Nets.T Performance Indicator 4

Nets T Performance Indicator 4 is designed to "Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility" (The ISTE National Educational Technology Standards (NETS.T) and Performance Indicators for Teachers. It lists four various ideals teachers should strive for when considering technology in the classroom (www.iste@iste.org). Last week I discussed "develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital-age communication and collaboration tools." This week I want to discuss another aspect of the fourth performance "promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information."

New technology brings new responsibilities. The advantages new technology brings are tremendous but there too are many pitfalls. The cell phone for example is relatively inexpensive and a great tool regarding emergencies (less response time). However, this rapid mode of information can also spell trouble. Cameras on cell phones connected to the Internet can create havoc on the lives of the unsuspecting. Recorders used on the same phone can ensnare spoken words meant to be "off the record." Once on the internet-forever in time. To what extent to we define our moral obligation; granting the inalienable right to privacy to our fellow man. These are examples of the total disregard a person may have for someone else's livelihood (look out karma's saddled up and on her way). However not all incidents of this variety may be malicious. It is quite possible transmissions of such information may be inadvertent. We need to understand the technology we are using to avoid accidental transmissions.

Understanding the technology at our disposal can be understated as only important. We must be sure of all transmissions of information are ethical. Mike S. Ribble, Instructional Services Coordinator, College of Education, Manhattan, KS (http://coe.ksu.edu/ribble) and Gerald D. Bailey, Professor of Education, College of Education, Manhattan, KS (www.educ.ksu.edu/go/bailey) co-authored an article (Teaching Digital Citizenship Reflection: A Four-Stage Technology Learning Framework) discussing these relevant issues. They believe "... teaching students to become good digital citizens" is a four-stage process. The four stages are: 1) Awareness--knowledge of technology and how it affects others and myself. 2) Understanding--ability to grasp the uses of technology that are considered appropriate or inappropriate. 3) Action--using technology in the most appropriate way with the information available. 4) Action--using technology in the most appropriate way with the information available.

Let us not compromise the integrity of our fellow citizens by malicious or accidental transmissions. Know what you are doing and do not what you shouldn't.