Journal #3 "Keeping The Peace" NETS IV & V

Levinson, M. (2010). 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


By Matt Levinson


In 2007 it was brought to attention that technology was no longer only for information and communication, but also for entertainment and socializing. When an instant messaging program was installed into the computers at school it brought up the topic of what was the appropriate use of technology at school. This controversial issue had well thought out reasons for both sides. One side which consisted of some faculty and parents, argued that exploration is a good learning method, while the other side which also consisted of some staff and parents argued that it isn’t safe and can be a distraction for some students. The decision was finally made to block ichat from the computers and the public did not hold their opinions. A year later a technology program was put into place to teach about technology and its benefits. A “boot camp” was put into place, so that every year the students participate in activities to learn about physical care, appropriate use, and ethics.

Two questions that arose in my mind were:

1. Were there different guidelines for the various stages of middle school?

I think that this issue should have been brought up. Sixth graders do not have the same maturity level as eight graders, so eight graders should have been allowed more freedom. I can see how a parent of a sixth grader would be concerned with their child chatting with an older student.

2. Would their ichats be monitored?

If a staff member was with the students after school and monitoring them, I doubt that they would risk getting caught using the program inappropriately. It was after school and the students did have access to the computers, but just because it is after hours does not mean that they can do as they please on the computers because they are still on campus and using a public computer.