1.
a) In the reading under the heading “Getting High-Speed Internet” The
suggested best approach in the reading for connecting schools with high speed
Internet is by Internet over Fiber which really could not be used, even though
it is the fastest and most reliable service, the cost does not permit schools
to own their own fiber. Even though it is the best suggestion, this will not
work for every school as the most effective and reliable.
b) The alternate approach I would choose
for connecting my school with high speed Internet would be to obtain the right
of use contract (IRU). This generally provides adequate use of the service for
extended periods without any limitations. This would absolutely be the best
option for consistency that allows learning to take place without unwarned
interruption of Internet services. This would absolutely be the best option for
consistency that allows learning to take place without unwarned interruption of
internet services. In the midst of a class lesson and or teachers performing
administration task would be the most damaging. For example, using the
suggested internet service does not guarantee the school that their service
would not be interrupted for the lack of payment. The simple reason is because
not every school as a budget that can afford to keep paying as they go at such
expensive cost. In the midst of a class lesson and or teachers performing
administration task it is quite possible that their service could be
interrupted. This would be most detrimental and frustration experience for the
school community.
This
is closely connected to my favorite quote from one of the heading the reading
where it states that, “Technology is at the core of virtually every aspect of
our daily lives and work, and we must leverage it to provide engaging and
powerful learning experiences and content, as well as resources and assessments
that measure student achievement in more complete, authentic, and
meaningful
ways.” We must consider all of the factors mentioned in the above quote in
order for us to be complimented and to feel comfortable that we are in fact
providing the entire school community with the best and most effective level of
technology.
2. What I have comprehend from the information in
the reading some of the biggest challenges schools would face if it were able to get the speed it
needed to the Internet are,
(a) The
wireless signals, which will
rely on the placement of the access point in order to defuse the interruption
of the level of speed the classroom, receive.
(b) The difficulty
of passing wires through concrete foundation that is dangerous as it could
result in various interferences from sources like Bluetooth devices or
microwave ovens. Check for interference at different times of day and on different
days as part of your network assessment. It may be that interference from
devices peaks at a key time during the day, requiring an increase in access
points to compensate.
( c ) Another
challenge the school can encounter if they were to get the speed needed for the
Internet is being able to provide the correct network assessment with the
recommendations for the appropriate location and sufficient capacity of access
points that is need to be installed same.
3. (a) The device I would choose if I were given
a directive to standardize devices across my district. The considerations that
I would consider when making such decision is first to consider the fact that
not every parent will be in a position to supply their child with a device. So,
I will make sure every student is given the same opportunity to learn. I will
ensure that the computer lab is equipped with sufficient devices. Most likely I
will choose laptops since these seem most inexpensive and more user friendly to
every grade. Some devices are more expensive than other. Therefore, it will not
be a fear to have some students working on the most expensive, not necessary
the most effective device, while others are forced to accept the less expensive
models. These situations create opportunity for teasing. This should never be
encouraged.
(b) The device I will choose if told I need to
work with a cost constrain is to supply the school with the one device that
could be used if possible across the school community for both teachers and
students. Since, not every device work comfortably for each grade level, I must
find one that will work across the board. For example, instead of supplying
different devices to each grade level, I will unify the complete school
community with the same device that every student and teacher can use and be comfortable
using it while learning and completing assigned task accordingly. This will be
the desktop computer. So, every student
will be given the same opportunity to attend computer period and be able to
participate in lesson activities together as a group in a learning community.
The downside to having to choose this one device
is that teachers for example will be place in a disadvantage position of not
having individual devices available in their classroom. Nevertheless, for the
teachers who are interested in integrating technology into their lessons can
always request the use of the computer lab rooms for such purpose. This is from
experience, as I personally worked in a school where the teacher would take her
class to an available computer room when ever she plan an interactive technology
lesson for her class. Since, there were not sufficient and yes no high speed
Internet service to her room.
( c ) The
program I would choose to implement is the 1 – to – 1 initiative. Having the
“bring your own device” (BYOD ) policy could result in teacher- student
struggle. Since accounting for outside devices that student may show up with
could cause constant confusion as every student would want they device to be
accounted for at whatever point they decide to show up with them.
4.
In my judgement ranging the five discrete from most important will be in the
following order that which will provide the most proficient service to the
entire school community. Everyone involve will be comfortable knowing that all
is well first and foremost with their privacy as well as to protect against
inappropriate contents. In addition, you want students to have some ownership
and to exercise their independence that will prove their maturity. Also, it is
important to be able to manage the devices accordingly and last but not least
accountability. Students must be held accountable for the device in their care.
We all know things happen but letting students know that there are held to some
extend as responsible is a great way to help them become more keen and observant
of the property and immediate environment.
a)
Student privacy requirement
b)
Safeguarding against inappropriate content
c)
Responsible use & digital citizenship
d)
Device Management
e)
Lost or damaged devices
· Using these policy in the
order in which I perceive is the most effective for ensuring all students,
their privacy and devices are kept protected. Another of my favorite part of
this entire document is where it is stated that all “Devices require ongoing
management including keeping software updated, adjusting filtering settings,
and changing system preferences. Software tools can be installed on devices to
make it easy to remotely update them without users having to take them
physically back to the school each time an update is required. This software
may also collect information about how devices are being used in order to
better support students and teachers. The district is responsible for
maintaining up-to-date security and privacy settings to prevent hacking and
protect student data. As schools transition to online assessments, installation
of special software may be necessary to ensure a secure testing environment.”
While, I am fascinated with technology and all of its advancement, here is
where I become very scared. I am very worried about the terms privacy and its
conditions moving forward into the twenty first century. The claim right now is
that people’s privacy is always protected. But, listen to the news and the
reports are often worrisome. For example, these very big financial companies you
believe will have the budget to maintain the best security system to protect
people’s privacy. But yet still reports show that their systems have been
hacked.
5. Finally,
of the four sections “Getting High-Speed Internet to Schools, Getting
High-Speed Internet Throughout Schools, Getting Devices to Students and
Teachers, and Responsible Use, Privacy, and Other Considerations.” The one best
service I consider to be the most important to a school’s success is responsible
use, privacy, and other considerations.” Without this service there is no way a
school and its community could function in a smooth effective and productive
manner.
