Journal # 3

Threat of Security – by LeAnne K. Robinson, Abbie Brown, and Tim Green
International for Teaching in Education: Learning & Leading with Technology, September/October 2007, Pages 19 - 23.

The article “Threat of Security”, discusses the use of security by educational institutions may actually be creating an atmosphere of apprehension for students and teachers. “Could our concern over security be generating a fear that is now hindering the integration of technology?” The article discusses various areas of usage (Networks, Web Sites, and Filters). It also point out the subsequent regulation that has had implemented by educational institutions in an effort to protect children’s safety.

1. & 2. Has there been a loss of perspective regarding security? Are we in the process developing a punitive environment that does not allow for creativity and inspiration for educators and students? Many schools allow for little of no interaction with the web. Limited access is granted for classes to explore sites for school projects. Have we undermined the worthiness of technology in education? Are we becoming paranoid to the point of inactivity by perceived “threats to security”? The article ponders whether to avoid the use of computers in classrooms due to this environment of distrust. It has been shown that the use of technology helps develop more constructive and authentic learning environments. When explored by the authors they found that of security is actually not the chief impediment to technology use in education, (“…lack of appropriate hardware and software, training, administrative support, and collegial jealousy.”). This surprisingly was not a lack of access to computers and peripherals, but access to needed resources that would have allowed for more technology interaction in the classroom. The protocols or Acceptable Use Policies (AUP) that many schools have adopted can greatly limit both a teachers’ ability to teach as well as a student’s ability to learn. How do we balance security and AUPs with access to the many technological tools available for learning? We must have a level of trust in education. Levels of personal responsibility need to be established that increase with age and maturity. Schools need to trust educators to teach appropriately, and administration needs to be clear as to what is allowed. AUPs need to be clear, but not so binding that a teacher or student is unable to utilize the worth of technology. Give teachers more trust to check the sights they use and teach children what is appropriate for their environment. The article mentions that students usually worry more about losing their work, rather than security. If a balance is taught and that balance is respected then for the most part it will be followed. We need to assume that most teachers and students want to be learning, rather than assume that they are out to be nefarious. Perspective needs to be retained by the schools. Mainly, “We must empower teachers to fully integrate these tools and technologies into their classroom settings in ways that are both safe for the individual and satisfying for the learner.”