How do public policies impact the use of technology? How are these policies impacting students and teachers?

Just like any tool, there is a right and wrong way to use it. The use of technology in the classroom has so many benefits. A classroom can be transformed by using it effectively. There are certain policies that are put in place to help protect students and sometimes impact how the technology is used.


In our schools there seems to be a shortage of technology, we always need more. Our students live in a digital world where they need to prepare themselves for life after school. They need to acquire the necessary skills in school to help them when they prepare for a career. Due to inappropriate uses of technology, policies are in place to protect our students. Access to the internet is restricted and student identities need to remain anonymous. This can cause some problems when using technology, but luckily most problems can be overcome with a little planning.


I think that in regards to the use of technology in the classroom, there are some barriers. Policies are there to protect students. With careful planning, any restriction can be overcome and other avenues to use the technology can be used. As educators, I think it is very important to know what policies are in place to protect teachers and students. It is very easy to infringe on copyright laws and do something that may be not be ethical or legal. As more and more technology develops, we need to be aware of the appropriate way to use the technology.


A good example is Facebook. What a great tool to communicate with others. You could use it for homework reminders or communication to help students with homework questions. Unfortunately, this tool could also be used in inappropriate ways. Does this mean we cannot communicate with our students? No, there are other ways we can do it that are anonymous and appropriate. As teachers, we need to find ways to use the technology to benefit our students.