Reflections+ISTE+TF+TL+Standard+VI

**ISTE Technology Facilitation and Technology Leadership Standard VI - Social, Ethical, Legal, and Human Issues**

Technology Facilitation and Leadership (TF/TL) Standard VI addresses Social, Ethical, Legal, and Human Issues. Standard VI states: “Educational technology facilitators understand the social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology in PK-12 schools and assist teachers in applying the understanding in their practice” (Williamson & Redish, 2009, p. 136). The standard also states: “Educational technology leaders understand the social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology in PK-12 schools and develop programs facilitating application of that understanding in practice throughout their district/region/state” (Williamson & Redish, 2009, p. 136). The difference in Standard VI for educational technology facilitators and leaders is that facilitators are required to understand and assist teachers in applying the understanding while leaders should understand and develop programs facilitating application of the understanding of issues surrounding the use of technology in PK-12 schools.

In EDLD 5365 Web Design and Development we were required to create a Web policy for our school that addresses security, legal and ethical issues. Completing the course embedded assignment required researching and understanding the social ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology in PK-12 schools. In this course I learned the importance of reviewing the school’s current web policy to determine if the policy addresses the legal requirements pertaining to web sites, security, and provides clear guidance to protect copyright and intellectual property.

Addressing Standard VI, one of the most pressing legal issues for Web sites in K-12 schools today is compliance. According to Solomon and Schrum (2007), districts that receive E-Rate funds, Title II, Part D funds, and/or Title II money used for certain Internet connectivity purchases must comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Installation of filters and blocking technology on all computers with Internet connection ensures CIPA compliance. Additionally, districts must implement an Internet safety policy, conduct public meetings to discuss the policy and protection measures as well as obtain parental consent to offer Web site services to children ages 12 and younger. One of the most pressing ethical issues for Web sites in K-12 schools today is adhering to intellectual property and copyright laws for written material as well as music and video downloading (Solomon & Schrum, 2007). Educators must teach by example and provide guidance regarding identification of sources, copyright, and intellectual property.

Additionally, technology facilitators and leaders must address issues related to equity and the digital divide. Joy Wallace wrote, “It is extremely important that all K–12 students have the opportunity to use appropriate and effective technology in their school experience” (Wallace, 2002, para. 10).

References

Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0: New tools, new schools. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.

Wallace, J. (2002). Colloquium Resources for Increasing Digital Equity Needed. //Technos,// 11(4), Retrieved from []

Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). Technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do. Eugene, OR: International Society

for Technology in Education.