Educational Technology Bill of Rights for Students
At some point I found this post byCindy Danner-Kuhn. She had posted about the Educational Technology Bill of Rights for Students. The Educational Technology Bill of Rights for Students post was first made by School Technology Solutions. I read it and it was just one of those WOW moments. After trying to figure out my own feelings about some of the points on the list I thought about this class and want to know what YOU think about the post. I come from a time where we did not have computers in classrooms, only in the lab, and an overhead and VCR were fancy. I did not even have an email address until my senior year of high school. Read the link below and tell me what you think. This post is now a few years old is there anything missing?
Educational Technology Bill of Rights for Students
37 Comments
Kim Welch
2/1/2015 10:55:13 pm
I thought the article “Educational Technology Bill of Rights for Students” spoke volume. Even though it is a few years old, a lot of what it said still holds true. I like the idea about using Twitter and other social media as teaching tools in the classroom. Like it mentions, since a lot of students already use Facebook, Twitter, and other social media, why not try to incorporate it into their studies. If anything, it might add a little enthusiasm for students, which would create a more productive learning environment. As far as the use of Wikipedia as a resource for gathering information, I think it can be used, but with caution. I think using Wikipedia is a great idea as long as students are given some tips and strategies to figure out what is credible information. If teachers help students see that they need to gather information from a variety of sources in order to see if the information holds weight, than I think Wikipedia would be a wonderful tool to use in the classroom. Overall, I think the article shows that students need to be prepared for the 21st century job market/world, and it’s the teacher’s job to help guide and instruct students in a way that enables them to be prepared for that world. I agree that teachers need to keep up-to-date with the latest technology, so they can better prepare students for what they will face once they leave high school or college. Technology is constantly changing, and classrooms should roll with the changes as well.
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Taylor West
2/2/2015 02:34:21 am
Time has defiantly changed from projectors, and one computer lab in the school. I was at the spot where lab tops where getting more acclimated to the class room for the science classes. Makes a world of difference at that time. I agree how using what is popular at the time to get the better attention out of the students. Seems like a good idea.
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Ryan Ellis
2/8/2015 11:55:43 am
im a little older that most of the students here in grad school so I remember wheeling in the TV and VCR to class to latch movies or educational material on a weekly basis. I also remember laser discs, the original macs, and when intercoms were widely used. Thankfully, my high school was one of the first to employ the use of personalized computers in each desk so we could seamlessly connect with the teacher's lesson plans every day and we could also follow at home. I applaud the educational institutions who utilize the technology that we have available to further our educational system
Devin Beasley
2/4/2015 01:04:21 am
Kim, I agree with your statement when you say "students need to be prepared for the 21st century job/market world." I do believe in this because now more than ever, it has become extremely complicated to find a job EVEN with a college degree. I do think it would be very beneficial to maybe even have a class on how to use social media in the correct ways when you are job searching and even when you do have a job. Because technology and social media has had such a huge impact in our generation, we should be able to prepare students for the future when using it in the classroom and also in their daily lives.
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2/4/2015 10:03:29 am
I agree with you concerning Wikipedia "it can be used, but with caution." I often will start with Wikipedia to read an overview of a concept and then move on to more reliable cites. Also, Wikipedia often will give me ideas on what else to search relating to what I am trying to learn about. I also agree about technology is always changing. Classrooms should utilize technology that adds in the learning of subject matter, but of course, many different types of teaching approaches should be used to reach all of the different types of learners.
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Terry Keown
2/6/2015 06:44:33 am
Kim,
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Taylor West
2/2/2015 02:53:30 am
It seems that we better get used to the idea of using technology in the class room. More and more seem to be going that way. Especially with the new technology equipment that comes out every year. I like the idea, but for the fact that we have gone from some of the old idea. Yes, we need change due to times. But some kids have problems concentrating now in the class room and this will be another way they cannot. Using this technology of social media and other site will need to be weighted with the good and bad, so you can use it to the teacher’s advantage. I know this idea is out there where you have a black wall where you cannot use devices in school. Only the teacher controls when the students can. That would allow the teacher to get the best out of the students. But I really wouldn’t know since I never actually taught a class. We have a long way, but it can only get better with what we use in the class room and how we use it.
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Kim Welch
2/2/2015 03:51:05 am
I completely agree with your statement that technology seems to be coming our way, and we better get used to the idea of using it in classrooms. I am not much of a technology person myself, but I do like the use of the internet, cell phones, and computer devices in general. They definitely make life a little easier. I do not have a Facebook account, or texting on my phone, and this class has introduced me to Twitter. Even though I might use technology like many other people my age, I see its’ benefits in the classroom. Like you also mentioned, technology should be used with care in the classroom. Not too much or too little. I agree with you that there should be some basic skills students need to learn, such as writing with pencil and paper, doing hands-on activities, and doing other things the “old-fashioned way”. To extend your idea of trying to teach students certain “basic skills”, I thought I’d mention cursive writing. Since I teach 3rd grade, cursive writing is one of those touchy subjects that often goes untaught in a lot of schools. Personally, I think teaching students cursive writing is an essential skill, not only because it is beneficial for reading and writing in cursive, but it also helps develop the mind. Some things can be taught with technology, but others, such as cursive, still deserve their place in the school curriculum.
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Pat Tracy
2/2/2015 08:50:22 am
I agree that students can get distracted with technology and not use it for the right purpose. That is why there should blocks put on certain programs, for instance angry birds, during class. Additionally, maybe teachers should use technology as a reward for good behavior and can be used only by responsible individuals. I have never taught a class, but I have had teachers who have used technology to the fullest and it really helped me develop into a well-rounded student. Ultimately, technology is a great power and has to be used wisely to allow for optimal development, enjoyment, and performance.
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Dawn Macklin
2/4/2015 11:24:18 am
Taylor,
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Terry Keown
2/6/2015 07:08:59 am
Taylor,
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Pat Tracy
2/2/2015 08:45:18 am
The article is not missing much. I agree that individuals should be able to use their own technology at work, and should be able to use the school/work's Wifi to do so. Additionally, I believe that students should be taught by teachers who know how to use technology and incorporate it into the lesson plans. The way the world is growing and developing people need to be efficient with new technology to be proficient in their careers and life. One thing I wish that was put into lessons plans was more use of excel. I use excel everyday now, and it would of been very beneficial to have had lessons using excel and other programs to help develop my skills so the learning curve would be less steep. Also, technology gives teachers and educators the ability to give their students instant feedback which will help development and progress towards a better self. Social media is the new thing and it should be used as a mode of communication to allow for clear and effective instruction.
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2/4/2015 10:13:17 am
Pat,
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Simon Barinas
2/4/2015 10:48:45 pm
Pat,
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Kim Welch
2/2/2015 10:18:28 am
Hi Pat, this is Kim Welch. I think you made some wonderful points about using software, such as Excel, more often in the classroom. I remember taking a computer class in high school, and we barely discussed Excel. I was always confused by all of the formulas that it utilized. I wish there was a kind of index in Excel, where you could look up a formula for a certain task you are trying to perform. I think it would make things a lot less stressful. With regards to using technology in the classroom, I have to agree that it is a wonderful tool to help give instant feedback to students. Feedback is more meaningful when it is given immediately. Waiting the next day, or even week, to give students feedback on assessments makes the feedback of little to no value. Time is definitely of the essence. As far as letting students explore the uses of different technology in the classroom, I couldn’t agree more. I really like how we are going to be creating a Web Quest for this class, because it reminded me of their usefulness in a classroom. I think Web Quests are wonderful tools that allow students to be creative, yet helps them learn essential skills in various subject matters. I plan on using a variety of Web Quests this year when I have the chance.
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Devin Beasley
2/4/2015 01:00:54 am
I thought this article had some great points but as well as some remarks that I did not agree with. I totally and completely agree that classrooms should incorporate more technology, more modern technology. This being twitter, Ipads, etc. I think this will not only make learning more fun but also I think using such tools as Twitter that it can also enhance and broaden education and lessons from being able to learn from others around the world. I did not agree with using such websites as Wikipedia as a main source of research. Yes some things posted are true and reliable on there but there is also lots of incorrect facts. If you find something that is true on Wiki, I am positive you will also be able to find it somewhere else that is a more scholarly and reliable source. I have said it before and I will say it again, I think that students should and will have to follow a strict ruling system when using "modern technology" in the classroom, students will gladly abuse the system if not.
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J. Golden
2/4/2015 11:38:06 am
I agree that classrooms should definitely use iPads and newer technology to help enhance the learning experience! I think that using Wikipedia as a source of research is okay as long as its not the bulk of the source. You can pull good bits and pieces off of Wiki.
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Jodi Himmelberg
2/4/2015 04:57:51 am
I agree with most of the points but I think the way the article is written kind of rubs people the wrong way on some issues. One of those issues for me was having the right to use technology at school. I agree they should have the right but I disagree about them being able to use it responsibly. I know the article says that we are responsible for teaching them how to do that but that is kind of what the rule of no technology at school does. We let them use it at lunch and before or after school, or when a teacher says it is okay and they still do not follow the rules. I do like the fact about Wikipedia though, I believe they need to double check the info as well. I require at last three resources for a project but Wikipedia can be one of them.
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Derek Kitch
2/4/2015 09:30:45 am
I find most of these rights to be reasonable. I'm not sure about number five though, the "right" to use social media at school. In most cases I think it would be a major distraction. How can you effectively enforce any rules placed for use in the classroom? For things outside of class, such as tweeting assignments and when they are due, I think could be a unique way to utilize social media.
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J. Golden
2/4/2015 11:39:32 am
I find your comment to be a good one Derek! It would be unique to have teachers who tweet out assignments and utilize social media in a way that we haven't seen it used before. I don't think its a "right" to use social media in school but in some cases it should be used.
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Paden Kleinhesselink
2/8/2015 05:50:24 am
I agree Derek. I don't think social media should be apart daily classroom activities. I think it could spiral down hill fast. Yet, I could be wrong.
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2/4/2015 10:49:49 am
My first reaction to the article was that the individual writing the Technology Bill of Rights was very arrogant. In my mind, I was paralleling the statements the student was making to a teacher with an employee making theses types of statements to an employer. I suppose that an employer might not mind an employee using their own technology to complete their work, as long as the company was not compromised? Allowing employees to use their own technology would take away any control of checking up on an employee.
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Jodi Himmelberg
2/4/2015 11:39:33 pm
I think you make some valid points but one thing I want to point out is that life is not fair. Should we hold some students back based on the premise that they can't learn to use their technology in better more advanced ways because they have access to it and other don't? Life is all about competitive advantages. Instead couldn't we assign work that allows them to share their technology with other students who do not have it that way both students learn about the technology and no one is held back?
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Dawn Macklin
2/4/2015 11:13:28 am
This was an interesting article to read and it brings to light some very valid points. I agree with the writer that students have the right to be taught teachers who know how to use and manage technology in the classroom. When I was completing my undergrad at Central Methodist College back in the early 90s computers were just on the cusp. I remember taking a computer class and feeling nervous about it. When I got a SMART board those feelings all came rushing back. I figured I'd better learn as much as I can about technology and use it as much as I can in my classroom because if I don't my students are going to be better at it than I am. Do I know all about it now? Heavens no! But I think the greatest thing about it is there is always an opportunity that I can learn from my students and that is something that I am not afraid of and I embrace it 100%!
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Jeromy Layman
2/8/2015 05:26:40 am
Dawn,
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J. Golden
2/4/2015 11:35:08 am
I think that the article did a great job touching on all different parts of technology. I definitely agree with the WiFi statement because I know most schools won't allow students to access the WiFi. Also, with social media becoming such a popular way for students to communicate I agree that they should be able to use it in the classroom. Obviously you shouldn't be on it during a lecture but if you are using it in between classes I don't see a problem with it. I think the one thing that this article is missing is teaching the students how to properly use some of the programs that will benefit them later in life.
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Simon Barinas
2/4/2015 10:52:36 pm
J.,
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Jodi Himmelberg
2/4/2015 11:48:01 pm
I think I fall the opposite way on this one. I don't mind having it restricted. I think students are unhappy anyways. It is not about having access to the internet, it is about being in school in general. To put it in the words of my advisory students, many believe that school is a waste of time. I asked them to explain. At home I could be on the internet, playing games, or talking to my friends, which is all they really care about they said. We are educators and on some things we are going to have to accept that they will be unhappy. We can't refuse to fight the battle because it is easier not to. Who is going to teach them how to use electronics appropriately? As far as I can tell, we already do this but still have problems with it.
Simon Barinas
2/4/2015 10:46:07 pm
I think this article is GREAT! it touches both sides of technology from what the students want to gain from it, to what they expect their teacher know, to what they expect to be protected from. I highly agree with this article, nowadays teachers need to be up to date with how things are ran through technology, because for those sticking to the old ways are just making their jobs ten times harder.
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Jeromy Layman
2/8/2015 05:30:16 am
Simon, I agree with you. Teachers need to be on the cutting edge of technology in order to better make students career ready. The only way for teachers to get on the cutting edge is for them to continue to educate themselves. Even this class, Instructional Technology, will not be the same in a few years because technology is changing rapidly. I think that it would be a good idea for teachers to take a class like this every few years to see what the latest updates are.
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Paden Kleinhesselink
2/8/2015 05:47:45 am
Simon I agree with you. I think teachers, especially some of the older generations, need to be taught about this technology and how to properly use it. It could be a great and powerful thing, if used correctly.
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Tyler Fritz
2/8/2015 10:53:31 am
I agree this was a great article! It does cover almost everything concerning technology in the classroom. I agree to these days teachers really should be up to date and know how to run the technology in the classroom!
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Jeromy Layman
2/5/2015 06:06:54 am
I think this was a very well thought out post, and it still remains relevant even if it is a few years old. I do think that it is very polarized on the technology. While I do think that most of the rights listed are valid, I do think that it was understated that there is a time and place for technology and that it does not need to be glued to you 24/7. There is a BYOD initiative at the high school I work at and it seems to be used very effectively, but not to its full potential. A last thought is that the last right about bullying is sort of a catch22 because the more technology you allow to run free within the school, the more possibilities for bullying to take place. Just a couple of thoughts.
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Terry Keown
2/6/2015 05:48:47 am
I have to say after I examined the Educational Technology Bill of Rights I wasn't even past right number five and I was already thinking they sounded more like demands than rights. Thus I needed to step back for a moment and re-position my sundial and accompanying stone calendar to a different age (to somewhere in the future). Once this was accomplished though I have to state every one of those rights still deserves the phrase "within context of the lesson plan, student age, appropriate technology and predetermined credibility of resources as outlined by instructor and school policy."
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Paden Kleinhesselink
2/8/2015 05:45:00 am
I thought this article was great. I think we live in a day and age that the students now need to be taught how to go find the answer and how to find it properly. The only thing that I disagreed on is about the social media. I think it is a great thing in the right places. I have a bad feeling that if we allow a student to be on Facebook during school for a project or something like that. It could just get out of hand pretty fast. Other than that, I really enjoyed the article and it really made you think about how you could use technology in your classroom.
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Tyler Fritz
2/8/2015 10:51:40 am
I really didn't agree with everything in this article but it was very good and had some good points in it. When they talked about using Wikipedia basically as a main source I didn't really agree with that part. There are plenty of other good sources that we can use and are more credible. The part that I thought was the best was when they talk about classrooms trying to incorporate more technology I do agree with that point. Learning will be way more fun for these younger kids if they get to use iPads, iMacs, and twitter. I wish we had those types of resources for me when I was younger. The only down side to this is that as a teacher you may have to monitor what the kids are doing on the computers or iPads.
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Ryan Ellis
2/8/2015 12:00:53 pm
as with Tyler, I didn't agree with everything in this article. Wikipedia is a good source of information but it can be tampered with to misconstrue data to its users. There are many more sites of information that are more credible. Technology, especially apple, can help further out educational system because of he ease that there is to access the correct material at the correct time.
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Class BlogThis blog is for class conversations for Ed 514 at Central Methodist University. We invite input form other teachers about how they use technology in their classrooms. Archives
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