Yet again, a management and accountability problem is being spun as a technology one. We, meaning technology, cannot solve this.
Suggesting that we can “fix this” through the next application of filtering, or going along with someone else’s idea that we can, sets us up to be the bringers of frustration and disappointment. That just gets the finger of failure pointed our way. Social networking is a part of our educational lives – for both good AND ill. Administrations will have to make the decisions on how it will get used in their schools (note: “will”, not “if”) Likewise, our school administrations will have to determine how they are going to ensure and encourage personal accountability from their school personnel and students. I’m not suggesting we shouldn’t use filtering. But it’s an aspirin, not a cure. Build all the mousetraps we want, human nature and intelligence is still going to build stronger, faster mice. I’ll leave the soapbox over in the corner, if anyone else wants to use it. Butch Wilson MCSE/MCSA 2003 (Security +) Hamilton Jefferson Counties Regional Office of Education #25, Learning Technology Center Six North From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Dana Fellows Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 3:41 PM To: 'Tech-Geeks Mailing List' Subject: Re: [tech-geeks] college class needs Facebook When I did my Masters at WIU, we used all types of social networking sites. We used Facebook, Second Life, Ning, Blogs, and few others that I can’t remember. This is a subject that will only become more and more of a issue/concern with schools. Our we embracing technology such as Facebook or trying to ignore it? Don’t know the answers. I teach tech classes to 16-18 year olds and I find those who are really savvy with sites like Facebook, MySpace, etc… do very well in the classes here. Dana Fellows Computer Technology Instructor / Network Administrator Whiteside Area Career Center 1608 Fifth Avenue Sterling, IL 61081 Email, [email protected] Website, www.wacc.cc Phone: 815-626-5810 ext. 206 Available via phone between 2:30 and 3:30 PM Central Time MCP, MCSA, MCSE, A+, Network+, CIW AAS - Network Administration BA - Information Systems MS - Instructional Technology From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Steele, Thomas C Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 9:17 AM To: Tech-Geeks Mailing List Subject: Re: [tech-geeks] college class needs Facebook We have a similar situation. We have a social worker intern who needs an on-line chat site opened up for a class she is taking. This is going to become much more prevalent and will force districts to re-evaluate their filtering policies. Thomas C. Steele Technology Director Manteno CUSD #5 From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Michael Bendorf Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 8:16 AM To: Tech-Geeks Mailing List Subject: [tech-geeks] college class needs Facebook I just had a senior come ask me to unblock Facebook for him as his community college professor is using Facebook as a medium for coursework...said he had to use a teacher's phone to look up his information this morning before I arrived as he had forgotten that FB was blocked at the district....not sure what to yet - I do know the professor...hmm --Michael T. Bendorf-- Technology Administrator A-C Central C.U.S.D. #262 217.476.3312 ext. 2019 DID #: 217.476.6019 Cellular: 217.306.6824 "I'm trying to teach myself to ask the same questions that you do during your lectures so that I do not need you any more." A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others. "The computer revolution hasn't started yet. Don't be misled by the enormous flow of money into bad defacto standards for unsophisticated buyers using poor adaptations of incomplete ideas." - Alan Kay
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