Paul Horstmeyer Personal Framework on Technological Issues With the increased utilization of technology in the classroom, there is also

an increase of issues that accompany this widespread usage. These issues can be summarized into four main categories: Social, Educational, Cultural/Equity, and Legal/ Ethical issues. Many reports, articles, and laws have been given, written, and passed concerning these issues, and I believe it is important to keep an active awareness on the content and impact these issues can have on a classroom. The first group of issues to consider is the social issues involved with technology use. Some hold concern that technology misuse and abuse can have harmful effects for students, faculty, and staff and their overall social lives. Specifically, problems with privacy loss, technology overuse/misuse, social networking, and viruses have all been shown to have a significant negative impact on education. In regards to technology overuse, the New York Times series, Your Brain on Computers features several articles which provide researched evidence for the harm of technology overuse, including the article Digital Devices Deprive Brain of Needed Downtime (Ritchel, M. 2010). Keeping active regulation on all technology usage can be vital in preventing these social problems, such as maintaining up-to-date virus protection on all computers and technology. The second classification of technology issues are referred to as educational issues. This refers to the problems which directly affect a school system, such as: a lack of funding for technology, teacher/student accountability, disagreement over best technology practices, and reliance on distance education. One peer-reviewed article provides a outlook on the governments involvement with technology funding (Stacey, P. 2013). To remain aware of these

problems would involve strong communication amongst all levels of an educational institution. An awareness of funding opportunities, federal requirements, and research, along with proper budgeting can be very effective in preventing educational issues of technology. The third group of issues to examine is the cultural/equity issues. Technology may directly or indirectly cause divides within an educational environment, especially among schools with different technology levels, and even cause racial or gender issues. Special needs students may also be divided from their peers on technology usage. A simple solution is an active awareness by teachers, faculty, and staff, to make sure the teaching methods involved, as well as the school curriculum, put no unfair distinction between any of the students. The fourth and final type of issues is legal/ethical issues. These are issues that usually involve legal ramifications, and are in everyones best interest to avoid. Severe problems such as: hacking, safety issues, plagiarism, and illegal downloads/ software piracy are some prevalent legal problems involved with technology. An interesting discourse is provided in an article titled Program equity issues in schooling: The testimony of technology teachers (Hansen, R. 2008). Popular and effective defenses against these issues include multi-level security systems, an upto-date Acceptable Use Policy, and an informing of students about all types of plagiarism and illegal activity. In light of all of this, I personally pledge to uphold all of the standards and regulations related to technology use, both as a citizen and a teacher, including all those related to social, educational, cultural/equity, and legal/ ethical issues.

Works Cited Ritchel, M. (2010, August 24). Digital devices deprive brain of needed downtime. The New York Times, p. 1B. Stacey, P. (2013). Government Support for Open Educational Resources: Policy, Funding, and Strategies.International Review Of Research In Open And Distance Learning, 14(2), 6780. Hansen, R. (2008). Program equity issues in schooling: The testimony of technology teachers. International Journal Of Technology & Design Education, 18(2), 189-201. doi:10.1007/s10798-006-9022-0