Ethical Use of Digital Material in a Classroom #2

From my first post on the proper use of technological material in a classroom, my thoughts have not changed. However I did not consider that most children think of the information attained off the internet as common knowledge. Therefore it could be quite easy for kids to plagiarize parts of their school work without even noticing it. I also do know the importance of siting the work of other authors so that they get credit for their work, I would not want to lose my job as an educator over something that can be prevented. Not only have I considered how important the proper use of technological material is, but I also want to ensure that copyright is not violated in my classroom.

            To ensure that the copyright of any material is not violated in my classroom I would first use effective search engines with my students. This not only allows my students to get the information they are looking for but can also help with age appropriate material. For example, sites like kids.yahoo.com will narrow down the search to kid appropriate sites. As a teacher I would also try to give the students the site they should be working on to try to ensure the accuracy of the information on the website. One way to avoid the copyright material in my classroom would also be to try to give assignments that the student cannot plagiarize any material on and also to teach the students about the proper use of the internet.

Ethical Use of Digital material in a Classroom #1

When using technology in a classroom i believe that there is a certain criteria in which a teacher must follow. For example, when copying and pasting material from the internet to be used in a classroom a teacher must use citation or else it is considered plagiarism. Everything posted on the internet does belong to an author. To always be safe as a teacher dealing with plagiarism you should also teach your students about proper citation used in getting material off the internet or out of an outside source. I believe the proper use of technology in a classroom is to always site the material used.

Communication Blog

Communications with Parents:

In a Classroom Setting it is very important to keep communications open with parents. Communications can easily be transferred by email and phone in this day and age. However in middle school, it is a little different than in elementary school. Since the teacher does not only have one class to see the whole day, dealing with hundreds of students is different than twenty five. However, Communications are still possible in a multiple of ways. For example, email and calls over the phone are some of the most common. There are also agenda books that the student is required to fill out each day to let their parents know what is going on inside the classroom. In this agenda notes may be transferred from student to parent very easily as another use of communications. Also available to the parent are scheduling of conferences.

Communications with Students:

In a classroom setting it is not very hard to have communications with students since unlike parents we as teachers interact with them on an everyday basis. That is why the use of verbal communication in a classroom is very important, the student and teacher need to be in an understanding environment daily. Another great option available for students that might need extra help with work that is being obtained in the classroom is a study hall. The Study hall is an option that is used best during the students’ explo hours, where instead of going to recess or art they stay back in the classroom for extra help when needed. Students may also use their resources to get in touch with the teacher by email or phone. Student conferences are also available!

Monitoring Professional Development

          Monitoring professional development within a classroom would be to observe the growth and development of the student throughout a period of time. An important part of being a teacher is knowing how the student thinks about themselves and their learning environment. In middle school there is an award system set up for students who achieve a 3.0 GPA or higher each semester. As the child develops throughout the year they will attend this ceremony. The development of a student is also monitored in the classroom on an online grade book and even in the school records. Another great way to support the students’ growth is to play academic games in the classroom where the winner is rewarded.