Blog #4: Mass Media Law

A topic covered within mass media law is plagiarism. Plagiarism is the act of copying another’s work and claiming it as your own. It is a problem that is seen in schools across the country and a problem that is increasing due to our ever growing access to technological print sources.

As a prospective teacher plagiarism is something that is on my mind. You believe and trust that all your students will turn in work that is 100 percent theirs all the time, but that is not always the case. Many excuses are given, but the truth is there is no excuse for taking the work of another and passing it off as your own and receiving credit.

When I have a classroom of my own I will remember to warn my students that taking pictures and information from a cite without citing it properly is illegal. You must be sure that you can use it and that you always give credit where credit is due.

Blog #3: Birth of the Internet

Today the Internet that is something that life almost seems to revolve around. It provides the world with information, entertainment, news, and is a way in which to keep in contact with people that are far away. However, the Internet can become more than just that. It can become a tool in which to assist in the classroom.

Research is something that is almost always done is a class in some form or another. The Internet has made the process of researching a topic easier and quicker. Students used to have to go to a library and search for a book that might contain information they could use and then search the book for the information. Now, however, they just have to go onto the computer and type in a few key words and thousands of websites are there at their fingertips.

The Internet can also be a way for students to explore concepts and subjects that interest them that may not be expounded upon in class. It provides them with an outlet for their curiosity, and in a safe and monitored environment a gateway into this wondrous world.

The internet is something truly remarkable. It has taken a vast and large world and transformed it into something interconnected and related in a way that is mind boggling and ever lasting.

Blog #2: Podcasting

I have never been really familiar with the technology of podcasting; however, after listening to some and looking at the technology more in depth I feel they are a wondrous addition to our world. Podcasting is a way in which audio or media files are streamed or downloaded on the Internet to personal computers, Web feeds, and personal media players. Podcasting is becoming more popular as each day passes and it is one piece of technology that can be used by teachers in the classroom.

As a prospective teacher I am constantly looking for ways in which to incorporate technology into my lesson plans to keep students engaged and interested. However, there is not always a way to do this. Podcasting is a way in which this can be changed. A podcast can literally be found on almost any subject mater that is imaginable. This coupled with its easy access makes it something that I will use in my lessons and classroom to provide students with the information that would not necessarily be available.

Although all pieces of technology can have drawbacks, podcasting has many positives that can and should be noticed by all educators. This technology can be brought into the classroom and used to further student’s knowledge. 

Blog #1: Section 508 and Adaptive Technology

I have never really been well versed in the subject of Section 508 and other adaptive technology, however; after visiting the website www.section508.gov I feel that I have gained a greater understanding for a topic and necessity that greatly influences and affects today’s pragmatic and globalized world— a world that is inhabited of people of a vast array of abilities.

Section 508 is actually an amendment to the Workforce Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It was passed into law by President Clinton in 1998. Section 508 requires that all informational technology that is developed by and purchased by the Federal government be accessible to people that have disabilities. This act does not mean that all public websites have to have accessibility for people that have disabilities, a major drawback in my opinion. Although the cost to make all public sites accessible to people with disabilities would be large, it would be beneficial for those individuals that are not able to utilize technology as easily as people that do not have disabilities.

I feel that Section 508 will open many doors to information technology to people with disabilities that was not easily obtained prior to the passage, however, more needs to be done to fully give people with disabilities full accessibility. Though they may never have quite the same accessibility as people without disabilities more steps could be taken to even the playing field for all peoples. One step that I feel needs to be taken to further this process is that the government and federal agencies need to work and talk with people with disabilities about this topic and problem. No one would be better equipped to present and discuss the topic of adaptive technology than people that would utilize it.

Overall, Section 508 is a step in the right direction but more steps are ahead and they need to be climbed and taken to insure true and full accessibility.