Friend or foe? The role of technology in education has been a topic of debate for years. While technology has revolutionized the educational sector, it has also brought about new challenges and risks, especially for student safety. The proposed Online Safety Bill aims to address some of these risks by making online platforms legally responsible for dealing with harmful content. However, education technology expert Mat Pullen believes that more needs to be done to keep young people safe online.
Security concerns for children when online are numerous and include access to harmful content, grooming, inappropriate contact, and cybersecurity risks. While the Online Safety Bill is a valuable step in the right direction, it is not a comprehensive solution. Teachers and parents need more support to keep young people safe online, combining technology with guidance and education.
One approach schools can take to provide a safe learning environment is filtering technology. Preloading devices with a set number of websites that relate to lesson plans or term themes is an effective way to create a safe learning environment while allowing students to figure things out for themselves. However, filtering technology alone is not enough to create an active learning environment. Teachers and school administrators must also prioritize engaging and interactive lessons that encourage participation and collaboration. Incorporating technology such as interactive whiteboards and educational apps can also enhance the learning experience while keeping students engaged and focused.
More resources are needed to help teachers, lecturers, and parents keep up with new technology and understand it. Education is key to addressing many of the risks and challenges associated with education technology. Therefore, it is important for the government to provide funding and resources for teachers to engage with their students on this issue. As with any law, the Online Safety Bill is only as effective as its implementation.
Related Facts:
– The government recently launched a new education technology strategy, which outlines a range of initiatives aimed at supporting schools to use technology more effectively.
– Cyberbullying has increased by 37% during the pandemic, with one in five children experiencing online abuse.
– Education technology is projected to grow into a $252 billion industry by 2020.
Key Takeaway:
Education technology is both a friend and a foe. While it has revolutionized the educational sector, it has also brought about new challenges and risks, especially for student safety. The proposed Online Safety Bill is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to keep young people safe online. A combination of filtering technology, engaging and interactive lessons, and education is key to addressing many of the risks and challenges associated with education technology.
In conclusion, while technology can enhance the learning experience, it comes with its own set of challenges and risks. It is up to both educators and policymakers to work together to create a safe and inclusive learning environment that incorporates technology while prioritizing student safety. Only then can we fully reap the benefits of education technology.
