In today’s technology rich world, many students begin their educational process and schooling with an unprecedented level of technology skills. These students have never known a world without technology and are comfortable with its applications and use (Higgins, 2010). Today’s students are not just using social media for writing and posting pictures. They have accepted technology as a part of their daily lives and are connected whether at home or school. It is because of this connectedness that many students and schools clash. Inside the school environment, access to and use of technology is a unique issue and a difficult one. Many in the education realm agree that technology in the classroom prepares students with the skills needed for the 21st century and motivates them to learn. However, all stakeholders must be aware of concept of technology control. This concept refers to the way students use and access technology in the school and classroom setting.
Technology in the classroom can be exciting,
rewarding, and challenging for students. It is because of this
that school districts have in place a filter for technology access to the
internet server. These filters provide a safety net for students in
that they block harmful content and malicious viruses. However, no
filter is going to protect students from viewing or accessing inappropriate
content one hundred percent of the time and they are not fail
proof. Teachers must supervise, monitor, and watch their students while
they are online. Students should also not be allowed to be on the
internet without an educational focus and purpose. Thus, teachers
should design activities and technological experiences specifically for
educational purposes. In their book, Whitehead, Jensen, &
Boschee (2015), state that educators need to rethink the concept of how to
control technology used in the educational setting. They advocate
that students should manage their own devices, be allowed freedom to find and
use apps, be allowed to express their knowledge, and be allowed to find and use
tools they are most comfortable with. Although, I agree with the authors that a
cultural of trust is important for students. It is also important that
it be coupled with information about cyberbullying, internet safety,
privacy, and communication dangers. Along with freedom comes great
responsibilities and without guidelines students flounder. A culture
of trust should be established in the classroom and in the school culture,
yet school administrators and teachers should take time to educate
students about how to be aware of safety and privacy issues when they are
online. When a technology control plan is in place, it can provide
administrators, teachers and students with a process and procedures which help
in ensuring that any technology used within the classroom is safe and
effective. According to Stevens and Crow (2016) the internet and
technology are invaluable learning devices. However, there should be clear and
effective policies and procedures in place to protect students and prevent
misuse. A technology control plan can provide school systems with
effective safety and and security policies for protecting our most valuable
assets, our students.
Higgins,
S. (2010). The impact of interactive whiteboards on classroom interaction and learning in primary schools in the UK.
IGI Global, 86-101.
doi: 104018/978-1- 61520-715-2
Stevens,
J., & Crow, D. (2016). Teaching the millennials to engage in the
environment instead of their environment: A
pedagogical analysis. Applied Environmental Education &
Communication, 15(10), 18-29. doi: 10.1080/1533015X.2016.1141721
Whitehead, B.M., Jensen, D., Boschee, F. (2013). Planning for Technology: A guide
for school administrators, technology coordinators, and curriculum leaders. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
