Journal 6

The Threat of security
Hindering Technology Integration in the Classroom
By: Leanne K. Robinson, Abbie Brown, and Tim Green

This article highlights some of the restrictions that teachers face in using technology in their classrooms. The authors are of the opinion that some of these restrictions hinder efforts to integrate technology into curriculum. Some examples cited include the following.
· Policies that prohibit accessing any sites even before or after school hours for situations other than for instructional purposes.
· A teacher who had a computer with a CD-RW drive that did not work due to a concern that teachers may violate copyright laws if they are allowed to burn CD’s.
The authors feel that security and the safety of our children is indeed important, but that some of these requirements go a little far and deter teachers from even using what they have as effectively as they could. It has been shown in studies that teachers who use technology in the classroom have been able to meet standards for curriculum development and been able to create constructionist and hands on activities. Many students learn best this way.
School districts first began to explore issues of security once greater access was made available. Initial policies first included limiting students to inappropriate websites, which is very understandable. Antivirus software was also a concern, again very understandable. Copyright infringements and unauthorized software copying posed another concern.
Due to some of these concerns, many school districts have implemented policies that monitor faculty use and prohibit email for personal use. Some districts discourage the use of a classroom website or severely limit the content that is presented. The article cites an example of a teacher who had to deal constantly with logoff scripts, which interpreted the flow of his instruction because he had to ensure he went back every 15 mins. to activate the demo computer again even if the class was involved in a side project. The authors believe that school districts need to balance student protection needs while still supporting technology integration efforts.

Questions:
1. The article points out some obvious concerns about the need to balance student protection with the effective use of technology in the classroom. What are some ways this can be accomplished?
Perhaps setting up educational sessions for teachers to let them know specific examples of what would be appropriate and inappropriate. At the same time, focus on the numerous positive examples of how they could use technology in their classrooms without scaring them away from using it. I think that some teachers are a little afraid of technology and scaring them away is the last thing that districts want to do. Allowing some creativity while setting parameters can go a long way. I also think that they should solicit feedback from the teachers about how to resolve some of these issues because they are on the front lines every day and may have some good ideas.

2. What might be considered inappropriate internet usage in terms of security issues in a classroom? You could be treading a little dangerously whenever you offer unlimited access and kids can get to sites that are beyond your control, so keep an eye out even when they are supposed to be doing research and be sure that they stick to those sites.