ELEMENTARY STUDENTS SHOULD NOT
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DISTRICT SUED FOR CHILD USING
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ASCD has been meeting with the Department of Education and discussing the disturbing state and national headlines. If ever we have needed to work together, now is the time. A title wave of negative articles has been sweeping the nation creating a surge of community and professional concern.
THE PROBLEM: There have been an increasing number of articles discussing technology in our schools and classrooms. Some of these articles have been very positive, but the vast majority have been trumpeting the dangers of technology and highlighting the few misuses of technology in our schools. Those of us on the front lines know the truth. This propaganda is just the voice of a few, but the press has chosen to highlight these examples because they make copy.
CALL TO ACTION: ASCD needs your help. We have published many articles about these issues and have shared success stories. Unfortunately, we cannot stem the flow of this negative publicity alone. This battle has to be fought on the front lines. We know that you will be confronted with these issues in your own schools and communities as you use and provide inservice on technology. Therefore, it is imperative that you are prepared to address these questions/issues from parents, administrators, and other teachers directly. Are you ready?
ASCD is in the process of creating a Web site for teachers with the information to help teachers fight this battle. How can you help? You can help them investigate the latest information on one of these issues and share your findings on their Web site. You won't have time to research every topic/issue independently. The whole class needs to work together to investigate these issues.
THE TASK: Select an issue raised by these headlines (or a related issue that is of interest to you). Work with your team and decide on one issue that is of interest to all of you. This is a team project where you will create one team product. What questions do you have about this issue? How does your own district address this issue? Use online communication (such as your course bulletin board or chat or e-mail) to collaborate with educators to learn about how they address the same issue. These educators should be from outside your team, but can be other course participants. How can you find out more information? Decide how you want to communicate what you have learned and how you want to work as a team. Your facilitator may also ask you to post a summary online with links to your best suppporting information.
We regret that we can't give you an extended time frame. The work must be complete by the date on your class's assignment sheet. Your colleagues and Mr. Tex Bert, Director of Public Relations, will be looking forward to your responses to hear what you have learned.