Part I : What other issues do you predict might be associated with the use of new technologies to support teaching and learning at your school level?

I can imagine that the use of ICT to support teaching and learning will also influence the nature of bullying – introducing cyber bullying as something that needs to be addressed within schools. A cyber bully is someone who can be described as “someone who does something online [or via other new technologies] with the intention of causing harm to another person” (Kent 2009, p. 90) – and as teachers we have a responsibility to be vigilant in our monitoring of cyber bullying. This will mean there is an increased need for teachers to discuss with students the standards they must adhere to when using new technologies – and the expectations that are involved with its use. It is also highly important for teachers to be very knowledgeable about the technology they are using – so they can stay on top of the content students are creating with new technologies and the communication between students.

I can also foresee the use of word processing software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher etc. causing a gap to grow between the literacy standards of our current younger generation and older generations. The use of a grammar and spell check within such documents doesn’t allow students the opportunities to proof read or draft their work, meaning they cannot refine this skill with practice. It has also been suggested that “word processing software has become a crutch, eliminating the need to learn the rudiments of language.” (Shelley et al. 2006, p. 183)  I believe the standards of literacy will change for students – creating expectations surrounding the use of new technologies in the classroom and the role they can play in literacy, as well as changing the role of teachers in terms of how they allow the word processing software to be used within their classrooms.