Computer+Use+Policies

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=NETS*T for Computer Use Policies=

Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society. Teachers... .....a. demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations .....d. model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning

** 4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility **
Teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices. Teachers... .....a. advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources .....b. address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies and providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources .....c. promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information .....d. develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital-age communication and collaboration tools

** 5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership **
Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources. Teachers... .....a. participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning .....b. exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others .....d. contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community

=Computer Use Policies= .....Our district has a generic computer and internet use policy. It basically just states that we will not misuse the equipment or internet and they will be used strictly for educational purposes. Consequences are listed as loss of access. .....When I asked about our district’s “digital citizenship program” and I received two responses back within the same email:  1. The only thing our district has is the mandated “internet safety policy” (aka CIPA)  2. Would you like to develop a digital citizenship program?  …..As a quality program, digital citizenship does not exist in our district. I do believe some of the nine themes are addressed by the few teachers who are dabbling in online communication and collaboration. I am preparing my 5th graders for our first ever inter-building collaboration project as we speak. Part of my instructions with them during their trial/practice communications between classes has to do with the responsibilities of digital citizenship. So far we’ve addressed 1. Digital Access, 3. Digital Communication, 5. Digital Etiquette. By the end of the project the only theme which will not be addressed is 2. Digital Commerce, only because I don’t think I am the appropriate one to handle that one. Hopefully the things we are covering will be reinforced over the duration of their education otherwise it will be meaningless. Success at this point is measured by what I see with their attitudes and read in their postings. So far, so good. They are understanding the need to reread and rethink before hitting “post”. They are doing well with communicating in positive, meaningful, and supportive language. By the time I left school yesterday I was given a whole “plan of attack” for this project. Once I create the guidelines ground work I’ll be sharing it with the HS (are you reading this Dave?) so they can consider developing a similar follow up program.  …..Coming from a district who I seriously believe is trying to overcome its fears of the 21st century, I found some interesting (and hopefully helpful) tidbits in the “ [|__Playing It Too Safe Online...__] ” article. Maria Knee’s comment summarizes a healthy attitude. “Keeping powerful tools out of students’ reach during the school day doesn’t prepare them for life. ‘Our kids are going to be using these tools and sites anyway. Don’t we want to educate students about them at school?’” I hear this as a driving argument all the time. They are going to use it whether we teach them how or not. Parents don’t know how to use the technology and they just give it to the kids without educating them on safe, responsible use. I feel we have an obligation to our students to embrace this opportunity.