Visual Literacy Blog Reflection #1
First, I would not use the videos from GoogleVideo or YouTube if it did not comply with our district policies. I know we have had teachers in the district challenge this policy and whether you agree with the policy or not, it is the policy and needs to be respected. We can work to change policies if there is a strong enough educational reason, but do it through the proper channels.
Second, even though this tip gives people a work around to a site blocked by school filters I don’t think that it is modeling ethical behavior. We want to teach students to be responsible for their actions. I think this does the opposite. If I were to go around it, I would be teaching the students that it is okay to ignore the rules and do what I want. While there may be many valuable videos on these sites, it will not make or break a class moment.
I do think that discussions can take place about these types of sites and safe ways to use them. In “Tapping into the Wild Lights”, Hall Davidson makes good points about the use of digital video in the classroom. I agree with its power and uses, but think there are other ways to display it than sites like YouTube. Maybe it is the grade level I teach, but I don’t think one is exclusive of the other. We can teach and model ethical use of the Internet without breaking rules to do it.
July 16th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
I agree with what you have to say here. Because this is a new world, a 21st century world we need to partake in it but need to show our students, when the opportunity arises that there are right and wrong ways to use the resources we have in a school setting.
At your grade level I can understand using another something more secure where we could post student work. I see you read the Hall Davidson article, didn’t he have some good suggestions? I also looked at other articles he wrote in tech learning concerning fair use and copyright. I posted them to my delicious account if you want to see them.
Debbie
July 17th, 2007 at 8:10 am
Debbie,
It is a really fine line to walk on some of these issues. We want to encourage good and safe use of the Internet and at the same time keep a handle on district usage. I think that we have a good start here, but need to work together to provide a consistent path for others to be able to feel comfortable starting to use this new world. I did enjoy the Davidson article and thank you for the links at delicious!
Later-Donna
July 17th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Donna,
The importance of modeling ethical, responsible use really isn’t a gray area for your grade level. As kids mature, and are able to weigh their choices and exert more reasoning skills to validate their decisions in some gray areas, then that’s different.
So, I agree that you have to consider what tools you’re using carefully and how you model their use with kids in fifth grade. They need to learn the right messages before they learn mixed messages.
Ann