Thursday, November 29, 2012

Ethical & Legal Implications

I am currently taking a course regarding technology in the classroom.  This class and its assignments has truly opened my eyes to the different types of media that can help inspire and educate our students.  One of the major aspects to this course is understanding the ethical and legal implications for using technology and media in the classroom.  This aspect is vital for every teacher to understand and follow.  We live in a world where we can gather information in a matter of seconds and we must learn to respect this ability and to credit those who have made this information so readily available.

Copyright Laws

Copyright includes the legal rights to an original work. Without copyright laws people who publish their work (artists, authors, musicians, etc.) do not get properly compensated for their work. Copyright is important to educational technology is important because everything on the Internet is covered by copyright laws, even if it is not marked. Fortunately for educators there is a Fair Use consideration to the copyright law, allowing teachers to use and make copies of copyrighted materials to be used in the classroom. Under Fair Use teachers can use graphics from a subscribed magazine to use in a PowerPoint presentation.

The TEACH Act extended Fair Use to the digital world. For example, a teacher could display a clip from a History Channel documentary on a classroom (password protected) website or online learning environment (like Blackboard) that relates to the pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock; because the students have limited access to the clip, the clip is only available to students enrolled in the course, and the clip is related to the content of the class the teacher is not breaking any copyright laws. Allowing teachers to use copyrighted digital media in an online learning environment gives students an opportunity to work with materials outside of the classroom; it is convenient, practical, and beneficial to students.

Another important aspect to copyright and educational technology is the fact that emails are protected; students and teachers cannot forward email without permission of the author. Also, a teacher must have written permission from the student and/or parent when posting student work online. I think that this is an important aspect to online learning. This provision allows students to receive proper recognition of their work, ideas, and opinions.

If these laws are broken, teachers may be fined up to $250,000 or imprisoned for 5 years.  With such serious consequences it is imperative that teachers understand these laws. 

Ethical Aspect

Practicing ethical choices regarding technology and media in the classroom will benefit both students and teachers.  If a teacher makes responsible choices regarding research, online communication, and previewing material in the classroom, then they not only set a great example to their students, but also protect themselves from possible copyright infringement or complaints from parents.  One of the most important aspects to using technology in an ethical way is to preview.  Preview movies, audio clips, books, websites, and any other type of media before exposing your students to it; if the information in the media could be biased, judgmental, violent, or un-useful, then, by previewing, you can save yourself an embarrassing situation.

It is also important to provide students with instruction on the proper, responsible way to communicate online.  These days students are more likely to text, email, or message one another on facebook and therefore need to understand that there are "rules" for this type of communication.  For instance, it is not always appropriate to abbreviate or to type in all caps.  Students also need to understand that words can hurt and what they say could have a profound impact on another's life; for this reason it is important for teachers to instruct students on the seriousness of cyberbullying and the possible punishments attached to it. 

I believe that, as teachers, we must set an example to our students.  Take a look at your attitude and use of technology...are you setting a good example?