Monday, August 17, 2009

Recording devices in the classroom?

I've always told my students that what happen in the classroom stays in the classroom. Well, after reading the post on "Spies" I realize how wrong (once again) I was. The use of electronic devices as miniature recorders has brought down the walls of privacy in the classroom. Students can now secretly record what happens in the room. OK, so what? I have nothing to hide... do I? But what happens when the truth is edited and presented out of context? Are we concerned now?
It becomes a matter of responsibility and accountability. But who is responsible and how will they be held accountable. What are the values and ethics of technology use in the classroom and how do they extend beyond the walls of our school into the community? How do we teach social responsibility in the 21st century?

5 comments:

  1. I will have to look up that blog and read it...I am a bit freaked out about appearing on you tube at some point because a student taped me!

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  2. Loved your comments Henry. Kids can be so creative--why can't it always be for good?!

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  3. I agree with you, Henry. Last week my husband and I were watching a show that included the newest gadgets for school. One of them was this tiny video camera that could hook up to a computer like a USB device. This means a student could have a tiny camera, tape you, and put you on UTube before they even leave class. I am not afraid of the "normal" way I teach, but what about those moments when you are pretending or acting with students?

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  4. Henry,
    You have hit on important issue: How do we teach social reponsibility around technology use? This ranges from cut and paste plagiarism to sneaky videotaping and recording. Teachers in a 1-to-1 laptop environment will need to think about classroom management strategies as well as classroom design. I don't think we can let fear stop us from integrating technology.
    Thanks for being with us in class.

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  5. Totally real. Part of our world now, I'm afraid. Just a reminder that we need to stay in touch with our students to know what they find important and to honestly honor their skills - even the skill of broadcasting your teaching to the world. No need to coddle or encourage that, but to ignore it is perilous and missing the opportunity to know students better.
    spk
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