Journal 2

"The Threat of Security: Hindering Technology Integration in the Classroom" by LeAnne K. Robinson, Abbie Brown, and Tim Green

This article discusses how security measures and monitoring can hinder the integration of technology in schools. There are stories of how teachers were put on surveillance for minor actions such as purchasing flower bulbs online (improper use of the internet!), and how one school forbade teachers from burning CDs for fear of copyright violations. The natural reaction of these teachers was to avoid using the technology their schools had purchased for them. It points out that it is understandable that schools wish to protect the privacy of their schools and ensure student safety, but some schools go overboard with monitoring to the point where teachers feel distrusted and fenced in by their supervisors.

I think if I had experiences like these teachers did, I would want to avoid technology too. Red tape and restrictions give people the feeling of Big Brother and being treated like a child who is not allowed to do anything without supervision. I don't think forbidding teachers from things like burning CDs is very constructive - they should have seminars and training to ensure that teachers know the appropriate copyright laws, and they should give them the responsibility of using it properly. If teachers abuse it, then monitoring may become necessary, and restriction may follow. But never allowing a teacher the freedom to utilize the full capabilities of their technology in the first place is just plain paranoid.

1. What is inappropriate use of technology to you?
I think that teachers ought to be able to access things like their personal email or look up something they wish to purchase - as long as they a) are trained on safe downloading practices and web security and b) don't spend excessive amounts of time online. Obviously going on obscene websites or wasting time on social networking sites such as MySpace is cause for concern, but if a person takes a break and wishes to look at a harmless, amusing, relaxing, or informative website for pleasure, it should not be considered inappropriate. Teachers shouldn't post information about their students online, but with proper guidance, I think that students can be shown how to safely use class blogs and other education-related websites. We take classes like ED422 for a reason - so that we can be trusted to properly use our technology. It seems like a waste of money for schools to provide tools that people are afraid to use for fear of being accused of inappropriate use.

2. How have you experienced frustration with access to technology?
At my place of work, I don't encounter too many restrictions. I can actually listen to music on a streaming radio website if I choose too, but I have worked at places that blocked such devices. I avoid checking my personal email when possible, but I do take an occasional break to check out cuteoverload.com . I have gone to MySpace before just to check messages at past jobs, but never for more than a few minutes. The only restriction that irks me a little is that I don't have access to editing my school's database. Only one person has access, and this person occasionally makes spelling mistakes, which makes me wish I did have the authority to correct mistakes if I see them. I think if I wanted to, I could discuss the access issue, and I hope that teachers out there stick up for themselves and discuss how to reduce their frustrations with technology.