Promote understanding and follow the legal, social, and ethical use of technology among all members of the school community.
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Promote understanding of technology use: Educational leaders play a crucial role in promoting a comprehensive understanding of the legal, social, and ethical use of technology among students, staff, and families. This involves providing education and training on digital citizenship, internet safety, data privacy, copyright laws, and ethical conduct online. By equipping members of the school community with the knowledge and skills to navigate technology responsibly, educational leaders can empower them to make informed decisions and engage in positive digital interactions.
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Ensure compliance with laws and policies: Educational leaders must also ensure that technology use within the school community complies with relevant laws, policies, and guidelines governing the use of digital tools and resources. This includes adhering to laws such as the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and copyright laws, as well as school district policies on acceptable use of technology. By establishing clear expectations and guidelines for technology use, educational leaders can mitigate risks and promote a safe and secure online environment for all members of the school community.
To support educational leaders in this endeavor, here are some web links to relevant resources:
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Digital Citizenship Curriculum: Organizations like Common Sense Education offer digital citizenship curriculum and resources for educators, including lesson plans, videos, and interactive activities to promote responsible technology use among students: Common Sense Education Digital Citizenship Curriculum
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Internet Safety Tips: The National Cyber Security Alliance provides internet safety tips and resources for parents, educators, and students to help them stay safe and secure online: National Cyber Security Alliance Internet Safety Resources
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Data Privacy Resources: The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) offers resources and guidance on data privacy and security in K-12 education, including toolkits, best practices, and policy recommendations for educational leaders: CoSN Data Privacy Resources
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Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines: The Copyright Clearance Center and Creative Commons provide resources and guidelines on copyright laws and fair use principles for educators and students to ensure legal and ethical use of digital content: Copyright Clearance Center Education Resources, Creative Commons Education Resources
By promoting understanding and following the legal, social, and ethical use of technology among all members of the school community, educational leaders can foster a culture of digital responsibility and citizenship, ultimately enhancing the learning experience and promoting positive digital interactions.