Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Ethical use of Technology
These reports of suicide attributed to sexting should be a definite sign that technology has proliferated beyond our ability to control it. It is equally the responsibility of the parents, the schools and the manufacturers of this technology to create a culture of responsible use. When students are taught to drive in schools for the first time there is always an adult beside them, guiding their every move towards a future as responsible drivers. Their parents model responsible use of an automobile such as they wish their children to follow. Manufacturers include in a manual with the automobile that gives instructions on how to properly maintain and conduce the vehicle such that you will not be a danger to yourself or others. Schools, while having been at the forefront of teaching students about new technologies in the past have(automobiles, computers), have failed to keep up with newer technologies. I fear that a blanketing concept like Digital Citizenship may not be enough. Beyond education related programs schools have held a standoffish attitude to newer technologies. Networking sites, texting, IMing are regarded as out of the classroom, and therefor out of school, activities. These should be added to the curriculum. these should be taught in a class room, not in a chat room. chat 101 could even have benefits beyond the curriculum, students may actually improve their spelling when they text each other. If students learn how to use camera phone from teachers versus peers, this too will effect how they view it, as a tool, not a toy!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I like your automobile analogy, and I think you are absolutely right. It is the responsibilty of all parties involved to ensure that younger generations understand the ethical uses of technologies and the repercussions of their actions.It really comes down to a lack of education on these matters, and a lack of accountability.
ReplyDeleteI also like how you related this sexting incident to learning how to drive a car.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, you make a valid point about incorporating these technologies which are mainly thought of outside the classroom to be integrated inside the classroom.
I know personally that at times I have trouble spelling because of the way I write a text message or when instant message someone.
I forget where I heard that an art teacher allowed students to use their camera phones for an assignment and showed the students how to take a decent picture and how to upload it and fix it on a computer.