Journal #8

Journal #8 Navigate the Digital Rapids

Lindsay, J., & Davis, V. (2010). Navigate the digital rapids. ISTE, 37. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/MarchAprilNo6/Navigate_the_Digital_Rapids.htm


This article concerned itself with teaching digital citizenship and responsibility. While often times students may have digital literacy, they need to be taught digital citizenship. She had two analogies that I thought were interesting. She compared the Internet to driving a car. To have a car you have to have a license and be trained. The authors argue that the Internet is similar and that our students should be trained in how to appropriately use it. The authors also compare it to white water rafting and how you navigate through the rapids.
I didn’t like this article. I’m always wary when articles discuss generic terms like “appropriate” or “inappropriate”. This article did that a lot. Some of the things I didn’t like in the article was when it talked about “make sure students don't cross the line”, “offensive material”, and “deliberately or maliciously sets out to be offensive”.

What is an “avatar”?

In this article it reads “All students and teachers should conduct themselves in a professional and culturally sensitive manner. This includes the types of avatars they choose…” I thought avatars had something to do with the newest 3D movie, but that just doesn’t make sense. After searching online, I think an avatar is a virtual representation of someone. Like when you play a video game, the representation of you in the game is an avatar.

The article says, “The role of the teacher is to gather, lead by example, and make sure students don't cross the line.” Where is the line?

That’s a very tough question, and I’m not sure that there is “a line”. I think as a teacher I would use the rules, regulations and guidelines that are created by the school to decide what is appropriate. For example, going to the KKK’s website may be inappropriate, but the organization was an integral part of American society at one time, and may be appropriate for a history report. So, I’m not convinced that there is a “line”.