Access 24/7

Some students today have access to the internet 24/7. This can be a formula for positives and negatives. I can see some real benefits for students who use ICTs wisely. Obviously, the appropriate and mature use of these technologies comes only with education, guidance and support from both teachers and parents.

When it comes to use of ICT’s some students now days have the luxury of being able to log on anywhere, anytime. Obviously with primary school students I would like to see most of the work completed during the school day as I don’t necessary agree with large amounts of homework, but saying that I know there will be many students when they interact with Blogs, chat rooms, Facebook, Twitter and other such platforms they will participate in interactions during their own time. My attitudes of using blog posting by students has changed over this course (see posting titled 'Why Blog?').

After listening to Clay Burell and using Blogs myself I have changed my views of allowing students to access Blogs for educational reflection.
Blogs, Twitter and Wiki’s have great abilities to keep students connected during class time and also out of hours. Students will have the benefits of connecting into a lesson if they are away on holiday, sick or simply just need support from other students at any time.

Twitter is being used in the USA as a means of interacting within a University lecture (see my blog posting Twitter in School). Currently I don’t see any benefits in a primary setting but as a high school or university community of practice it is certainly a positive way of engaging students in the lessons and also encouraging students to actively participate in sessions they would not normally be able to.

I can see one of the disadvantages to students having so much access to ICT's is the lack of personal face to face interactions humans need. Evidence also shows that children who spend too much time in front of monitors, tv or video games are increasing the risk of related health problems.

As educators we need to be vigilant in encouraging the access to technologies but also encouraging personal face to face contact and physical activity.