Module 5 Learning Technologies in the Digital Age

I would consider learning technologies in the digital era to be a relevant topic.  With the widespread use of email, texting, blogs, podcasts,online learning, and other forms of digital communication, the topic of social and ethical behavior is front and center.  In my week 5 discussion (included below) I referred to topics such as email etiquette and internet safety.  Topics such as plagiarism, stealing of software, and sharing of files/data also share concern related to social and ethical issues.  I found an interesting study conducted related to ethics issues and learning technology.  I have included the URL below:

http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED492813.pdf


Netiquette

In this blog post, I wanted to include the topic of netiquette.  "Netiquette is network etiquette, the do's and don'ts of online communication. Netiquette covers both common courtesy online and the informal "rules of the road" of cyberspace" (Albion, 2011).  This includes what defines ethically and socially acceptable behavior. By understanding what is acceptable, it is easier to use the various technologies appropriately, using the same standards and values you would in a traditional classroom environment. By acting in a respectful and responsible nature, learning technologies available in the digital era can improve and enhance a student's learning experience and success.

Below is a link to a page on the Albion site listing the Core Rules of Netiquette.

http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html

Another interesting resource is listed below.  This page addresses topics such as email communication, tone in email, and the use of acronyms and abbreviations:

http://www.learnthenet.com/learn-about/netiquette/

References 

Albion. 2011. Netiquette. Retrieved August 11, 2015. http://www.albion.com/netiquette/.

Below is my Module 5 discussion - since it is related, I wanted to include it here as well.

Learning technologies in the digital era offer benefits and variety to learners and teachers, but also carry exposure to new risks related to social and ethical issues. Technology greatly changes the way people learn. Everyone learns in a different way and technology offers the ability to offer different approaches and delivery methods to engage the learner. Personal ethics are important as well. A company or a school can have shared values and principles, but it is up to each and every individual to own these core values and ethics.

In school and in work, the digital era and various new technologies have changed the way we live, how we learn, and how we interact with others. Technology has become a core part of our lives and our ability to learn. Online learning, collaboration, connectivity, and interactivity all take place using the Internet and socializing takes place through various online sources and methods. We utilize new forms of interaction and connectivity keeping us connected anytime, anywhere with applications and social networking tools like blogs, texting, instant messaging, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Netflix, and Instagram, to name a few.  These various tools also exist within schools and the workplace changing the way we learn and retain information. Society today has developed a comfort level with technology and social media which lends itself to this constant level of interactivity. We exchange information instantaneously, and share ideas, thoughts, pictures, and knowledge immediately to any number of people. This all becomes part of learning.

In my workplace, I have various learning outcomes for my learners.  They include the following:

•  Learners will be able to use the learning management system to locate training opportunities

•  Learners will be able to search the course catalog to view various training opportunities and delivery methods

•  Learners will be able to use emerging technologies, social media, and other new media and new technologies to enhance their overall learning experience.

•  Learners will be able to evaluate training through ratings and reviews of training courses.

•  Learners will be able to apply knowledge, information and best practice to their job.

For these outcomes, both social and ethical behavior becomes a critical point. Training is needed to help students and employees understand what is considered right and wrong, and what is considered socially and ethically correct in the digital era.  This can be done through training and education.  For example, at my company every employee has access to email as a means of communication. We have a policy and procedure that employees are familiar with related to the use of email on company and non-company devices, but it is still a challenge to manage and requires ongoing training and re-enforcement.  Other examples would include an understanding of internet safety, confidential information, privacy, information security, and other policies related to use of social media.

Through policies and procedures related to privacy, business ethics, code of conduct, copyright, security, social media use, and internet safety these topics can be addressed and updated as necessary.  As time goes on, technology will continue to change, but there will still be a need for educators, students, business people, and everyone in between to act ethically.