Effects of Edtech Funding

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Current approaches to funding educational technology can potentially have a positive impact on promoting online privacy and cyber safety.  Teaching fundamental values at a young age is often beneficial.  Children will establish and practice certain actions and by adulthood, these actions will develop into habits.  According to Jeff Gerth, staff writer for Tech Forum, telecommunication programs such as Clinton’s E-Rate increased the number of public schools connected to the Internet by about 32 percent.  By having access to these means of technology, teachers have the ability to instill habits of maintaining online privacy to their students.  If utilized properly, other approaches of edtech funding such as federal initiatives, state and local taxes, fundraising, grants and partnerships have the same capacity to promote cyber safety.  However, this widespread access to technology can also have a negative impact on promoting online privacy.  If students aren’t adequately taught the importance of protecting themselves online, this access can have a negative impact on individual images.

A Cyber Safety Comic

Comic created by Brianna Claggett at Storyboard That

The Digital Divide

Word cloud developed by Brianna Claggett at Tagxedo

Easy access to technology yields a plethora of benefits.  In the 21^st century, essentially all information is posted online, sometimes without the permission of the owner.  In relation to the issue of E-sponsibility, access to technology helps individuals to monitor what is being posted online about them.  In addition, access to technology allows individuals to research why privacy and cyber safety are so important as well as find ways to protect one’s digital dossier. 

However, not everyone has access to technology.  This situation is called the “digital divide.”  Even so, those who lack easy access to technology can still find ways to connect online.  Students often have access to school funded computer labs.  Individuals who don’t have access to these facilities can often go to local libraries, which offer public computers.  In addition, many cafes now provide free wireless Internet.  

Edtech Core Issue

Which Issue? 

     E-sponsibility - Privacy and Cyber Safety

Why?
     Online privacy and cyber safety are two very prevalent issues in our society.  With sites such as    

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Facebook which are based on sharing personal information, people have to learn to be more aware of their online presence.  I find it interesting that people have to constantly adapt, what someone else posts about you may have negative affects, even if you were not involved in posting it.  While I have always known the importance of privacy and cyber safety, I have never actually done any extensive research into the subject.  However, by acquiring a deeper knowledge of this subject, I think I will gain the ability to better monitor and protect my online image.  While I have read a number of stories about teachers being fired on the basis of inappropriate online content, I think it's important for people of all professions to be aware of what personal information, pictures, videos, etc. are available online.  By doing so, individuals can avoid unpleasant, uncomfortable, or embarrassing situations.

Technology in Schools: Good or Bad?

Recent studies show children ages 8-18 are spending between 6-8 hours a day in front of screens (TV, video, games, smartphones, computers, etc.).  Given this rise in "screen time," whether or not schools should emphasize or de-emphasize the use of technology in the classroom has become controversial.  However, in his article "If Your Kids Are Awake, They're Probably Online," New York Times staff writer Tamar Lewin details the common usages of technology in youth.  Most of the kids Lewin interviewed use forms of technology recreationally or for leisure rather than education.  Janet Sepulveda states, "'I'd say [my son Francisco] uses it about 2 percent for homework and 98 percent for other stuff.'"

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Schools should incorporate the use of technology in the classroom.  As Lewin writes, media use is ubiquitous.  As a journalism student majoring in public relations, my professors emphasize the importance of utilizing all aspects of technology.  I've always considered myself as technology proficient; I have a Facebook profile, I'm constantly connected with my friends through texting, and I download music and videos from the web.  However, the first day of class, we were told we would be constructing a website, audio slideshow and short video.  I realized I had a false sense of security, and while I was proficient in some aspects of technology, I lacked education in many other areas.  Because society is exposed to and relies on technology in virtually everything, it's important to educate oneself and develop the ability to use technology, not just for recreational purposes, but to function and succeed in our developing society.  Schools have the ability to begin building the foundation for a stronger education in technology by incorporating technology use in the classroom.

EDST 220 Driving Questions

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1. How can technology tools improve communication between teachers and students, parents, or peers?
2. How can these tools hinder communication efforts?
3. Why do issues surrounding the use of technology in education endure?