Should iPods be allowed in Schools?

For many school districts, this is just part of an ongoing technology policy discussion that keeps changing with each new technological development. This article picked up by the Associated Press focuses on the concern many schools have regarding the student use of digital media players to cheat on tests.

We’ve been focusing a great deal on additional ways to integrate technology and the Internet into our curriculum. Perhaps in addition to addressing safety concern on the Internet, we need to also talk about the ethical use of technology. One student is quoted in the article as saying that, “People who are going to cheat are still going to cheat, with or without them.” This may well be true, but I feel it is an issue that needs to be dealt with directly, putting a spotlight on the ethical issues. Sometimes the “cool factor” of new technology can obscure the line between its proper and improper use. It’s important to remind our students where that line is.

Sources:
“Schools banning iPods to thwart cheaters.” Detroit Free Press 27 April 2007. 6 May 2007.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070427/NEWS07/70427012/1019
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