Assignment on Issues Regarding Using Technology in the Schools



This assignment will satisfy requirements for sections 13 and 14 in the Advanced Technology Portfolio.
 

13.  Child Development, Learning, and Diversity

[Tech. obj. 13.1]    Describe and give your opinion on software geered for self-directed learners.  If you have an opportunity, review some software yourself.  A full-fledged self-directed learning program is referred to as Integrated Learning Systems (ILS).  This is the kind of software that students can log onto, the computer keeps records of what lesson they are on, provides quizzes for the students, and teachers can print out progress reports on students.  In your essay, explain how ILS can be used to address differences in children's learning and give your opinion of using ILS.  Is ILS suitable for all grade levels, all subjects?  Are there some types of learning that ILS is more suited for than others?  If any, how would you recommend using ILS in the schools?  You could find information about Jostens Learning System at http://www.jlc.com/ or you can get information on ILS from the Learning and Teaching Forum at http://www.newi.ac.uk/dbw/mil/academy.htm.

[Tech. obj. 13.2]    Essay question.  What kind of technologies can be used to support children with special needs?  These technologies are often referred to as assistive technologies.  You can find this information from journal articles or from searching the web.  Cite your sources.  Describe at least two assistive technologies, explain what they are, what population of students they are for, and give your opinion of them. You might start your search for information at the UCSF HR Website at http://www.ucsfhr.ucsf.edu/guide/dismgmt/astech.html, which has several links on assistive technologies.

[Tech. obj. 13.3]    Essay question.  What options does technology provide for students whose primary language is not English?  These students are referred to as ESL (English as a Second Language) students.  Again, use whatever sources you can find and cite your sources.  Discuss the options for ESL students, explain the effectiveness of such technologies, and give your opinion of the technology you found for ESL students.  You might like to check out the World of Reading website at http://www.wor.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/english/english.html?L+wor+bjuo6152+932152206 or the American Language Academy ESL products at http://www.ala-usa.com/software/prodindex.htm.

[Tech. obj. 13.4]    List and annotate five URLs of local, state, and national organizations that utilize technology in providing services for students with diverse learning needs.

14.  Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues

[Tech. obj. 14.1]    Write a set of classroom policies and procedures for the grade level students that you will be teaching.  The policies and procedures should ensure that students a compliant with copyright law, fair-use guidelines, security, and child protection.  With technology and the Internet students can access a tremendous amount of information, including pictures and other multimedia files.  Can students copy text or pictures from the Internet?  Can you as a teacher copy pictures from the Internet and use them in a presentation?  How will you keep students from stealing computers and other technology that you have in your classroom?  How will you keep students from surfing the Net and reading or viewing inappropriate material?  These are the questions you need to address in your classroom policies and procedures.  You can get information about these issues at http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/copyright1.html.

[Tech. obj. 14.2]    Essay question.  How will you provide equal access to media and technology resources for all your students?  If you give an assignment requiring technology (such as finding information on the Internet), how can you ensure that all your students have equal access to the Internet so that they can complete the assignment?  Some students have computers and the Internet at home and others do not.  Some students might be able to stay after school, but others cannot.  What are some of your ideas and thoughts on this topic?

[Tech. obj. 14.3]    Create a list of do's and don'ts concerning ethical and legal issues related to technology use.  You can find information on the Internet to help you with this list.  You must determine what are some of the ethical and legal issues related to technology use before you start your list.  Students often think computers and software are games, but do not fully realize that software programs belong to the person who created them.  How about students who change or delete file names?  How about students who tap into the school's password-protected software?  Your students need a specific list of do's and don'ts posted in the classroom so that they will understand the rules related to technology use.

Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues Assignment

Print out a copy of Fair Use Guidelines for educational purposes and a copy of an Acceptable Use Policy.  (Obj. 14.1)
Explain how you will provide equal access to media and technology resources for all your students?  If you give an assignment requiring technology (such as finding information on the Internet), how can you ensure that all your students have equal access to the Internet so that they can complete the assignment?  (This might include a schedule for computer use on a rotation basis and other ideas you have.  How about access to computers after school?)  (Obj. 14.2)
Create your own list of do's and don'ts concerning ethical and legal issues related to technology use that you would post in your classroom.  (Use information from Fair Use Guidelines, copyright laws, and Acceptable Use Policy, plus your own ideas.)  (Obj. 14.3)