyright Issues: Multimedia and Internet Resources. Retrieved July 10, 2008 from University of Texas System.
website: http://www.utsystem.edu/OGC/IntellectualProperty/mmfruse.htm
Protecting Copyright and Internet Values. Retrieved July 10, 2008 from Center for Democracy and Technology.
website: http://www.cdt.org/copyright/20050607framing.pdf
Accuracy and Validity
Definitions:
(from http://www.merriam-webster.com/)
Accuracy – freedom from mistake or error
Validity – logically correct
Issue Overview:
In order to ensure that our students are receiving the best education possible, it is imperative that the information they are receiving, finding, and consuming is both accurate and valid. Page 2 of the current FASD Acceptable Use of Internet policy states:
"Administrators, teachers, and staff have a professional responsibility to work together to help students develop the intellectual skills necessary to discriminate among information sources, to identify information appropriate to their age and development levels, and to evaluate and use the information to meet their educational goals."
The problem that we are facing, is that many faculty and staff members are not aware of this policy or are uncertain of how to comply with it. In addition, the policy does not require students to be accountable for the accuracy and validity of the work that they submit.
Recommendations:
1. Implement an ongoing faculty/staff training program. This program could be implemented by simply discussing effective methods for evaluating electronic resources. This could be done during faculty meetings, departmental meetings, in-service days, or through an on-line class.
Pros:
- Faculty and staff will be aware of effective strategies for evaluating digital resources.
- Quality of information presented to students will increase.
- Students will learn effective strategies for evaluating digital resources from their teachers through both direct instruction and example.
Cons:
- Increasing faculty and staff skill in accuracy and validity and determination will require time and money.
2. Include strategies for determining accuracy and validity of information in the curriculum. This addition to the curriculum could easily be incorporated into a technology class, an English class, a Social Studies class, or any class that is research and writing intensive. Ideally, the issue will be addressed in all classes.
Pros:
- Students will learn to differentiate between "good" and "bad" resources.
- Students will learn the importance of using accurate and valid resources.
- Students will be prepared for the 21st Century work force and higher education.
Cons:
- Adding to the curriculum will require time and cooperation across the curriculum.
3. Increase accessibility to resource evaluation tools. Place links on the school website for teachers and students to use as reference when evaluating sources
Pros:
- The resources would be easily accessible and readily available.
- Easily accessible resources would increase both student and teacher use of resource evaluation strategies.
Cons:
- Posting the resources online will require time and money.
Egan, Jill. Doing Reliable Research. Retrieved July 17, 2008 from Time for Kids.
website: http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1006625,00.html
Evaluating Web Pages: Techniques to Apply and Questions to Ask. Retrieved July 16, 2008 from UC Berkley Library.
website: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/Evaluate.html
Evaluating Web Sites: Criteria and Tools. Retrieved July 17, 2008 from Cornell University Libraries.
website: http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/research/webeval.html
Harris, Robert. Evaluating internet Resources. Retrieved July 16, 2008 from Virtual Salt.
website: http://www.virtualsalt.com/evalu8it.htm
Internet Accuracy Project. Retrieved July 16, 2008 from Accuracy Project.
website: http://www.accuracyproject.org/
The CARS Checklist. Retrieved July 18, 2008 from McGraw-Hill.
website: http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0079876543/student_view0/research_center-999/research_papers30/conducting_web-based_research.html
Privacy and Security
Definitions:
(from http://www.merriam-webster.com/)
Privacy -- freedom from unauthorized intrusion
Security -- a: freedom from danger; b: freedom from fear or anxiety
Issue Overview:
The Internet is a valuable resource for faculty, staff, and students. However, not everything found on the www is safe or appropriate for a school environment. in order to combat this problem, the FASD is currently using the FreeGaurd internet filtering system. This system is used to block sites that are deemed inappropriate. While the filtering system is certainly beneficial, it is not fool-proof and students often use the internet outside of school where no filtering system is available to protect them from unsafe sites. In order to keep our students safe while they are online both at school and at home, it is important that the students know the rules of on line safety.
Recommendations:
1. Implement an ongoing faculty/staff training program. This program could be implemented by simply discussing Internet safety. This could be done during faculty meetings, departmental meetings, in-service days, or through an on-line class.
Pros:
- Faculty and staff will be aware of effective strategies for for keeping students safe online.
- Quality of safety information presented to students will increase.
- Students will learn effective strategies for evaluating safety of site and people encountered online.
Cons:
- Increasing faculty and staff skill and knowledge about internet safety will require time and money.
2. Include Internet safety in the curriculum. This addition to the curriculum could easily be incorporated into a technology class, an English class, a Social Studies class, or any class that is research and writing intensive. Ideally, the issue will be addressed in all classes.
Pros:
- Students will learn to differentiate between "safe" and "unsafe" sites, places, and people online.
- Students will learn rules of Internet safety.
- Students will be prepared for the 21st Century work force and higher education.
Cons:
- Adding to the curriculum will require time and cooperation across the curriculum.
3. Increase accessibility to Internet safety resources. Place links on the school website for teachers and students to use as reference when evaluating sources.
Pros:
- The resources would be easily accessible and readily available.
- Easily accessible resources would increase both student and teacher awareness of internet safety protocol.
Cons:
- Posting the resources online will require time and money.
A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety. Retrieved July 23, 2008 from Federal Bureau of Investigation.
website: http://www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguidee.htm
Internet Safety. Retrieved July 23, 2008 from Adventures of Cyber Bee.
website: http://www.cyberbee.com/safety.html
Willard, Nancy. Stop the Internet Fear Mongering. Retrieved July 23, 2008 from Connect Safely.
website: http://www.connectsafely.org/articles--advice/commentaries---guest/stop-the-internet-fear-mongering.html
Wired Safety. Retrieved July 23, 2008 from Wired safety.
website: http://www.wiredsafety.org/information/overview.html
Conclusion:
As you can see, the current Technology and Internet policy of the Forest Area School District is fairly up-to-date. Changes that need to be made are minor and can be easily implemented. I encourage you to take these changes seriously and implement any changes to the policy as soon as possible. Our children are growing up in a rapidly changing world. It is our responsibility to ensure that they are prepared for it. Thank you for you time and consideration.
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