EDCT 203 Assignment # 1 : Internet Resources

Copyright Issues and Internet Use

1. Copyright and the Internet.  On this site, copyright is briefly explained and a short history is given.  This is beneficial to readers so that we have a background on the issue at hand.  Plagiarism is also covered and what an owner of a work can do.  For example, they may copy the work, rent the work, and sell the work, among other things.  Also, this site covers what is protected on the World Wide Web, such as video, audio, and original text.  Finally, what one can and cannot do when building a website is over-viewed. 
2. Copyright and Fair Use.  This site goes over copyright and fair use issues that happen in the classroom and on the internet.  Its goal is to help students and faculty be able to decipher when they need permission to use something off of the web, or when it is fair use.  For most educators, many of the materials they may be utilizing are fair use because they are being used for a nonprofit, educational purpose.  Finally, the site covers ways to obtain permission to use a copyrighted work if it is not fair use.

Equity Issues in Computer Use in Schools

1. Equity in Computer Classrooms.  This site focuses on technology based classrooms, and how the students inside those classrooms are treated based upon their race and gender.  The site concludes that, based on research, girls and minority students are far more "excluded" from computers and other technology.  The reasons for this conclusion are based off of social, environmental, and attitudinal reasons.  The site covers different societal myths that put women and minorities in this position and it also provides tips for teachers to start moving away from these negative ideas.
2. Technology in K-12 Public Schools.  This site asks questions about technology in the classrooms of public schools.  With grants and funding increasing for technology, they question whether the technology is being used properly, whether teachers are being trained correctly, whether under-served students are receiving the same opportunities as mainstream students, and they are questioning whether students can aid and supplement their learning by having access to technology at home and outside of the classroom.

Cultural Issues in the use of Computers in Schools

1. Cultural Difference and its Influence on Learning.  This site looks at how students with a culturally diverse background learn with computer based lessons, and how that diverse background may influence their learning.   Their background may cause them to look at technology based learning in different ways.  The struggles diverse students may encounter in the every day classroom can also carry into a computer-based learning environment, and the site covers those concerns as well.
2. Cross-Cultural Reactions.  This site focuses on a specific software called KIDWARE and how that software was used in a classroom of ESOL (English as a Second Language) elementary school students.  It explores how a students culture and background can be expressed through learning in a technological learning environment.

Health Problems Concerning the use of Computers

1. Computers.  This site explores the use of computers by very young children in this up and coming technological society.  It discusses all the possible benefits of this use including self-expression, and sense of accomplishment when mastering a task.  The site also discusses the possible health risks associated with computer use at such an early age including eye strain and repetitive motion injuries.  Finally the site gives suggestions of ways one can avoid these harms.
2. Computer Vision.  This site examines and explains the disorder called Computer Vision Syndrome.  It also gives research information stating that despite the possible syndrome, computer use among preschoolers has prepared them better for school.  It goes on to give tips on how parents and teachers can help to prevent the risks associated with computer use.  One of those tips is to monitor and limit the amount time spent on the machines.   Finally, the site urges parents to take their child to a comprehensive eye exam prior to starting their school education.