I have taken some time to sit and reflect on how we as
teachers should deal with those in the classroom that engage in inappropriate
use of technology.
During the past few days, I had the chance to look over
at two technology policies of two schools that I am employed at casually at the
moment along with their consequences.
I have also been challenged by the limited number of
articles on the topic as well. I hope at some point soon that there is some
research out there to guide me.
At this stage, I feel that punishment within the
“pastoral” or “welfare” policy is fair provided that the behavior is covered by
policy. For example, acts of cyber bullying can be dealt with under the policy
because bullying involving the use of technology is the same if the bullying
was to occur physically or emotionally. Cyber bullying does cause the same
effects.
Obviously if a student fails to comply with instructions
with their use in the classroom e.g. no music again it should be dealt with
because the student has not complied with instructions.
The only time a student should be denied access to
technology is if there is serious misuse of it e.g. accessing sites of
pornographic and/or offensive nature. If we look at workplace expectations,
serious disciplinary action can be taken if one misuses technology. In many
instances it has led to loss of employment.
If school is about preparing our youth for the workplace
then we need to foster appropriate workplace practices and develop an
understanding of possible consequences. It may mean that a student may loss
access to technology for their learning but sometimes students need to learn
the “hard way” of separating right from wrong. Access to technology is a
privilege, not a right.
Since discipline is about helping students correct their
behavior – I feel that students should also be required to receive support from
support staff such as counselors who can guide the student in addressing their
issue. Sometimes it does go deeper and that may help the student long term as
it may fix other problems affecting them at their stage of life.
It is still an area that needs to be looked it further.
As this blog entry and the previous one showsmI am glad that I have curiosity
about it, which is great.
