Third Journal Entry/Digital Citizenship Assignment

“Digital Citizenship”
By Mike S. Ribble, Gerald D. Bailey and Tweed W. Ross
For me it is very easy to see how the learning environment has changed with the addition of technology in the classroom. The reason for this is that I am a digital immigrant. What I had in the classroom when I was in school and college is nothing to what the students have in the classroom today. I remember having to use a typewriter for all of my high school and college papers (no word processor). Research was done in the library. You had to pick up a phone if you wanted to communicate with another person. Now all these items have been replaced with fast paced technology. Students have instant information via the web and hand held devices. A word processor has replaced the slow typewriter. The library can be found in your home via the computer. Communication has been made simple with hand held computers and cell phones. It is a wonderful time to be a student with all the technical tools available to assist you in your educational experience. Basically the world can be found in the classroom via technology. Students are going to be more global than when I went to school.
With the new age of technology also comes the responsibility of teaching the students the appropriate behavior and practices when using the technology. These social skills include learning how to safeguard yourself and your computer from viruses and predators. Being able to shop online and be responsible for those purchases. Being responsible for your actions with the computer would address the copyright and plagiarism issues. Even communicating with others requires knowledge of the general conventions in such activities as writing emails. This would include when it is appropriate to replying to all or writing messages in all upper case letters (viewed as yelling to the recipient).

Q1: How can you show your students appropriate behavior regarding technology?
A1: The biggest way to teach your students is to practice what you preach. The teacher needs to be a role model for appropriate behavior so the students can have an example of what is acceptable.

Q1: Is technology the only area students need to learn proper behavior?
A2: Absolutely not. A teacher will always be a role model to the students in every facet of the classroom. Teachers are not only teaching the California Standards but also how students can become productive citizens in society.