Chunk 3: Textbook Reflections

Hello again,
I am writing my final reflection for the book Educational Technology for School Leaders. I am to admit that I found this book really interesting. I liked that it was just a bit of information from each book. I did have a problem with the chapters that would refer to things that would be discussed later in those particular books, if the information was important enough to mention, then perhaps an addendum with a summary of the information should have been provided. I know the point was to whet the appetite and perhaps get you to buy the other book, but sometimes a bit more explanation is needed to understand the overall topic being presented. All in all I think that this was an interesting choice for a textbook.

OK, individual chapter reflections:
Chapter 9: Policies, Procedures, and Contracts
The information about AUPs was really interesting and useful as technology changes so incredibly fast. I thought the five step plan for drafting a school policy was a good one that can really be used when creating almost any policy. The idea of reminding, and putting it in writing, parents of their responsibilities when it comes to technology is a great one that I wish my school would do. The problem is I know that my parents would do the same thing with it that they do with the student code of conduct, they will sign it, not read it, and then claim no knowledge of it later. The sample policies provided are great examples to show those that are crafting policies. Having examples is a really great part of the chapter.

Chapter 10: Preventing Cyberbullying
I liked that they started right off by saying that "there is no magic bullet for preventing cyberbullying" (page 167). I think too many people believe that monitoring and talking about it will make it go away and that is not a good way to deal with the issue. This chapter really laid out clear ideas for what every group who deals with students should do to minimize the possibility of cyberbullying. I think it is important to remember that it is educators, parents, and students jobs to work to prevent it from happening. The examples given were great and the scenarios would be easy to use with students. The sample contracts are really useful and can easily be used with students and parents. The common sense ideas and approaches make this chapter one that was really useful to read. I have some ideas to use with my students next year.

Chapter 11: Top Ten Rules That Govern School Authority Over Student Cyber Expressions
I had not seen this list of rules, so it was a really interesting read. I loved that each one was explained in a simple and understandable way. I was glad for some of the explanations that were given and the reminder that parents are in charge of their students cyber dealings out side of school. That seems to be a forgotten idea more and more. These rules are great reminders about responsibilities and what constitutes protected and unprotected speech. I sometimes think that that is forgotten.

I am glad I read this book. While there were sections that I wanted more information on and others that I felt were really not useful to me, I did find many ideas and examples that I can use in my library with both students and teachers next year. I think that this was a good choice for a textbook for a technology leadership class.