ICT Policies and Issues in Education

ICT Policies and Issues: Implications to Teaching and Learning

• ICT policies are country or jurisdiction guides for using ICT, securing benefits of the information economy. They address information dissemination, utilization, and technology use.
• Technology use can influence or control our lives.
• Technology is a blessing but can become a detriment when used improperly for learning and development.
• Policies and issues on the internet relate to teaching and learning.

Definition of ICT Policy

• ICT policy is a code that clarifies technology stakeholders' responsibilities, rights, and duties. It defines acceptable and efficient ICT utilization, focusing on security and efficiency.

New ICT Technologies

• Information Technology involves using computers, storage, networking devices, infrastructure, and processes to create, process, store, secure, and exchange electronic data. It also encompasses software development, system maintenance, and network use.
• Telecommunications Technology includes real-time communication methods where some participants aren't physically present, like telephone, radio, television broadcasting, teleconferencing, videoconferencing, the internet, and interactive audio/video systems.
• Networking Technology involves managing and delivering digital resources over computer networks in businesses and educational institutions, including internet, mobile telephone, cable, DSL, satellite, and other broadband connectivity.

ICT4E: Policy Recommended Programs

• ICT in Education Masterplan creates a roadmap for faculty development regarding ICT in education and a national framework plan for ICT in basic education.
• Open Content in Education Initiative (OCEI) converts DepEd materials into interactive multimedia content and develops applications for school use.
• PheDNET is a "walled garden" hosting educational learning and teaching materials, multimedia applications, and mirrored internet sites.
• eSkwela establishes community eLearning Centers for out-of-school youth, offering ICT-enhanced alternative education.
• eQuality Program improves the quality of IT education for tertiary education, especially outside Metro Manila.
• Digital Media Arts Program develops government digital media skills using open-source technologies.
• ICT Skills Strategic Plan is an inter-agency approach to identifying strategic, policy, and program/project recommendations addressing the ICT skills demand-supply gap.

Issues on ICT, Internet Policy and Regulation

• Access and Civil Liberties: Issues vital to modern society
• Freedom of Expression and Censorship: Shift from letters and newspapers to electronic communications, requiring review of freedom of speech in the digital age
• Examples: individual rights are given up to have access to electronic networks, censorship restricts information transmission via blocking or filtering.
• Privacy and Security: Privacy policies are an issue on most commercial sites. When you agree, it's as if you've given over your information to authorities gaining access.
• Types of privacy include personal privacy – the right not to have your home, private life, or personal life interfered with; privacy of communication which refers to protection from interference while communicating through phone or internet; information privacy related to computer and communication systems' ability to process information from vast numbers of people efficiently
• Surveillance and Data Retention: Electronic communications facilitate indirect surveillance where there's no direct contact between the agent and the subject
• E-Pollutants and E-wastes: Large amounts of e-waste are generated, due to fast software updates. Toxic materials, if not managed properly, can affect climate change and harm humans;

Implications for Teachers and Teaching

• Guide teachers on ICT-related content and teaching methods
• Technology should support, not replace, teachers
• Caution must be used while implementing ICT to protect individual privacy
• Teachers should be encouraged to utilize technology in teaching.

Implications for Learners and Learning

• Learners require guidance on technology use and regulation
• Learners should understand the dangers and benefits of technology
• Learners should take advantage of learning opportunities from technology
• Learners should be aware of and address e-waste impacts

Safety Issues on the Use of ICT including e-Safety Rules

Risks in the Use of ICT and e-Networking

• Exposure to inappropriate content (pornography, extremism, violence)
• Lifestyle risks (self-harm, suicide sites, hate sites, dark web)
• Cyberbullying
• Privacy issues (disclosure of personal information)
• Health problems (online time, gaming addiction, eyesight)
• Theft and fraud (phishing, smishing, vishing)
• Viruses, Trojans, spyware, other malware
• Social pressure to maintain online networks via text and social networking sites

Minor Misuse of ICT

• Plagiarism (using another's ideas or work as one's own)
• Copyright infringement (using copyrighted material without permission)
• Downloading irrelevant materials
• Misconduct with subject logins (using someone else's account)
• Leaving a mobile phone turned on during class
• Unauthorized pictures/image taking with a mobile phone

E-Safety

• Safeguarding learners in the digital world
• Emphasizing understanding new technologies positively
• Educating learners on both risks and benefits of ICT
• Supporting young learners and adults to develop safer online behavior, both in and out of school

Network Management

• Safety in the use of networks in schools
  • No unauthorized log-in as another user
  • Users log off when finished
  • Equipment maintenance for health and safety
  • Guided learning access for students
  • Disaster recovery systems and secure data backup
  • Wireless network, suitable for education use
  • Professional installation and safety standards
  • ICT system review
• Password Policy
  • Authorized users have unique passwords
  • Users can't share passwords without permission
• Personal Mobile Phones and Devices
  • Phones kept away from learners
  • Access allowed during break or class end time.

Setting Up an Educational Technology Room

• Tiltable tables
• Anti-glare screen filters
• Adjustable chairs
• Foot support
• Suitable lighting
• Workstations not cramped
• Plan work at computer with frequent breaks

Safety Rules that can Reduce Accidents

• No trailing wires
• Electrical sockets not overloaded
• Regular safety testing of electrical equipment
• Adequate space around desks for movement
• Store bags and obstacles out of the way
• Food and drinks not placed near machines
• Suitable heating/ventilation
• Clearly marked fire exits with no clutter