I am reading an article in the current issue of Learning & Leading with Technology, “The Threat of Security – Hindering Technology Integration in the Classroom”.
The introduction mentions many unfortunate teacher security stories such as being warned about purchasing flower bulbs from an online florist on her school provided computer, CD-RW drives unavailable to teachers, who may violate copyright laws if allowed to freely burn CDs. The results is that teachers may avoid computing technology in their classroom.
The question asked in the article is “Could our concern over security be generating a fear that is now hindering the integration of technology in our classrooms”.
We all want children to be safe. We don’t appreciate when our PC networks, hardware, and software have been attacked by viruses.
Barriers to technology integration can include a lack of equipment, training, support. The authors of the article found that lack of security was rarely identified as barrier. Studies indicate that students who use technology in their classroom tend to develop more constructivist learning activities. Lack of access is a primary barrier to technology integration.
School Division have been forced to consider security measures in K-12 schools. Cybersecurity, limiting access to certain sites, AUPs, violations resulting in loss of privileges, increased firewalls, back up of data, antivirus software. Educators also have to be aware of copyright laws. Monitoring potential copyright infringement associated with digital information accessed through the web, although inconvenient the policies make sense.
Identifying the Threats:
E-Mail – teachers are expected to check and respond to email messages as they would to phone calls. The article questions that no one comments when a teacher makes a person phone call, however, personal email are discouraged. Email can be monitored.
Networks – forgetting to log off on a public computer can compromise your security. Some colleges have installed script that has computers logoff after 15 mins idle time. A comment in the article, most students that work in labs are more concerned with losing their data/work that some accessing their personal folders.
Web Sites – Many teachers are expected to maintain a website. Some policies may discourage teachers from using the web, filtering, not posting to webpages outside of the school server, limits on what can be posted, themes, pictures.
In conclusion, the threats to security are real, but they need to be seen in perspective. A balance of the need to protect our students and our tools with accessibility and flexibility is the best answer.
I myself am somewhat reluctant to venture out into the great unknown using the web. My students have no fear and I see them enjoying sites that look like fun. I know that I need to get past my issue of trust, but I have heard about too many stories that make me fearful for the students. I guess the more I use the web, and jump into the water, hopefully this hangup will pass.
Very interesting points about security. We are expected to have web pages and keep them current. I really push email as a way for parents to communicate to me about their children. I find it hard to get a hold of a parent during the day, but I can use an email to keep them up to date. You are correct that a balance needs to be maintained and we have to remember that all these things are just tools that we can use to enhance education.
You left an extensive post on security and privacy. I was interested in your examples. It was an informative read. Thanks!