To be honest, learning about all the privacy and date concerns stemming from the use of technology and social media in the classroom was daunting. I’m glad that there is robust governance on how tech is used with students because I think it is important that we monitor that educators are using it responsibly. However, I became worried that I would never understand the intricacies of these rules and that I might in the future accidentally mess up and get myself into trouble. It almost made me not want to try!
But I think that most schools and districts will be equipped with resources to assist teachers to find apps and websites that are FIPPA compliant, and that we will not be out on our own in the vast sea of different technologies with no lighthouse or life raft. Also, it may help teachers find more creative solutions in searching for technology whose data storage is based in Canada, and these smaller companies may be more ethical and have less of the concerns related to large corporations.
In my Social Studies seminar, we are going to have a week devoted to discussing tech in the classroom and particularly the use of Google. Considering that ever more districts are using Google Classrooms as their main organizing system, I think this will be a very relevant and interesting module. The biggest tech is often the most streamlined and convenient (I use Google for everything!) but there are also valid concerns and reservations to have.
I have a lot to learn about tech in the class, but I think my main takeaway from this week was err on the side of caution, but don’t let fear preclude you from bringing technology that could be useful and edifying to your students into your classroom, because there are plenty of resources (and other teachers!) to help you.
