Journal # 6

“The Threat of Security” by LeAnn Robinson, Abbie Brown and Tim Green

This article points out the ongoing issues of the use of technology to improve teaching and learning; and the roadblocks fueled by lawsuits that hamper the process. The examples given in this article are extreme consequences put on teachers because of the fear of inappropriate use of the internet. One teacher was being monitored for inappropriate internet use because he ordered some bulbs for his garden. The bulbs were ordered on a Saturday while he was preparing for his class. Copyright law is another issue fueling restriction and fear. Teachers can’t download power point presentations in some cases because of the fear copy right infringement. E mail is another area where more answers are needed. In some school districts e mail is monitored closely and the appropriate use versus personnel use is a very grey area.
Technology and its uses in schools and its application to improve learning are invaluable. The barriers to technology which are fueled by fear of lawsuits, loss of grants etc. tie the hands of educators. Everyone agrees that students should be kept safe from the dark side of internet. If keeping students safe means the lack of technological tools in helping them learn, then what’s the point? Both sides in this ongoing battle need to identify problem areas and simplify solutions to reach a win/win situation.

Questions
1. As a teacher how would I deal with roadblocks to technology?
If technology was being restricted in my classroom I would ask very specific questions as to why and the motivation behind the lack of access. Once I was satisfied with the answers I would point out the restrictions don’t limit but negate the use of technology and continue to ask more questions as to what can be done.

2. Will restrictions to technology stop or slow down digital learning?
Technology is the future. Schools and learning with technology is also the future. The restrictions and barriers are tools of fear. Technology will advance at its own pace and it will be up to administrators to face the fears and collectively come up with solutions that keep pace with new developments.