Journal 8 - Navigate the Digital Rapids - NETS 5

Lindsay, Julie & Davis, Vicki. (2010). Navigate the Digital Rapids. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/MarchAprilNo6/Navigate_the_Digital_Rapids.htm

This article is about teaching digital citizenship in an age when technology changes so quickly. Digital citizenship, according to the article, is more than literacy, but being able to effectively understand technology trends, monitor uses in school, avoid fear, and empower student-centered learning.

Part of technology is the ability to customize. This also influences curriculum in schools. The authors encourage teachers that customized learning and national standards can coexist. Teachers should mix digital technologies in a variety of ways to create student-centered, globally connected learning experiences. This starts with being educated about technology as a teacher, especially in the use of web 2.0 tools, such as wikis, and blogs.

The second tip from the article is to “monitor and be engaged.” Educational networks are professional environments, not like social network sites. Students and teachers must understand the differences and conduct themselves in an appropriate manner with appropriate avatars, styles of language and quality of material. Teachers must monitor for “textspeak” and other inappropriate material. Teachers must lead by example and coach students about responsibility. Teachers must monitor all online collaborative and networking sites.

When a teacher discovers inappropriate content posted by another student, they should document it, share it with the student’s classroom teacher, and have it removed by administrators. The classroom teacher will decide an appropriate disciplinary action such as having the student apologize online, or banning them from the network. Usually, student intent is not offense. The authors have banned fewer than 10 of 3.000 students in the last three years.

Realize that getting started may be the most difficult part; don’t give up too soon. Remember, others have gone before, and can help guide the way. Also, remember that “off-topic” conversations can create learning, too.

We should educate students on digital citizenship as soon as they start using digital tools. Privacy levels should be age appropriate. Also, remember that “off-topic” conversations can create learning, too. Consider not deleting a student’s academic legacy. In the future, colleges may be requesting e-portfolios.

What are some of the disadvantages to the use of technology? No potential disadvantages were discussed in this article. Yes, there is the possibility of inappropriate content being posted, but that is really not that different from a student making an inappropriate comment in class or elsewhere on campus. Expense can sometimes be a factor in technology, but I was wondering about the possible adverse affects of the impersonal nature of technological mediums, and the perhaps greater ability to cheat. Also, one thing that has not been brought up in teaching students about dealing with technology is stewardship of the device itself and of their own bodies re: posture, carpal tunnel etc.

What are the advantages to having students create digital footprints/an academic legacy online? What a way to streamline interview/transfer procedures etc. Plus, students have access to previous materials and projects for building on those thoughts and ideas in new classes.