Journal Four

Nets 3

Schaffhauser, D. (2010, December 1). It's time to trust teachers with the internet: a conversation with Meg Ormiston. Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2010/12/01/Its-Time-To-Trust-Teachers-with-the-Internet-A-Conversation-with-Meg-Ormiston.aspx?sc_lang=en&Page=1

In this interview with Meg Ormiston, a woman focused on bringing technology to 21st century learners, she speaks about how Internet use is being restricted and how schools can in a time of change bring new Internet tools to the classroom. Integrating these tools into areas that for so long have been fearful of the them is not an easy task, but once the trust is given, educators will be able to show appropriate use to students who most likely have access to all these materials at home.
Most school districts across the nation block Internet access completely or at the very least social networking web pages. By doing this, Ormiston describes how our professionally trained teachers are being told they are unable to filter what students view. Many teachers have given up trying to fight these blocks but are also later told that they are not incorporating technology in their class room. As all these concerns come up we must educate ourselves and our leaders on the benefits of Web 2.0 tools in the classroom.
If the administration of schools were educated on the uses and benefits of Web 2.0 tools they would be more likely to fight to have access to these programs in the schools. Learning appropriate use of these social networking tools is key for students because if not spoken about in the class room they may be unable to navigate them properly on their own accord. As discussed by Ormiston in this interview teachers should be trusted with the Internet and allowed to teach our students how to appropriately learn from these options.

Why isn’t there a larger push for Web 2.0 tools in the classroom?
Without the ability to access these tools or the knowledge of how to do so, educators are becoming discouraged to fight for these rights. Instead they just ignore the technology aspect despite the important role it plays in the classroom.

How if Internet use was previously blocked should we slowly incorporate its use into a school with no previous exposure?
If a school that had previously not had Internet access is being granted access it may be a great idea for teachers to have access prior allowing students the same access. This is a great way to make sure that the newly granted Internet access is used appropriately.