SLMS: Acceptable Use of Technology

·         One other blog entry on a topic of your choice. You may discuss any topic that was mentioned in class or, if there is a topic that is pertinent to the operation of your particular SLMC or technology center then you may choose to discuss this topic. Entry should be at least 3 paragraphs long and should include at least one link.

     With the change from the traditional library filled with only books, to the media center packed with technology, comes a challenge that school library media specialists must address.  Technology can be extremely beneficial to the education and learning of students, but it is a tool that must be used positively and productively.  Technology does have the ability to have a negative affect (potentially harmful) if misused.  Since so much of this technology is centered in the library media center, it is the job of the school library media specialist to ensure that students are safely using the technology in the most beneficial way. 

     First, the school should be sure to have an Acceptable Use Policy put into place for all students and faculty.  Here are some examples of Acceptable Use Policies: Cranford Public Schools http://cranfordschools.org/boe/pdf/BP_6142_10.pdf, Wake County Public School http://www.ncsu.edu/ligon/au.policy.html, Livingston District http://www.livingston.k12.mt.us/1393101210104745700/lib/1393101210104745700/_files/3612.pdf

Acceptable Use Policies can range from a page long, to multiple pages long.  These policies are put in place to provide guidelines and rules on how to use the Internet and technological devices in a safe, efficient, and respectful manner.  School Library Media Specialists should ensure that the school has an acceptable use policy in place and that all students and faculty are made aware of the policy.  Most schools have students and faculty sign a copy of the policy, and have a copy of the policy sent home to parents. 

     With an Acceptable Use Policy in place, students should know how to behave while using technology.  However, the school library media specialist can take a few more steps to ensure that student behavior is appropriate.  First, it is important to have a certain type of filtering program for Internet Use in the school.  There are pros and cons to these types of filtering programs.  While programs restrict access to pornographic and other inappropriate websites, some programs actually end up restricting appropriate websites as well.  However, it is so important to make sure that students cannot access pornographic and other harmful websites in schools.  Some schools may also wish to block social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.  This is a decision that should be made by the school (SLMS included!). 

     Finally, I think it is important for the SLMS to open the eyes of the students to the potentially harmful effects of technology.  This could be through a program designed by the SLMS, through a presentation from an outside source, or through another medium.  I once saw a presentation by IROC (http://www.iroc2.org/) that really opened my eyes to the idea that things posted by individuals on the Internet become public and permanent.  I think the school library media specialist has a responsibility to help students become “digitally conscious” or aware of the impact of technology in positive and negative ways.  I would recommend the IROC presentation to anyone in the media aspect of a school!