Using Ethical Practices When Integrating Technology in the Classroom
The Influence of Teaching and Learning with Technology
Susan Calderone
Ashford University
Abstract
There are many options for integrating technology into the classroom and breaking down traditional geographical barriers that once existed. Education is no longer confined to the classroom and text. How an instructor brings the world into their lesson is limitless with the advent of new and emerging technology that transcends barriers and vastly changes the landscape of teaching and learning. With the rise of new digital instruction comes the proliferation of ethical concerns related to the application of technological uses (Mabry&O’Driscoll,2003). The main issues of ethics and technology seem to circle around copyright infringement, confidentiality and web use accessibility (Lin, H., 2007). Establishing a culture of proper use in the classroom falls on the responsibility of the instructor and the adherence of those who are now a part of a global move to use technology to advance their learning (Starr,2003).
Technologies like SKYPE are becoming more popular as collaborative tools in the classroom to help students build a personal interpretation of the world through meeting other classmates via video conferencing. There are exciting opportunities but also room for pause to help students understand the safety of collaborating with others beyond their immediate surroundings.
Principles and Theories
Technologies like SKYPE that allow students to reach across varied lands and meet face to face via teleconferencing to other classrooms and experts in the field is bridging the geographic divide. This collaboration allows for students to build further knowledge and expand their horizons without having to leave the classroom.Based on the Constructivism and Interpretivism, learners can build interpretation of the world based on experiences and interactions with others. This technology offers a way for students to expand their ability and to widen their perspectives of structuring the world and its entities (Dabbagh, 2006).
This diverse source offers an insight to all kinds of cultural learning for students posing opportunities to look at things in new ways. Just this month Iowa State Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds instituted Iowa's "Skype Your School!" program. The program allows for the Governor to virtually visit classrooms and for students to ask questions.
While SKYPE continues to grow in appeal it is imperative to make sure learners are safeguarded by clearly understanding the safety of engaging with others. The redesign of my SKYPE assignment is a reworking to integrate ethical practices when using this exciting technology.
Resources
Starr, L (2003). Tools for Teaching Cyber Ethics Retrieved October 16, 2012 from
Lin, H. (2007). The ethics of instructional technology: issues and coping strategies
experienced by professional technologists in design and training situations in higher
education. Educational Technology Research and Development, 55, 411-437.
Retrieved from http://edweb.sdsu.edu/courses/ed690mb/ethics.pdf
Dabbagh, N. (2006). Instructional design knowledge base. Retrieved October 21, 2012
from http://classweb.gmu.edu/ndabbagh/Resources/IDKB/models_theories.htm
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