Journal 3: Keeping the Peace - NETS V

A middle school implemented a one-to-one laptop program and quickly learned the pros and cons. Defining what the appropriate use of technology can be in schools and at home can be a difficult one to define. You can run into problems with a generation gap between parents and students, differences in opinion of learning styles such as guided and structured learning verses exploring learning via nontraditional routes, and appropriate use of technology. The school quickly learned that there needed to be some monitoring of computers because students were iChating each other throughout the school day and sending messages during class. Computers can be helpful and a distraction. Finding how to balance your time and knowing what are helpful and reasonable restrictions can be hard to do.
The middle school was split in two on what was appropriate use of the technology at home and at the school. Some felt the students needed the freedom to explore and learn with little or no restriction. The others felt restrictions were necessary. In the end the school decided to block iChat from the school computers. It was a decision that was responded with mixed feelings. It turned into an issue of freedom of speech and the relationship between home and school called into question the boundary issues associated with the two. The school has since learned from their mistake and has created ways to introduce the new technologies and inform parents and students how they should be properly operated.
How would you have responded to the iChat dilemma?
I believe the school made the right choice in banning iChat from all of the school laptops. There are other forms of communication and social networking that the students could use. I also believe it is important to note that it was only the school issued laptops that had iChat restricted on. If a student had a personal computer at their home they would be able to use it there. While they are at school they should do face to face communication. There is a level of patience, time management, and interaction with others that can be learned from not having the luxury of iChating at all times of the day. The middle school in this article ended up creating and IM program for use at school with teacher permission within the school’s network and made it limited to student work.
How can a school “keep the peace” with technology between schools and homes?
A school can set boundaries so there is no conflict between the level of control or influence with schools and student's homes. When student’s first receive their laptops they can go through orientations, or Boot Camps – what the middle school calls it, where they learn how to use them effectively and efficiently. Workshops can be offered throughout the year for teachers, parents, and students. These workshops can go over physical care of the computer, guidelines for appropriate use, and ethics. Contracts can be signed on what acceptable use of the computer is when a student receives their laptop.
Levinson, Matt. (2009-2010, February). Keeping the peace. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=February_No_5_4&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4495&ContentID=25237&DirectListComboInd=D