Module+3+Reflection

Reflection Prompt: Reflect on what you plan to do to address the equity and ethics issues when applying technologies. You may share with us about what you have been doing by addressing these aspects and what you will change after learning in this module. **__Description__**: This week's readings certainly opened my eyes to many issues with classroom technology. Up until this school year, I was completely blind to the fact that there were any issues other than plagiarism for what I used in the classroom. When I started blogging I learned more about CopyRight issues, and I have been very careful on the products I have created and the things I post on my blog to try and not violate any Copyright laws. However, I must admit that I have not been as careful with things I use on a daily basis in my classroom. I kind of operated under the concept of "who's going to yell at a 4th grade teacher?" After reading these, I now feel that it was wrong of me to think this way! It truly opened my eyes to the morals and ethics that I need to abide by to be a role model for my students and teach through example. I was really bothered in the case study that Mrs. Jones only allowed her students a certain amount of time to complete the assignment, and only 1 day in class. What about all of the students without computers? I have always made sure those students were given ample class time to work, and access to library computers at a public or school library after classroom hours to ensure they are given equal opportunities to complete their assignment. 

__**Intent**__: My number one intent is to make sure that I now give credit where credit is due. Even if it is just a simple Google Image, I need to make sure the source allows me to use it, and cite it in a caption. I think it will be interesting to see how many students ask about it and it will be a great teachable moment. One of the big things I noticed in the Copyright laws is that teachers are not supposed to show full-length movies for rewards as it is a Copyright infringement. I was shocked to read this. I will need to make sure that now when I decide it will be beneficial to my class to show a movie (even though I do not do it often) I will be sure to have objectives in mind and students aware of these objectives. I am also working on creating a Schoology sight for my classroom for next year. After these readings, I am making sure to keep a few things in mind. First off, I am making sure not to include too much personal information that students will have access to. I want to make sure I only include information that is legal to use, and encourages students to read, write, reflect, and share. In Chapter Two of the TPACK handbook, there is a discussion on making sure technology is equally accessible to all students. This is something that I struggle with because as I've stated before, we only have 4 desktops in each room and 12 working laptops to share between two classes. This makes it extremely hard to make sure all students have access of equal time. Next year, I plan to set aside time during my Daily 5 rotation for computer usage. We currently have a "Listen to Reading" station where students use computers to listen to and watch books. When we are working on technology projects, I am going to open up this time for students without computers at home to have additional access to the computers to work on their research. I will also continue to offer them the extra time and access to public and school libraries. 

__**Impact**__: This past year I began our first research project with two lessons on how to properly use search engines to research, identify ethical and unbiased sources, and cite sources. I intend to continue doing this lesson as I believe it is extremely beneficial. In addition to this, I plan on adding a section where we discuss Copyright laws and identify instances that would be violating these laws. I want to make sure my students understand the laws and do not infringe upon the rights of websites, images, and sources. I also plan to abide by these laws on my Schoology sight. I want to work towards getting more access to technology for my students. I will look into any grant writing or fundraising I can do to purchase iPads or more laptops for my classroom. I will also continue to make sure students have equal opportunities to use the computers, especially those who do not have access at home. This has certainly had a huge impact on me and will guide my future technology integration/driven lessons and my creation of Smartboard lessons, Powerpoints, and class websites. 