Before a computer or an internet accessable tablet is even put into the hands of the student, the teachers and school administrators need to outline what sites are allowed and expected on this equipment. They should understand the dangers that the internet can pose along with the good that they can do toward their education and learning. A teacher should have forms for both the student and their parents, reviewing the rules and the consequences.
Students should understand the rules of plagiarism. Copy and paste is the same as writing directly from a book with the same result. Students should also be taught what is a good primary source for information and what is just a wiki that anyone can add information to without proper references.
Digital etiquette and responsible social interactions.
To promote digital etiquette and responsible social interactions, the teacher should be first and foremost a model of "netiquette".
Interactions through e-mail, social media, or any type of blog should be respectful. Students need to understand that cyber bullying is just as bad as bullying someone face-to-face and the consequences are just the same. The old adage, "Treat others as you want to be treated," should be re-enforced every time the students is on the computer.
Again, students need to be reminded about plagiarism, copyright laws, ideas of others, and crediting the sources for their information.
Meeting diverse needs of learners through learner-centered strategies and equitable access.
Technology can be used to meet the diverse learners in a classroom. Programs that are visual can help a student who takes tme to process information. Using the computer or other device to make text readable or audio textbooks for students who have visual impairments; predictable text for students who have communication issues; even something as simple as voice to text for students who take time to process when writing.
On a personal note, I have a good friend who has Cerebal Palsey and is autistic. He loves music, especially the violin, but has only one functional hand. I play the violin for him on a regular basis. He can accompany me on his keyboard playing cords. His knowledge of music is very broad and follows violin players on YouTube and anywhere he can find them playing. Recently he bought himself a mini iPad along with GarageBand. On it he can simulate playing the violin. He can do this easily with his one hand by just pressing on a string and doesn't need to use his other hand to pull the bow across the strings. We sat down and played a few simple songs. He was moved to tears because now he can actually play his most favorite instrument when he thought he would never have that opportunity.
Global awareness and digital-age communication.
With the invention of the internet, Facebook, Twitter, and all the other social media out there, the world has become smaller. Often music groups will collaborate with others around the globe. We are updated on world news faster then ever before, often seeing coverage live from the people at those locations.
Students often can get to primary sources without having to go to a museum or read about it from a textbook. The can also have access to classes from other colleges or even countries. With the this availability of resources, it is more important then ever to teach students proper behaviors and "netiquette" so that the experience is one of a positive value.
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