This was an interesting assignment and very eye opening for me. Since I don't use technology that much, I didn't really think about all the issues that go along with it.
Scenario #4: First of all, the teacher should have done more research on the tool. If she would have done this, she would have realized she needed a different plan for her 6th grade class because of the age restrictions. We've all been there, and I realize you can't always plan ahead, but I am learning that with technology, we need to go above and beyond to make sure we are being ethically responsible and that students are being safe. Obviously, age restrictions are put in place for a reason, and we need to follow them. In this case, I don't know if there would be any safely concerns (it doesn't seem like it), but the bottom line is that the age restriction limits who can use this tool. The teacher will have to come up with a different plan for the 6th graders. She could still do the posters, but in a different way. The students could still do research and find information/pictures, etc. for their country. They could then create a poster using that information but adding it to poster board/paper, etc. She could also modify the assignment, and have the students make a brochure, or a powerpoint, etc.. I've seen both of my kids do some pretty cool activities using technology, so I know there are many options for doing projects.
Scenario #6: Since I don't know exactly how Moodle or Edmondo works, I'm wondering why Edmondo isn't supported by the tech. department? It sounds like this teacher was very prepared, did her research, notified parents, the principal, etc., so I don't see any safety or ethical issues. It's also great that this tool seems to be really motivating for her students. I do understand the parent's concern, even though I am not familiar with any of these systems. It would be helpful if the school gave parents information on the systems their children are using at school. I asked my daughter, Zella, if she's heard of any of them, and she's only heard of Moodle, and said she's used it once. Is there a way for the school to have a unified management system? I'm assuming teachers are using these systems because each of them offers something unique for each subject, but is it worth it? Or, is there a way for the student to use the same login and password for all of the systems if each department is using something different? I also know logins and passwords are a part of everyone's life now. Is this something we just have to get used to now?
I like your perspective as a teacher and as a parent. I agree with you in your first scenario that the teacher needs to abide by the site requirements, but that her project doesn't have to be dead in the water. She might just have to come up with a different format for the projects.
ReplyDeleteFor Scenario 6, it seems like the problem would need to be addressed by more than just the classroom teacher. I don't know if the tech dept or building administration would need to get involved to try and come up with a uniform system. There are pros and cons for each tool, which is probably why teachers were using different ones. I like your idea of reusing logins and passwords. That might help simplify things a little bit, as long as kids don't share their logins with anyone.
The multiple logins is an issue for me personally as well. I can never keep them all straight! I know there are apps/programs that store them all for you. Kinda scary to think about!
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