The safe, responsible and ethical use of ICT

"ICT, isn't that just computers and stuff?"

Well no, actually. There is a lot more to it than that. ICT stands for Information and Communication Technologies. It relates to all sorts of technologies such as computers, mobile devices, radio, internet and interactive whiteboards. Advancements and developments in technology has seen ICT flourish in homes, businesses and more recently, schools. This blog will discuss ICT in the learning environment and provide parents with information related to ICT that will help extend their understanding of exactly what their children are doing with these technologies at school and some links to helpful resources.

Let's look at it from the view of the Australian Curriculum, since we are discussing ICT in relation to students. ICT is a cross-curriculum priority of the Australian Curriculum in that it is recommended to be taught throughout their learning and various lessons, as opposed to holding particular lessons just on the subject. ICT is something that, when integrated appropriately, can deepen and extend learning in a way that is not often possible without technology. It can be viewed by students as a tool to assist them with learning and problem solving.

Organising Elements of the ICT Capability
Australian Curriculum: www.australiancurriculum.edu.au

Students will develop the knowledge and understanding while at school, to apply social and ethical protocols and practices when using ICT. This relates to them understanding licenses and copyright policies/infringements, privacy/sharing rules and information and the impact that ICT has (both positively and negatively) on society. Teachers will play an important role with this. It is a requirement of the AITSL professional teaching standards that teachers are able to understand the issues with ICT and have the knowledge to provide strategies that support the safe use of ICT (Standard 4.5.)

Have your children come home telling you about how their avatar now has different hair or they bought a pet for them? Have you wondered why they were 'wasting time' and what their teachers were doing letting them play games? There are many programs or applications (ReadingEggs, Mathletics, etc.) that have been created to encourage student learning in a safe, fun and engaging atmosphere. In some cases this is done by creating a simulated reality where students complete activities which then open up new activities and unlock things for their character, sort of like a reward system with their learning. Resources like this are great for student learning because the whole environment is controlled by the teacher to ensure learning is totally safe, secure and focused on the student's needs/development. These resources are also available for children at home and have parent information or log-in's so you can see what your child is doing. Similar programs have been created which replicate social networking sites or other popular web sites but can be used in a way that is safe, friendly and supports learning and development. Club Penguin by Disney is one such program.

ICT can also be used to enhance learning in a different way. Students can use it for research or presenting their tasks/assignments in a different way. Providing students with opportunities to experience and experiement with digital technologies can increase their learning both with their subject areas and with their knowledge of ICT which is vital as technology advancements are increasing at a rapid pace and being used throughout society for a range of reasons.

General Cybersafety Information Poster
Cybersmart Resource: www.cybersmart.gov.au

In order for students to get the most out of their learning and ICT use they need to recognise intellectual property. Students have access to so much information online and it is important they have the knowledge to understand and avoid plagiarism and copyright infringements. Learning about creative commons, sharing information and copyright policies are all part of this.

Students also need to be able to apply security protocols and practices. This relates to the way they share (or hide) their information online. It includes aspects of security like creating secure, secret passwords for log-in's and general cyber safety about what should and should not be shared online and the consequences that can occur from these decisions.

Students should also be aware of the impact ICT has in society. Technology is used throughout all areas of society and students should develop their understanding and knowledge of what this means and how this changes the dynamics of situations like employment opportunities, conversing with peers and social/health aspects (Australian Curriculum, 2010.)

This knowledge and understanding will be taught to students by their teachers and they should have opportunities during their school time to practice and develop this knowledge. It is important that you as a parent are also aware of this knowledge and able to be safe, responsible and ethical through the use of ICT so you can ensure your children are able to work in a safe, successful way all the time and are not in any danger when being online. Understanding and using safe practices online develops through practice and teachers have so many different things to teach students through school, it simply would not be fair on your child if they did not have opportunities outside of school to practice these and engage with digital technologies for their own leisure and enjoyment.

Below are some resources that may be of use to you and your child promoting the safe, ethical and responsible use of ICT.