Journal #6

"The threat of Security" By Leanne K. Robinson, Abbie Brown, and Tim Green

This article deals with the issue of security versus the full integration of technology in the classroom. It also discusses how much of the security measures that school districts implement hinder or prevent my teachers of integrating technology into teaching. From what I gather, teachers have to jump through a lot of "red tape" to even get technology into the classrooms. Then once they do the security measures that are in place for access, usage and protecting students are so stringent that many teachers avoid even attempting to use the technology. I understand that the districts are trying not only to protect themselves and students using the equipment, but at what point do they say too much security is prohibiting the learning process with regards to the use of technology in the classroom.


Questions:

1. When do we say we have enough security measures in place to promote learning, but still make using computers safe in school?
I think that once you have the appropriate security measures in place students and teachers should have free range to use technology to meet their needs within the classroom. Obviously it would have to be an ever-changing system, since advancements are made, and rights need to be protected. But as long all the "gaps" are filled, why shouldn't teachers or students be able to burn CD's of their own work or access websites that can be beneficial to learning. As a teacher, if I find a website that is appropriate for students to view and can enhance their learning, but it is blocked by the district there is nothing that says I can't give out the website and students can go look at it at home. It just seems silly to have to contact the district so that they can look at the site and determine whether or not it is appropriate, especially when the teachers typically know the educational standards better than district personnel.

2. Why continue to sink money into technology at schools if educators are not using the resources available to them?
I think districts should put out a survey to all teachers to help them determine if the technology that has been provided to the schools is actually being utilized in the classroom. I think this will give districts a clearer vision of utilization and implementation of technology as a learning tool, rather than spending billions of dollars on hardwiring schools, buying computers that are just going to collect dust in a classroom. I think that the survey should also include a section on perceived security and whether educators think it hinders their implementation in classroom use.