RUNNING HEAD: ED TECH ISSUE

Ed Tech Issue
Eric Mulcahy
EDU 352
Instructor Cannon
March 28, 2016

RUNNING HEAD: ED TECH ISSUE

Personal safety and protection of privacy are some of the most important aspects present
in the world of educational technology. There are many legitimate risks that have grown along
with the advancement of our digital era. For younger learners, parents and schools need to teach
about and minimize the risks of inappropriate content, online predation, computer viruses and
hacking. As students get older and begin more independent exploration with technology,
behaviors like social networking conduct and respect of digital copyrights and licensing becomes
more important. The use of closed intranets and blocking undesired content are examples of how
parents and schools can help protect students and their privacy. But eventually theres going to be
a time and place where all of the safeguards and isolationist barriers will not be in place. This is
where its necessary for students to develop strong foundations and exercise responsible digital
behavior.
Sharpe (2014) suggests responsible digital literacy lessons should begin as early as
kindergarten. The practices supporting healthy digital literacy are broadly defined by the
International Society of Technology Education (ISTE, 2008). Most relevant to the issues of
safety and privacy is ISTE Standard 4. Promote Digital Citizenship and Responsibility. This
standard states teachers should work to ensure 21st Century Learners build the responsible skills,
safe habits, and ethical mindsets necessary to explore expanding digital paths (Hollandsworth,
Dowdy & Donovan, 2011). By modeling what digital responsibility looks like, teachers, parents
and schools can optimize their learners potentials while minimizing the amount of risk they are
subject to.

RUNNING HEAD: ED TECH ISSUE

References:
Hollandsworth, R., Dowdy, L., & Donovan, J. (2011). Digital citizenship in K-12: It takes a
village. Techtrends: Linking Research & Practice To Improve Learning, 55(4), 37-47.
doi: 10.1007/s11528-011-0510-z
International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). ISTE standards for teachers.
Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/20-14_ISTE_Standards-T_PDF.pdf
Sharp, L. A. (2014). Literacy in the Digital Age. Language And Literacy Spectrum, 2474-85.