So what should tech use look like in the classroom?

The International Society for Technology in Education has outlined 5 standards and performance indicators for educators of this century, which the new element of technology in the classroom. Out of the five, the standard that grabbed my attention most was the fourth: an educator should promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility.

Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

Teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digitalculture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices.

• a. Advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources
• b. Address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources
• c. Promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information
• d. Develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital age communication and collaboration tools

Technology is a "toy" for a large majority of students right now. I believe that teachers have the responsibility to alter this perception of "toy" and change it, or add to it, "tool." Often on the internet, there is an 'anything goes' perception. Intentional instruction and modelling by teachers ensures that students can process through what is good and bad about the internet and technology use in general, and find what is appropriate. 

They will learn that hiding behind their username does not mean that they can do as they please - there are still issues of intellectual property, documentation, digital etiquette, and more than that, legal and ethical decisions. Through the guidance of strong educational leaders, they will learn that technology is an incredible tool for finding information, for networking, and for building global community and collaboration.

As part of this, the ISTE also set out several essential conditions that must be present for effected technological education to take place. Out of the fourteen conditions, three in particular resonated with me.

Equitable Access 
Robust and reliable access to current and emerging technologies and digital resources, with connectivity for all students, teachers, staff, and school leaders 

Student-Centered Learning Planning, teaching, and assessment centered around the needs and abilities of students  

Engaged Communities
Partnerships and collaboration within communities to support and fund the use of ICT and digital learning resources

All three of these necessary aspects of a classroom are based on respect. Equitable access ensures that if you are asking students to do something with technology, you first ensure that all students have the access they need. This respects the socioeconomic diversity that is often seen in a class. Secondly,  student-centered learning focuses on the needs of the students. I believe this is especially important in technology because, as mentioned in my last post, technology can sometimes become the end, rather than the means. Student-centered learning ensures that the focus is kept on the purpose of schooling: to guide students in learning. Finally, engaged communities, which will come with time and that mutual respect for everyone in the community, allows each individual to learn, grow, participate, and contribute to their digital learning.

These standards and critical components give teachers in the classroom a guideline for the effective use of technology with students. With these guidelines, teachers can cultivate a respectful and engaging atmosphere regarding the opportunities afforded through today's technology.