Safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology

The internet is a vast collection of information that can also be a dangerous and harmful experience when one doesn’t know how to operate it responsibly. Many classrooms are turning to technology and internet usage for a fun way of bridging the gap between teaching and learning. However, it is important to set goals and expectations prior to allowing technology usage in the classroom. Before students should even begin to explore the wonders of technology, they first should understand how to responsibly use such technology; therefore, it is equally important to go over the safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology. One way of teaching students ethical, acceptable, and appropriate ways to use the internet, is to teach students to “question the reliability and authenticity of a website” (Slideshare, 2014).  Make sure to set parameters so that students are only able to visit specific websites when conducting a research base search. Post a protocol that shows students what actions to take when something inappropriate appears on their screen. “Teachers must follow copyright laws and in turn educate students about copyright laws” (Slideshare, 2014). Make it a requirement that students must show where they got their information to avoid plagiarism.  Lastly, be sure to get parental permission before allowing students to use the computers.

Reference

Slideshare. (2014). Teaching ethical and legal use of technology in the classroom.                 http://www.slideshare.net/Mrs.Faust/teaching-ethical-and-legal-use-of-technology-in-the-     classroom