Phase 3 - Standard 4

   Standard 4: Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

                Before this class, I was familiar with the idea of internet safety and had made a point of talking with my children about how the internet is an amazing tool, but that not all the things we find on the internet are good for people.  We made a plan that if they ever came across something that made them feel uncomfortable, they would close the laptop and come tell me right away. We also talked about how they should never give out their name or other personal information online unless they have checked with me first.  I now know that there is much more to the appropriate use of the internet than just safety. 

                Two things that are new to me are the idea of digital citizenship and the Fair Use Act.  I learned that in order to teach good digital citizenship to my students, I will need to include things like realizing that not everyone has access to the same types of technology and that should be treated equally regardless of this.  It includes realizing that just as in face-to-face interactions, the things we say and do on the internet will affect others.  We should be aware of others’ feelings in our digital interactions just as much as in our personal interactions.  I will also need to teach students what kinds of material can be used in what ways, and which are protected by copyright.  This will include teaching students about the Fair Use Act.  I learned that this act specifies certain exceptions to copyright law when the use of a work is not for profit and will not reduce the potential profit of the copyright owner, when the portion of the work used is small when compared to the whole, and the nature of the copyrighted work, for example, thoughts and ideas are protected from copyright and are seen as belonging to the public.  Students should always carefully cite their sources and ask for permission to use works whenever possible.

                I think an effective way of presenting these ideas to students is to prepare a lesson at the beginning of the school year, before students have had a chance to use computers, to cover this information.  I would also have students sign a contract outlining the ways students will need to be responsible in their use of technology. 

                Finally, it is important to address the needs of diverse learners and provide equitable access to technology.  I am not currently familiar with many kinds of adaptive technology, but plan to work closely with all members of a student’s support team to find solutions for children who may have difficulty using the technology I plan to incorporate into my class.  I am willing to adapt lessons and assignments, and will work to be current on the use of technology to meet the needs of all the learners in my class.  I am also sensitive to the reality that not all students will have access to technology at home.  I will not expect students to complete projects at home that require access to a computer and the internet.  Instead, I will provide time in class, or make other arrangements for students to have access to the technology they need.