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Chapter 6 TF/TL Technology Standard VI Social, Ethical, Legal and Human Issues

Technology Standard VI refers to social, ethical, legal and human issues. These issues are frequently found in technology integrated districts and classrooms. Some of the issues that technology leaders and facilitators are faced with are dealing with digital equity, privacy of student records, the importance of online safety for students, and technology and copyright issues. When dealing with digital equity issues, facilitators and leaders tasks are to ensure that everyone has equal access to technology. Everyone should get a chance utilize and learn from it. This includes computers, internet and other types of technology other than the standard computers. Sometimes, digital divide is created because of income, minority status, culture, and drill and skill assignments instead of collaborative problem solving projects. Other reasons for the digital divide are funding in school districts and implementation by different leaders and facilitators. Privacy of student records is imperative. FERPA has created a law that all student records must be kept private. TF and TL’s job is to create and implement firewalls, encryptions, user authentication, network monitoring and restricted access to server rooms in order to enforce the law. New technologies create new security risks that technology leaders must be aware of, so that confidentiality is not broken. Online safety is another cause for action when dealing with technology integration. We must protect our students from inappropriate content on the Web. CIPA was created in order to make a law that ensures that school internet is filtered in order to prevent unauthorized viewing of inappropriate sites. This also prevents students from coming in contact with cyber-stalkers, pedi-files and cyber bullies. Facilitators and leaders are challenged with the task of creating and implementing policies that prevent risky sites from being visited without hindering student learning opportunities. Teacher leaders and facilitators can do this by anonymously publishing student work, restricting access of certain websites, allowing parents to help make decisions about websites to be visited, online projects that screen participants in order to reduce inappropriate communications, use educational online sites, educate parents and students about safety and netiquette, and most importantly publish and enforce acceptable use policies. Technology and copyright are other issues faced when dealing with technology integration. Without even knowing it, students are breaking copyright laws everyday by downloading illegal music, videos, images and movies. TF’s and TL’s should be educating teachers and students about this unethical behavior so they will understand consequences. This way, the properly expected behavior is reinforced. Facilitators should enforce acceptable use policies and set boundaries for users so they can be safe when using technology. Facilitators and leaders should be involved with the legislative process and participate as much as possible. Technology leaders are responsible for all programs that address the needs about social legal, ethical and human issues that arise in the classroom when dealing with technology. They need to help model and teach ethical and legal practices in the classroom. They should use resources to empower all students regardless of their background or diverse needs. They should use resources that affirm diversity. They should also promote a safe and healthy way of using technology resources. They should also provide equitable access for all students.

Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). //Technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do//. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.