AUP

I think it would be helpful to post the Children's Internet Protection Act so conversation can be had about CIPA and it can be referred to as needed.  Additionally, posting the AUP might be helpful so students can remember what they have agreed to within their signed AUP, especially, as students will have the opportunity to use their own devices in our school this year.  I think creating an environment of open communication and expectation about use of technology would be helpful.  With open communication hopefully we would not have to have for example all You Tube blocked as we know it contains helpful information and hurtful information too.  I heard at a recent training that we can move content to teacher tube for a safe place to access helpful information.  I really like the Courtesy Policy idea.  I have noticed in the hallway that very few students have headphones or earbuds in both ears, showing courtesy and willingness to interact with others.

Buy in and understanding from all involved will make the policy stronger.   Listening to the students and how they use the internet and technology will help make a policy that satisfies all parties.

Digital Citizenship

Digital Literacy is essential for educators and students in the twenty first century.  As educators we need to understand ways that technology is being used in life and to teach our students how to effectively and safely use technology within the classroom for application outside of school.

Kyle Jones gives a nice overview of digital literacy in this slide show. http://www.slideshare.net/thecorkboard/digital-literacy-in-a-20-world#

Best practices of digital literacy include funding for an Instructional Technologist.  We are so fortunate to have a Media Specialist within our district (not specifically within our building) that is truly digital literate and provides trainings and support.  She works with students and staff.  I feel she is spread thin.

This is a great list of tools to use to within developing digital literacy.  Interestingly, some tools listed as encouraged through our district, while other tools are not currently allowed within our district.  I know that using skype is currently blocked within our district network as there had been a problem with an outsider accessing our district network through skype.

http://www.slideshare.net/janehart/toptools2012

Digital Etiquette (Netiquette)

Interesting topic.  I understand that what people do digitally is trackable and representative of them for a long time.  I found that there are advice column like sites that share suggestions on how to deal with a wide variety of digital etiquette scenarios.

I really like this Brain Pop video about digital etiquette.  Middle school students really like Brain Pop and I feel the video hits several important topics.  http://www.brainpop.com/technology/computersandinternet/digitaletiquette/

I don’t think I will use this lesson on digital etiquette due to the spelling error here not hear.  Source doesn’t seem as credible with the spelling error. https://sites.google.com/a/go.rbe.sk.ca/digital-etiquette-lessons/

This seems like a good list, but when I noticed that the date was 2001 it made me a bit concerned about not being as up to date as it could be. http://www.bpl.org/kids/learn/netiquette-for-kids/

I don’t yet love this site, but am having a hard time with a good netiquette list appropriate for kids. http://www.networketiquette.net/

LMS

Course or Learning Management Systems

Thank you for being patient with my post.  I am so fortunate to have attended professional development within my district that has answered many of my LMS questions and has me excited to create my own for my students.  Our district has a Moodle account through the MAISD.  I have created my account and am ready to input information about my Innovative Solutions and Service-Learning classes.  Additionally, I am in the process of creating a new website through Google and am excited to create edcanvases and qr codes for my classes.

MI Online Learning Requriement

Our district has implemented a school sponsored Mobile 1:1 program for several grade levels for the past two years.  Students were given a district owned tablet or phone with 3G capabilities.  Core teachers within Mobile 1:1 program received training that I feel helps to meet the Michigan Online Learning Requirement for K-12 students.  This year the district is expanding the program to students as the B.Y.O.D. (Bring Your Own Device) will be implemented.  Students will have the opportunity to connect devices to the district wifi.  As I read the Essential Characteristics of Quality Online Learning Experiences

Collaborative experience between students	All students are required to be involved in developing working relationships with an educator and other students online. Look for online collaboration tools, such as a learning management system that must also include collaborative tools such as discussions/forums, Wikis, and Google Docs and Spreadsheets where students can work cooperatively asynchronously and synchronously.
Integrated	Every experience is not only aligned with METS but must also be aligned to Content Standards that support and enhance your curriculum content.
Sustainability	The experience(s) must provide an opportunity to practice using technology tools, explore the virtual learning environment and develop a comfort level operating in this space. This requires a period of time and is not accomplished in just one experience.
Life-long Learning Skills	As a result of the online learning experiences, students will develop proficiencies for online learning throughout their lives. They will become life-long learners and will develop and embrace online skills through accessing, analyzing and evaluating information resources; incorporating communication skills; and practicing problem-solving, interpersonal and self-directional skills.
Teacher Involvement	The teacher is involved in the online learning experience in any of these ways: guiding, facilitating, designing, monitoring, providing feedback, interacting, supporting, assessing and mentoring the online learning experience.

 http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/OE_Companion_Doc_12-06_184084_7.pdf 

I feel the characteristics listed are encouraged or expected within the district’s Mobile 1:1 plan.  I am attending the technology trainings throughout this summer so that I can better implement technology into my learning environment.