The Importance of Technology in Our Evolving Classroom

Many can recall the "Facebook" issue that occurred earlier this year. This issue had many people considering what it means to use technology and media in the classroom. What are our students learning and what are they loosing? Is this safe to have in our classrooms? What ever happened to the classroom that requires a number 2 pencil and loose leaf paper? I feel the more important thing for people to realize is that it is not only the classrooms that are changing but also the world. This realization is so important because it helps society understand that the changes that are occurring in our classrooms are in fact good. It is the job of the classroom to adapt to the world so that our students are aware and are being given the appropriate tools they need to succeed.

Of course, with all of this said, it is obvious that there needs to be ethical and legal inference in our classrooms in regards to the use of technology. As we know technology is an incredible tool that many can benefit from. Unfortunately, technology can also be used for bad. There has been many cases of abuse, bullying, and of course inappropriate material that has been viewed. It is because of these things that classrooms are responsible for being ethical and this is the reason laws must be put in place.

This take me back to the "Facebook" issue of Missouri. Their goal was to take Facebook out of the classrooms completely. They did not want teachers interacting with teachers or students with classes. The intentions were noble; stop cyber bullying, and take the risks of inappropriate behavior out of the equation. This law was designed with the mindset to protect the students and the teachers.

Unfortunately, as noble as the intentions were, eliminating technology and media does not really provide a solution. The students may be protected from the negative aspects but they in turn lose the learning aspects as well. Instead of preparing our students for the future, we are taking away their tools to grow.

Instead of taking away the tools, teachers need to be trained to know the laws and ethics behind using technology in the classroom. There needs to be a clear line on what is considered unacceptable when using media. One example I heard in regards to Facebook was for the teachers to have multiple Facebook accounts. One account meant to be the professional account and another to be the personal account. I also believe that teachers should monitor their students. Without keeping a watchful eye, students can get away with much.

Laws are susceptible to change and it is important for teachers to stay aware of what laws are current. It is their duty to follow the laws and I would say that it is their responsibility to care about the ethics needed in a classroom. They need to make sure that the behavior is appropriate, that the learning is acceptable, and the material they are teaching the children is suitable. Only with the teacher's corporation will there be success.