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Educational technology leaders understand the social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology in PK-12 schools and develop programs facilitating application of that understanding in practice throughout their district/region/state. Educational technology leaders:

a. Model and teach legal and ethical practice related to technology use.

Artifact: 3.4 Copyright Assignment
Course: MEDT 6401
Semester: Spring 2009

NETS Reflection:  This assignment had us look up copyright and fair use policies along with our school systems student and teacher appropriate use regulations.  With most everything available in some digital format, it is now easier than ever to copy works that you may not have the rights to use.  It is part of my job to ensure that the work I am doing and the work of my students does not break any of these copyright laws. Also, I hope to instill in my students the merit of giving credit where credit is due.  I often tell them that they would not want someone to take credit for the work they have done.  Although this can be difficult to convey to 8th graders, it is a major responsibility of instructors at all levels of education.

b. Apply technology resources to enable and empower learners with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, and abilities.

Artifact: Addressing Diversity with Technology
Course: MEDT 6401
Semester: Spring 2009

NETS Reflection:  This assignment was completed with a using a specific scenario.  However, it puts one in the correct mindset to utilize technology to enable learners to overcome whatever their specific obstacle.  Whether they are ELLs or have some form of disability, technologies exist that can allow them to thrive in the classroom.  For example,  students who have trouble reading can use programs to read the text aloud as they follow along, or for English language learners they can access programs like Google Translate or Yahoo's Babel Fish to have entire web pages translated into other languages. The important thing is that instructors be aware of the diverse nature of the students they teach and be ready to adapt materials to their specific needs.

c. Identify and use technology resources that affirm diversity.

Artifact: Creation of Critical Thinking Activities
Course: MEDT 8480
Semester: Spring 2010

NETS Reflection:  Creating the activities in this assignment required thought as to how best to have students use higher order thinking skills. These activities were created to supplement the course material but can also be viewed as differentiation of instruction.  For example, not all students can just read a chapter's worth of material and pull from it the connections and concepts that are the desired result.  These activities, whether writing summaries or the construction of a graphic organizer allow learners to manipulate the material in different ways.  These types of activities allow learners make the more meaningful connections and hopefully add to existing schema more effectively. 

d. Promote safe and healthy use of technology resources.

Artifact: 3.4 Copyright Assignment
Course: MEDT 6401
Semester: Spring 2009

NETS Reflection:  Detailed in this assignment were procedures that are performed at the start of every year when students are given the school system's acceptable use policy form along with the student Internet access agreement.  Students are told the rules and regulations of the county but also are presented with safety guidelines.  For example, students are told about giving out their personal information.  They are told that if they would not tell a creepy looking stranger the information at the mall, then they should not be posting the information on the Internet.  These safety protocols are reiterated throughout the year. Computing technologies and the Internet have given people learning opportunities and tools that make one wonder how things were done in days prior.   However, they have brought with them dangers and problems that need to be addressed.

e. Facilitate equitable access to technology resources for all students.

Artifact: Technology Connected Lesson Plan
Course: MEDT 6401
Semester: Summer 2009

NETS Reflection:  When designing lessons, such as the one for this assignment, it is always a requirement that all students have equal access to the technology required to complete the assignments.  Making sure you have reserved the computer lab or mobile lab, is the instructors responsibility.  It is also good to take note of those students who do not have access to a computer or the Internet outside of school.  These students may require extra time while in school to make up for this digital divide, which will hopefully shrink in the future.