Reflective Statement for PTS 4 Brittany Granquist

Artifact: Technology Paper on Cyberbullying

PTS 4. Social, Ethical, and Human Issues: The competent teacher will apply
concepts and

skills in making decisions concerning the social, ethical, and human issues
related to

computing and technology. The competent teacher will understand the

changes in

information technologies, their effects on workplace and society, their

potential to address

life-long learning and workplace needs, and the consequences of misuse.

1. Write a paragraph explaining your knowledge and understanding of the

standard-put the

standard in your own words.

I think this standard wants to me to recognize that as an educator, I have the obligation to adapt

to an increasingly technological society. It is important that I remain knowledgeable about the

constantly evolving field of technology so that I can effectively use technology in the workplace

and incorporate technology into the classroom. In addition to establishing a solid knowledge base

in information technologies, I need to understand the effects technology has had and will

continue to have on social, ethical and human issues, so that I can integrate this awareness into

my classroom and advocate for the safe and appropriate use of technology.

2. Explain how the artifact you chose demonstrates your understanding and
application of the

standard.
The artifact I chose for this standard is an essay I wrote about the novel cyberbullying

phenomenon that has encompassed today’s youth. In my paper I summarize what it means to

bully via the cyber world, I address the negative implications cyberbullying has had on schools’

ability to deliver all students equal opportunities to learn in a safe environment, I discuss the

issue regarding schools’ responsibility to intervene into cyberbullying situations, and I provide

several suggestions for anti-cyberbullying policy implementation. One conclusion I reached in

the essay is that educators need to spread awareness about the detrimental psychological,

emotional and social effects cyberbullying can have on students. As accurate information cannot

be shared without sufficient knowledge, I believe in the importance of “understand[ing] the

[recent] social, ethical, and human issues related to computing and technology.” I also have

learned the complications schools face in deciding between their moral and legal obligations to

students and how this affects policies. In researching suggestions for policy implementations and

the provided steps in effectively doing so, I believe I am now able to “describe strategies for

facilitating consideration of ethical, legal, and human issues involving school purchasing and

policy decisions.”

3. A If the artifact has been used in your practice, reflect on how your
teaching will change in

the future to further meet the standard.

B. If the artifact has not been used in your practice, i.e., a class
assignment, reflect upon how

your teaching will be impacted by the assignment.

In investigating the current cyberbullying phenomenon and how adolescents’ dependency on

technology has influenced their ability to learn and function effectively in school, I have learned
that it is necessary that teachers address concerns regarding bullying and cyberbullying, and also

provide expectations for appropriate Internet use. I know that one of the first issues I will address

to my class every new school year will be that I will absolutely not tolerate bullying and the

misuse of technology, in this case to inflict pain onto others. I believe in the importance of

defining what it means to bully and cyberbully, and to explain consequences clearly to my

students. My ability to provide students with equal opportunities to learn in a safe environment

will be affected by any bullying that takes place, therefore, I will establish myself as a strict

advocate against bullying/cyberbullying.

4. Conclude with a paragraph discussing how you are more prepared to

Teach and Learn in a

Diverse Society as a result of satisfactorily meeting the standard.

My understanding of diversity is that it does not only apply to one’s racial and ethnic identity,

but it also applies to one’s unique ability to learn, cope, and interact with others. Through writing

this paper I have established a much-needed knowledge base that will help me reach students

that differ in learning styles, coping mechanisms, and status within the school as a bully, victim

or bystander, on an academic and emotional level.