Norms and Responsibilities

It is important that educators always realize that students have the right to privacy and free speech when using technologies. However, communication with students need to be realized through carefully created documents, policies, videos, etc. to stress the importance of how to use technologies responsibly. I tend to equate responsibility with respect. Virtually all people want others to respect him/her. By stressing and educating that responsible use of technology is demonstrating respect for others, equipment, and the person using the technology, there is a tangible grasp of what responsible technology use is in the digital world.

When discussing user responsibilities, continuing education (digital citizenship) is a must (entire school year), examples of appropriate use of all forms of technology (even sharing how misuse has caused harm), how responsible use of technologies can lead to positive future outcomes and behaviors, and an open, informal dialogue between educators and students about the importance of "thinking before doing" so students can reflect and share on how one action they take now can affect many things in their future.