Using Technology in the Classroom

Using Technology in the Classroom

Topic area

Appropriate behaviour online

Target age group Lesson duration

All

Lesson Overview
This lesson is based around a five minute discussion starter to guide any class toward an agreed
standard of behaviour when using online technology together.
Lesson outcomes
Create an agreed standard of behaviour when using online technology as a class

Australian Curriculum
This lesson plan module supports a number of learning areas in the Australian Curriculum, including
Health and Physical Education, Civics and Citizenship and Technologies.

Activity 1 Page Subject focus Duration Resources required

Discussion and 3 Create an agreed Board
group writing standard of
behaviour for using
online technology as
a class

External links included in lesson

Technology and Terminology referred to in this lesson
Blogs, wikis, online, internet.

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Using Technology in the Classroom
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licenced under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike 2.5 Australia Licence.
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Background
Most Australian classes are making increasing use of online technology to expand learning
beyond the classroom. Common tools include collaborative blogs, wikis and online search tools,
but these are expanding constantly.
Because these tools are being used outside of ICT classes, many teachers are unsure about
what behaviour to expect or what problems to anticipate when accessing information online as a
group.
Its important to remember that online technologies can provide valuable, exciting opportunities
for learning and that no matter how advanced the technology, simple codes of conduct and
agreed standards of behaviour are easy to implement through a brief discussion and consensus
with your class before the use of that technology begins.
Using Technology in the Classroom 3

Activity 1: Using technology in the classroom

Activity 1 Page Subject focus Duration Resources required
Discussion 3 Create a code of Board
conduct

Instructions
1. Work with students to identify both positive and potentially negative ways technology can be
used in the classroom. Write this list of potential technology outcomes in a visible place.
Examples may include:

Positive/useful Negative/not useful

Collaborate Harass
Investigate Offend
Curate Tease
Share Waste time
Support Be hurtful
Contribute Exclude others
Source Cheat
Refine Waste resources
Define Vilify
Recognise diversity of skills and thought
Promote individual expression
Access international knowledge

2. With the above in mind, discuss how your class will utilise technology, and brainstorm ways of
avoiding the more negative outcomes.
3. You may wish to formalise an agreement of use or conduct to be distributed to your class. The
nature of these statements will depend on the student group and the intended use of
technology.
Example items may include such statements as:
When collaborating online, I will seek to promote individual expression and
inclusivity.
I will source and share materials collected online.
I will report harassment, vilification or offensive materials.