Module+3

Module 3 Reflection
Description** The equity issue will be addressed in the classroom. Between my room and the neighboring classroom, there are enough computers available to have all the students on at one time. This allows class time to be devoted to work on projects. With the new Google Apps available as well, students may simultaneously work on group projects from different locations in the high school. I try not to force the students to work on projects at home because I know that some of my students either do not have a computer or, just as often, are grounded from using it. I give everyone ample inclass time. The students who need more time either come see me during a study hall or work in their tutor's room. I have found that the students with learning disabilities really need extra attention while using technology anyway. Functions that are automatic for me-- need to be walked through every time, i.e. printing, copy/paste. Some of the students even have difficulty transferring computer skills from one location and model to another. Since the school provides the computers, software, and access to my knowledge, equal access is provided. The above is valid for assignments requiring a computer.
 * Reflect on what you plan to do to address the equity and ethics issues when applying technologies.

I also use the overhead for class notes. I know which students copy at a slower pace. They are usually handed the overhead sheets to copy if there is extra time or they come see me during a study hall.

For decades, plagiarism has been an educational ethical issue. NOW, students need almost daily reminders about plagiarism. Since the Internet, copy and paste has become their specialty. It's even easier than copying an encyclopedia. They've all been taught (or so it seems) that as long as they change one word, it's ok, that it's now their work. Few students cite other's work unless specifically instructed to do so.

Using technology to assist in Copying has become a problem for society as a whole. Copyright laws are ignored by most of the general public and even some educators. Pirating music and dvds has become part of the American culture, an unethical part, but almost socially acceptable. Students are surrounded by people stealing other people's work. It's our job as educators to educate our students on these ethical issues.

Being an Intervention Specialist, I make different allowances to provide equity on a daily basis. It's just such a natural part of my day that I forget until I observe other classrooms or speak with other colleagues that this doesn't happen as often or as naturally in every classroom. As far as equity goes, I've struggled in the past with students not having consistent access to computers, printers, and even calculators. I've found it's just easier to provide them all the time they need. This works well as long as I've kept them on task. The only unfinished projects utilizing the computers/software from my room have been ones done by students who were off task most of the time. Most teachers work on stricter deadlines than I do. Most of my students do not enjoy academic classes because their disability makes everything so much work, extra work. I have students that will work vigorously on maybe Monday and Thursday, but this week couldn't focus on Tues. and Weds. so little was produced. I take advantage of their workdays to maximize productivity. Therefore, some students complete work at different rates. Technology usually speeds up the process, but not for all students. Sometimes the technology is a hinderence. They don't all type at the same speed. They aren't all equally familiar with MSWord, PowerPoint, and Excel. Very few of my students apply the more advanced features in these programs. They are still mastering the basics.
 * Impact**

As far as ethics, I am always working on instructing the students on how to paraphrase and summarize without plagiarizing. These skills are difficult for them. I spend a LOT of time teaching them how to do this. Many don't want to think for themselves. They are content using someone else's thoughts on their papers. I am constantly stressing that if they wrote words that someone then copy/pasted into a project or homework that they would want credit for writing them. That even though the words were "borrowed," all of therm were still their words. That's why citing is important. It's giving credit where credit is due. I've given students zeros and forbidden them to share their presentations until they've properly cited their sources. Though effective, it's not enough.

I think teachers have always tried to justify ignoring copyright laws. Our attitude has been "As long as we have an educational intent and don't profit from it, what difference does it make?" Also, we access so many different types of media that we aren't experts on what is permitted and what isn't in the classroom. Since the copyright violators won't be arrested today by the copyright police, there's little fear to make teachers want to stop. I would bet that every school in America has at least one violation of a copyright law in a classroom everyday this year!

I really think I have addressed the equity in access to technology well in my classroom.
 * Intent**

I think I need to develop some type of lesson (maybe "borrowing" portions of my students' initial writings???) that proves to them that plagiarism is really a serious thing. It's illegal. There are negative consequences. I want to stop being a broken record telling them to go back and paraphrase so it's their own thoughts in their own words. I want to design something almost shocking so that they will remember to do this on their own.

I think now that I've read up on some of the copyright laws, that I am more cognizant of my previous violations that need removed from my classroom. Summer clean out? Plus I need to look for other missed areas.