Week 8 Tutorial Learning Experience

Before I forget, I'd like to recount my Week 8 tutorial learning experience with Glynis Jones. Week 8's reading was about the duty of care a school has to a student in cyberspace. Our tutorial was based on our discussions. This was engaging as we had the chance to hear the thoughts of not only Glynis but fellow class members. We discussed cyber-bullying, student behaviour on social networking websites, misuse of the internet, stranger danger and even teacher behaviour on social networking websites. 


As I posted in my previous blog, a reaction to Neilofar's blog, I think that often these dangers are not posed to students until stage 3 and beyond. Often this is too late. I believe that as immediately as technologies are introduced to a classroom learning environment, so should the dangers and risks that are stapled to them. 


In regards to teacher behaviour, I can't quite formulate a solid opinion. On one hand I believe that teachers are role-models and should act accordingly; on the other I believe that teachers are 'people' not 'supermodels' and should also act accordingly. Upon discussion about teachers who have been called upon for their certain 'behaviour choices' or 'lifestyle choices', I couldn't help but think about the audience that influences how a school community reacts to teacher behaviour. For example, religion, school policies, laws, cultures, and especially the views and perspectives of parents. 


In conclusion, 'duty of care' is a part of becoming a teacher. If the NSW DET is acknowledging 'cyber-bullying' as an official form of bullying, then duty of care must extend to the complexity of cyberspace. Teachers are role-models, and their choices beyond the gates of a school should not affect their ability to teach.