Journal #3 Keeping the Peace: NETS 2, 3 & 5

Levinson, M. (2010, February). Keeping the Peace. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(5),
Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/FebruaryNo5/L_L_February_2010.htm

This article described a one-to-one laptop computer program launched at a middle school and the problems that subsequently arose.  The main problem that parents and teachers encountered was that they felt the students were using instant messaging (IM) excessively and inappropriately.  Peers were sending instant messages during class and unable to focus on what was being taught.  Additionally, iChat was being utilized extensively after school and parents were uncomfortable with the new freedom that was handed to the students.  Some parents felt this discomfort because they had not had a chance to establish any rules up front.

Ultimately, the situation exploded and there were two points of view among the parents and teachers.  One group felt the students needed unlimited freedom to explore.  Another parent group felt that students needed more rules, as they had not been consulted before their children received this new freedom.  In some cases, parents had previously established rules that were being overridden by the school's new laptop program.

After turmoil during parent coffees and outbursts after the school put a ban on IM, the school came up with a plan to address the situation.  This plan included the following elements:

• A boot camp to orient new students on the laptops
• A partnership with an organization to help students/families make informed choices
• Training sessions for online research
• Parent education workshops
• A signed usage agreement with students (prior to issuance of laptop)
• An IM program for use at school

Finally, the administration at the school felt that moving to this new laptop program would open students' online world and handle the social situations that come up in the process.  It appears that they were successful.

Is "Boot-up Camp" a good idea to implement in all our schools for Internet usage in general?

Definitely yes!  For example, our local elementary school recently had an FBI Special Investigator hold a seminar regarding "Internet Safety".  The seminar focused on sites such as Facebook, where children can create profiles and communicate with strangers.  Additionally, the seminar discussed how student-to-student communications bring bullying to a new level.  This parent education, like Boot-up camp, brought peace of mind to the parents and helped them open lines of communication with their children regarding Internet usage. I was impressed with the Boot-up camp program, and think some form of  it would be helpful in many school situations, especially when students are first learning to use computers.

Is it better to have strict rules for teens regarding computer usage, or let them have "free reign"?

Since I am the parent of a 13-year-old, this question is quite thought-provoking.  In our home, the children are allowed to use one "kids' computer", located out in the open in the family room.  We definitely fall into the "strict" category as far as what is allowed on the computer.  We monitor usage in terms of time and content, and generally are in the room when the computer is on.  I realize at some point in the next few years, my oldest son may need his own laptop for schoolwork.  When he gets to that point, I will no longer have complete control over how much he surfs the Internet, what he is reading or seeing, or who he is communicating with (or how often).   After reading the article and understanding how the Nueva school administrators set up an education program for their students, I feel that a balance between the rules and "free reign" is most appropriate.  The key is educating teens and parents and striking an agreement between them on appropriate rules.  This way, the student feels empowered and the parents feel more at ease and can help their child make good choices.