Artifact # 9
Name
When working with children and technology there are precautions and actions that teachers must take in order to follow appropriate guidelines. Permission slips can help teachers keep the students and themselves safe and in check.
Context
When my group at Beech Mountain School did the Media Ethnography project, we needed to take several pictures of the media represented in the student body population and school. Therefore, we had to make ourselves aware of which students did not have consent to be photographed. Another type of permission slip required in the school was for Internet usage.
Impact
I learned how important permission slips were during my Block semester at Beech Mountain Elementary School. When dealing with technology there is a lot to be aware of. Teachers need to make sure that this is done whether for their class alone or with the entire school. When I get a class I plan to remember to have students complete permission slips at the beginning of the year. Once they are done the forms can just be filed for reference. Teachers in the school can share copies of the permission slips as a more effective way of dealing with the technical aspect of technology.
Alignment
When using technology in the classroom, it is vital that permission slips are completed for every student. Having permission slips for Internet usage and children being photographed should be a standard procedure for preparing children to use the technology in school. Permission slips promote and model safe, legal and ethical ideals for students and technology. In no way should a student be put in danger. For instance, while at Beech Mountain School I learned that children's pictures can be threaten children's safety for reasons such as kidnapping. Also, the Internet is full of material that is not suitable for children. Therefore, more responsiblity is placed on the student and parents for the actions performed on the computer. In general, permission slips encourage safety and the meaningful learning with technology. (Technology Standards VI. A and VI. D)