Well, the results are in, not of the election but of my survey of candidates. Three of the four main candidates for Newland responded to my questions. In my view none of them is a perfect fit for my views on computers and their use. All of them have a lot to learn. The fact that the Labor member, Tom Kenyon, opposes an R18+ rating of games disappoints me, however he appears to at least know what a browser is, and he uses a mac. As was suspected the Greens candidate, Holden Ward, has the least conservative views. The Family First candidate, Dale Clegg, was surprisingly open to the concept of R18+ gaming. Most disappointing was the lack of response from the Liberals candidate Trish Draper. If she doesn't answer emails when trying to be elected, will she answer them when she is my representative.
So in conclusion I don't think that of the three responses there is a definitive winner, but on this basis Trish Draper will not be my first preference.
Use your vote wisely.
David
Friday, March 19, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Labor in Newland
The sitting member for Newland, Tom Kenyon of the Labor party has shared his thoughts, and his parties policies on the technology issue with us as well.
1. What web browser do you use?
Safari at home, Explorer at work
2. What is your day to day computer (PC, Apple, Laptop) etc?
Mac at home, Laptop at work (dell)
3. What social networking sites do you or your staff use (Facebook, Twitter, Others) and where can we find you on those sites?
I use Facebook and Twitter. I use them privately to keep up with friends and rellies.
4. Do you have a blog and if so what is the address
No blog. No time to keep it current.
5. In your opinion, what is the role of the internet in the South Australian political process?
Once we work out a good way of using emails, we will probaly use them. Collecting addresses is hard. high profile people (Premier and others) seem to use twitter to get a quick message out.
6. What role should government play in regulating the internet?
Mostly the same as any other medium. Really a federal issue.
7.What are your thoughts on how to address objectionable content on the internet? What role should government play in this process?
I don't have the technical knowledge to answer this properly but also a fed issue. Again Should be regulated like other media.
8. Do you support an R18+ classification for computer games?
No. (When asked for clarification on this point Mr Kenyon explained like this) I have played quite a few "bang, bang, shoot 'em up" games (for want of a better term) in my time and always had fun but now having children I am a lot more wary. As they get older I won't mind if they play those types of games (Medal of Honour and others for example) but it's a more cartoon type of violence. What worries me is the graphic and realistic violence that is involved in other games. I believe it has an (negative) effect on everyone but especially children. It is almost inevitable that children would be exposed to those games. I might add that my reservations about that sort of content are not limited just to this form of media.
9.Tell us about the policies that your party has that would influence the use of technology if elected.
The Rann Labor Government has, as its platform in the area of technology use, the Information Economy Agenda 2009-2014: Delivering our digital future.
The three pillars to South Australia’s Information Economy Agenda are:
Connectivity – Affordable Broadband – the infrastructure of innovation – any time, any place
Capability – A skilled workforce and empowered business and communities. Learning, living and working online
Content – Valuable information and applications, creating reasons to be connected
The Rann Government established the $7m Broadband Development Fund in 2003 to enhance the State’s connectivity to fast broadband services, for both regional and metropolitan areas.
Many regional centres throughout South Australia have been instigated through this fund, including the Yorke Peninsula, Murray-Mallee, Mt Gambier, Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Kangaroo Island, and the Coorong. Around $3m of the BDF has been spent on these projects.
The State Government has, in partnership with the Federal Government and Adam Internet, funded the metropolitan broadband blackspots project to eliminate broadband blackspots throughout Adelaide. Around 9% of Adelaide premises, 55,000 in total, were located in ADSL blackspot areas. The State Government contributed $3m from the BDF toward the Metropolitan Broadband Blackspots project.
The Rann Government has also made it a priority to engage with the Rudd Government during the planning phase of the National Broadband Network. South Australia will host one of the five initial mainland sites for the NBN, with Willunga being chosen as a rural test-bed.
10. What are your thoughts on the funding of computers for schools?
I think sometimes we overestimate what computers in schools can deliver in terms of helping kids learn. Especially in primary schools. Having said that, they're a part of life now and children need access to them along with good internet access. Here is a brief outline of the ALP's policy initiative:
All State high schools will have wireless classrooms by the end of 2011, allowing students and teachers to use laptops and hand-held internet devices anywhere in the school.
The Rudd Government’s $94 million Digital Education Revolution investment, in partnership with the State Government, will fund the rollout of wireless internet to 165 high schools.
The networks will be installed at 20 schools each school term during 2010 and 2011 – with the first installations started week begining 28th December 2009 – to service 34,500 extra school computers by the end of 2011.
The new wireless technology and computers will be backed with even faster internet access, under a new contract to improve bandwidth.
1. What web browser do you use?
Safari at home, Explorer at work
2. What is your day to day computer (PC, Apple, Laptop) etc?
Mac at home, Laptop at work (dell)
3. What social networking sites do you or your staff use (Facebook, Twitter, Others) and where can we find you on those sites?
I use Facebook and Twitter. I use them privately to keep up with friends and rellies.
4. Do you have a blog and if so what is the address
No blog. No time to keep it current.
5. In your opinion, what is the role of the internet in the South Australian political process?
Once we work out a good way of using emails, we will probaly use them. Collecting addresses is hard. high profile people (Premier and others) seem to use twitter to get a quick message out.
6. What role should government play in regulating the internet?
Mostly the same as any other medium. Really a federal issue.
7.What are your thoughts on how to address objectionable content on the internet? What role should government play in this process?
I don't have the technical knowledge to answer this properly but also a fed issue. Again Should be regulated like other media.
8. Do you support an R18+ classification for computer games?
No. (When asked for clarification on this point Mr Kenyon explained like this) I have played quite a few "bang, bang, shoot 'em up" games (for want of a better term) in my time and always had fun but now having children I am a lot more wary. As they get older I won't mind if they play those types of games (Medal of Honour and others for example) but it's a more cartoon type of violence. What worries me is the graphic and realistic violence that is involved in other games. I believe it has an (negative) effect on everyone but especially children. It is almost inevitable that children would be exposed to those games. I might add that my reservations about that sort of content are not limited just to this form of media.
9.Tell us about the policies that your party has that would influence the use of technology if elected.
The Rann Labor Government has, as its platform in the area of technology use, the Information Economy Agenda 2009-2014: Delivering our digital future.
The three pillars to South Australia’s Information Economy Agenda are:
Connectivity – Affordable Broadband – the infrastructure of innovation – any time, any place
Capability – A skilled workforce and empowered business and communities. Learning, living and working online
Content – Valuable information and applications, creating reasons to be connected
The Rann Government established the $7m Broadband Development Fund in 2003 to enhance the State’s connectivity to fast broadband services, for both regional and metropolitan areas.
Many regional centres throughout South Australia have been instigated through this fund, including the Yorke Peninsula, Murray-Mallee, Mt Gambier, Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Kangaroo Island, and the Coorong. Around $3m of the BDF has been spent on these projects.
The State Government has, in partnership with the Federal Government and Adam Internet, funded the metropolitan broadband blackspots project to eliminate broadband blackspots throughout Adelaide. Around 9% of Adelaide premises, 55,000 in total, were located in ADSL blackspot areas. The State Government contributed $3m from the BDF toward the Metropolitan Broadband Blackspots project.
The Rann Government has also made it a priority to engage with the Rudd Government during the planning phase of the National Broadband Network. South Australia will host one of the five initial mainland sites for the NBN, with Willunga being chosen as a rural test-bed.
10. What are your thoughts on the funding of computers for schools?
I think sometimes we overestimate what computers in schools can deliver in terms of helping kids learn. Especially in primary schools. Having said that, they're a part of life now and children need access to them along with good internet access. Here is a brief outline of the ALP's policy initiative:
All State high schools will have wireless classrooms by the end of 2011, allowing students and teachers to use laptops and hand-held internet devices anywhere in the school.
The Rudd Government’s $94 million Digital Education Revolution investment, in partnership with the State Government, will fund the rollout of wireless internet to 165 high schools.
The networks will be installed at 20 schools each school term during 2010 and 2011 – with the first installations started week begining 28th December 2009 – to service 34,500 extra school computers by the end of 2011.
The new wireless technology and computers will be backed with even faster internet access, under a new contract to improve bandwidth.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Greens in Newland
The second candidate to provide me with all of the answers to the questions asked is the Greens candidate Holden Ward. Here is a very slightly edited version of his responses. (Which has been approved by him). Holden has shown a willingness to communicate with me about the issues involved.
As promised, here are my responses to your questions:
1. What web browser do you use?
Google
2. What is your day to day computer (PC, Apple, Laptop) etc?
PC at home, and PC or lap-top at my work locations
3. What social networking sites do you or your staff use (Facebook, Twitter, Others) and where can we find you on those sites?
I don't use any social networking sites. I can appreciate their appeal for people travelling overseas and keeping in touch with friends and family at home, or other situations when it is not practical to send several personalised messages. However, I do feel that the popularity of sites such as Facebook has brought with it a risk of us becoming socially lazy as a society. I can see a parallel with e-mail being an effective and easy communication tool, yet it sometimes replaces face-to-face communication in the work place. There is something quite strange about being asked to be someone's Facebook "friend", especially when that person lives about 20 minutes away from you.
4. Do you have a blog and if so what is the address
No, I don't have a blog.
5. In your opinion, what is the role of the internet in the South Australian political process?
I think that the internet has an important role to play in the political process as it is a vital vehicle for freedom of speech. However, in South Australia it would seem that this role is still emerging.
6. What role should government play in regulating the internet?
None. As adults in a civilised society, we should be able to determine what internet content we do and don't access. In relation to children, parents and others involved in the care and education of children have the ultimate responsibility to ensure there is no access to inappropriate content. Any regulation of the internet should be independent of the government.
7. What are your thoughts on how to address objectionable content on the internet? What role should government play in this process?
I would refer your readers to the Greens Policy on Media and Communications, via www.sa.greens.org.au/policies
8. Do you support an R18+ classification for computer games?
Yes.
9. Tell us about the policies that your party has that would influence the use of technology if elected.
I would encourage your readers to browse our relevant policies at www.sa.greens.org.au/policies. The main points are that the Greens would support: independent regulation of the internet, increased funding for IT and communication technology to enhance the viability of rural and remote communities, and prioritised funding for environmental technologies (renewable energy etc) as these are a powerful engine for the creation of jobs and national wealth.
10. What are your thoughts on the funding of computers for schools?
I think any initiative which provides necessary resources for our schools is a good one, and computers are vital tools in our children's education. However, I think that government funding for schools should be sustainable, with due consideration of social disadvantage and other barriers to quality education. It would appear that the Rudd government's computers for schools initiative has not been fully delivered according to its original projections.
Warm regards,
Holden Ward
Greens Candidate for Newland
As promised, here are my responses to your questions:
1. What web browser do you use?
2. What is your day to day computer (PC, Apple, Laptop) etc?
PC at home, and PC or lap-top at my work locations
3. What social networking sites do you or your staff use (Facebook, Twitter, Others) and where can we find you on those sites?
I don't use any social networking sites. I can appreciate their appeal for people travelling overseas and keeping in touch with friends and family at home, or other situations when it is not practical to send several personalised messages. However, I do feel that the popularity of sites such as Facebook has brought with it a risk of us becoming socially lazy as a society. I can see a parallel with e-mail being an effective and easy communication tool, yet it sometimes replaces face-to-face communication in the work place. There is something quite strange about being asked to be someone's Facebook "friend", especially when that person lives about 20 minutes away from you.
4. Do you have a blog and if so what is the address
No, I don't have a blog.
5. In your opinion, what is the role of the internet in the South Australian political process?
I think that the internet has an important role to play in the political process as it is a vital vehicle for freedom of speech. However, in South Australia it would seem that this role is still emerging.
6. What role should government play in regulating the internet?
None. As adults in a civilised society, we should be able to determine what internet content we do and don't access. In relation to children, parents and others involved in the care and education of children have the ultimate responsibility to ensure there is no access to inappropriate content. Any regulation of the internet should be independent of the government.
7. What are your thoughts on how to address objectionable content on the internet? What role should government play in this process?
I would refer your readers to the Greens Policy on Media and Communications, via www.sa.greens.org.au/policies
8. Do you support an R18+ classification for computer games?
Yes.
9. Tell us about the policies that your party has that would influence the use of technology if elected.
I would encourage your readers to browse our relevant policies at www.sa.greens.org.au/policies. The main points are that the Greens would support: independent regulation of the internet, increased funding for IT and communication technology to enhance the viability of rural and remote communities, and prioritised funding for environmental technologies (renewable energy etc) as these are a powerful engine for the creation of jobs and national wealth.
10. What are your thoughts on the funding of computers for schools?
I think any initiative which provides necessary resources for our schools is a good one, and computers are vital tools in our children's education. However, I think that government funding for schools should be sustainable, with due consideration of social disadvantage and other barriers to quality education. It would appear that the Rudd government's computers for schools initiative has not been fully delivered according to its original projections.
Warm regards,
Holden Ward
Greens Candidate for Newland
Monday, February 22, 2010
Family First in Newland
The first candidate to provide me with all of the answers to the questions asked is the Family First candidate Dale Clegg. Here is a very slightly edited version of his responses. (Which has been approved by him). I greatly appreciate his honesty.
I am going to take the opportunity of responding to your questionnaire. Generally I am reluctant to do so as it is sometimes difficult to determine context in a cyber environment, trusting that doesn't get you off side straight away. (lol - I think that means Laugh Out Loud - I am in my 50s after all) .
The reason I am answering is because I find the concept of proposing questions in this way interesting and I would not like you to think I was being rude by not responding. In that sense, I trust you take my responses in the well meaning manner they are offered.
1. What web browser do you use?
Well, I'm a pretty regular person. Using Internet Explorer, I generally use Google although I have also used Bing to do some searching.
2. What is your day to day computer (PC, Apple, Laptop) etc?
PC and Laptops (x2 in the house as my 13 year old son has one for home work etc.)
3. What social networking sites do you or your staff use (Facebook, Twitter, Others) and where can we find you on those sites?
Me: Facebook although I don't use it for campaigning as much as keeping in touch with people. Really for me it is just an interest and I don't spend too much time on it. Full time work as a Fingerprint Investigator with SAPOL on rolling shifts, plus Council duties, plus engaging with my two kids generally consumes my time. There appears to be a number of people I know however who spend quite a bit of time on Facebook. Of course, they, like yourself, started having kids earlier in life and now have much more free time to explore this technology. My Staff: That would be nice. It would certainly make campaigning much easier!
4. Do you have a blog and if so what is the address
No Blog unfortunately, except Joe who lives around the corner although I think he spells it with a double G. (lol - there I go again)
5. In your opinion, what is the role of the internet in the South Australian political process?
I don't believe there is currently a significant role being played by the Internet in the South Australian political process due to many mainstream voters not routinely looking to the internet for political guidance. I think at the moment, those that actually have an interest in who governs us, still rely significantly on traditional media such as the papers and TV. These are very much in our faces, all day, every day. I don't believe this will always be the way of things as people who have grown up with the technology such as yourself, clearly form a greater reliance on the Internet for exchange of information and ideas. I imagine it would certainly sit well with the younger voters. It will be interesting to see the outcome of positive, or negative, twittering etc that results from my responses.
6. What role should government play in regulating the internet?
I would encourage you to go to the Family First (National) Website where all party policies are listed. You will see their greatest concern is that of Pornography and ease of access through the Internet for kids. While kids have always been at risk of coming into contact with pornography, clearly the Internet makes this easier. While end user products like Net Nanny are available, I have found this difficult to set up and it will knock out some site that aren't specifically related to porn. As far as routine regulation of the Internet, as was attempted by Michael Atkinson, I believe this to be wrong. It may be frustrating to some politicians as it has been suggested to me that many who communicate anonymously may be from a production line of letter writers from within a Party's Membership. Should there be other forms of regulation? To answer this it would be necessary to assess the nature of the content or business and make decisions based on community concerns accordingly.
7. What are your thoughts on how to address objectionable content on the internet? What role should government play in this process?
I have probably addressed this in the above however there may be some issues around some of the messengering sites such as MSN. My son uses this as a means of keeping in touch with his friends and I have no issues with it as few of his friends live nearby. I'm sure if they did, they would be around our house, or he at theirs. Also, many of his friends that he attended Primary School with don't go to his High School so I think this is a good way to keep in touch as these friendships may be the ones he retains through life. We do restrict his time however as we believe it needs to be balanced. He accepts this and understands that if we don't keep tabs on it, he becomes absorbed by it at the expense of everything else. I do know some fathers who have greater problems with their daughters. The fathers I know who have 13-14 year olds girls believe they see significant changes in their girls moods if they are on messenger for lengthy periods of times. It would be interesting to see the extent of this but beyond parental guidance, I am not convinced Government should become involved at this stage.
8. Do you support an R18+ classification for computer games?
We have such classifications on movies and magazines already so it would be consistent. At the end of the day the classifications provide a guide. I know my son and daughter see this as a guide and accept it as they do not to drink alcohol etc. Really though, it is up to parents to parent. If they can't do that then kids will look at and play what ever they want regardless of the rating as it comes down to access rather than ratings.
9. Tell us about the policies that your party has that would influence the use of technology if elected.
Again I can only direct you to the National Web Site. As can be seen the issues I have mentioned above are about it. The extent to which such Family First would try and influence the use of Technology would, I think, be minimal. As a group, most within the Party embrace technology and what it provides as a communication tool.
10. What are your thoughts on the funding of computers for schools?
This is an interesting question. For me, computers are simply another resource found in the education system. Like all educational resources, if used wisely, can contribute to the education of our kids. The funding issue should be considered in that context. There has been considerable talk about government funding of computers in school and while this has merit, most schools that my kids have attended have had pretty good access to this technology already. If my own experience is anything to go by, one of the biggest issues in funding large numbers of computers into the school system is who will continue funding to enable upgrading as required. Technology moves at a fairly quick pace and the question is, on a large scale, could the system keep up with that rapid changing environment. Whilst it may be a cost impost for some families, I would like to see a system where parents provide small notebooks for their kids and this in turn be supported by government through special tax incentives, not unlike those that businesses enjoy. That way, families take on the responsibility of providing and upgrading. Just an idea, but that I think could work well, although this is something that needs to be initiated at Federal level as it involves the ATO.
Well David, I trust that give you some idea of where I am as a person, and the Policies provide an outline of what the Family First Party is about. I would like to say though that I fully support your comments about downloading and other pirate activities. This goes on far too much and will ultimately affect our entertainment industries to the point where there may be nothing produced to pirate.
Well, its late and I must away, but first, just how influential do you think this Internet technology is in SA Politics? Perhaps, if you think I'm worth while, you could put it to the test and see just who steps up to the plate. I'd certainly be curious to see.
Have a good week.
Regards,
Dale Clegg
I am going to take the opportunity of responding to your questionnaire. Generally I am reluctant to do so as it is sometimes difficult to determine context in a cyber environment, trusting that doesn't get you off side straight away. (lol - I think that means Laugh Out Loud - I am in my 50s after all) .
The reason I am answering is because I find the concept of proposing questions in this way interesting and I would not like you to think I was being rude by not responding. In that sense, I trust you take my responses in the well meaning manner they are offered.
1. What web browser do you use?
Well, I'm a pretty regular person. Using Internet Explorer, I generally use Google although I have also used Bing to do some searching.
2. What is your day to day computer (PC, Apple, Laptop) etc?
PC and Laptops (x2 in the house as my 13 year old son has one for home work etc.)
3. What social networking sites do you or your staff use (Facebook, Twitter, Others) and where can we find you on those sites?
Me: Facebook although I don't use it for campaigning as much as keeping in touch with people. Really for me it is just an interest and I don't spend too much time on it. Full time work as a Fingerprint Investigator with SAPOL on rolling shifts, plus Council duties, plus engaging with my two kids generally consumes my time. There appears to be a number of people I know however who spend quite a bit of time on Facebook. Of course, they, like yourself, started having kids earlier in life and now have much more free time to explore this technology. My Staff: That would be nice. It would certainly make campaigning much easier!
4. Do you have a blog and if so what is the address
No Blog unfortunately, except Joe who lives around the corner although I think he spells it with a double G. (lol - there I go again)
5. In your opinion, what is the role of the internet in the South Australian political process?
I don't believe there is currently a significant role being played by the Internet in the South Australian political process due to many mainstream voters not routinely looking to the internet for political guidance. I think at the moment, those that actually have an interest in who governs us, still rely significantly on traditional media such as the papers and TV. These are very much in our faces, all day, every day. I don't believe this will always be the way of things as people who have grown up with the technology such as yourself, clearly form a greater reliance on the Internet for exchange of information and ideas. I imagine it would certainly sit well with the younger voters. It will be interesting to see the outcome of positive, or negative, twittering etc that results from my responses.
6. What role should government play in regulating the internet?
I would encourage you to go to the Family First (National) Website where all party policies are listed. You will see their greatest concern is that of Pornography and ease of access through the Internet for kids. While kids have always been at risk of coming into contact with pornography, clearly the Internet makes this easier. While end user products like Net Nanny are available, I have found this difficult to set up and it will knock out some site that aren't specifically related to porn. As far as routine regulation of the Internet, as was attempted by Michael Atkinson, I believe this to be wrong. It may be frustrating to some politicians as it has been suggested to me that many who communicate anonymously may be from a production line of letter writers from within a Party's Membership. Should there be other forms of regulation? To answer this it would be necessary to assess the nature of the content or business and make decisions based on community concerns accordingly.
7. What are your thoughts on how to address objectionable content on the internet? What role should government play in this process?
I have probably addressed this in the above however there may be some issues around some of the messengering sites such as MSN. My son uses this as a means of keeping in touch with his friends and I have no issues with it as few of his friends live nearby. I'm sure if they did, they would be around our house, or he at theirs. Also, many of his friends that he attended Primary School with don't go to his High School so I think this is a good way to keep in touch as these friendships may be the ones he retains through life. We do restrict his time however as we believe it needs to be balanced. He accepts this and understands that if we don't keep tabs on it, he becomes absorbed by it at the expense of everything else. I do know some fathers who have greater problems with their daughters. The fathers I know who have 13-14 year olds girls believe they see significant changes in their girls moods if they are on messenger for lengthy periods of times. It would be interesting to see the extent of this but beyond parental guidance, I am not convinced Government should become involved at this stage.
8. Do you support an R18+ classification for computer games?
We have such classifications on movies and magazines already so it would be consistent. At the end of the day the classifications provide a guide. I know my son and daughter see this as a guide and accept it as they do not to drink alcohol etc. Really though, it is up to parents to parent. If they can't do that then kids will look at and play what ever they want regardless of the rating as it comes down to access rather than ratings.
9. Tell us about the policies that your party has that would influence the use of technology if elected.
Again I can only direct you to the National Web Site. As can be seen the issues I have mentioned above are about it. The extent to which such Family First would try and influence the use of Technology would, I think, be minimal. As a group, most within the Party embrace technology and what it provides as a communication tool.
10. What are your thoughts on the funding of computers for schools?
This is an interesting question. For me, computers are simply another resource found in the education system. Like all educational resources, if used wisely, can contribute to the education of our kids. The funding issue should be considered in that context. There has been considerable talk about government funding of computers in school and while this has merit, most schools that my kids have attended have had pretty good access to this technology already. If my own experience is anything to go by, one of the biggest issues in funding large numbers of computers into the school system is who will continue funding to enable upgrading as required. Technology moves at a fairly quick pace and the question is, on a large scale, could the system keep up with that rapid changing environment. Whilst it may be a cost impost for some families, I would like to see a system where parents provide small notebooks for their kids and this in turn be supported by government through special tax incentives, not unlike those that businesses enjoy. That way, families take on the responsibility of providing and upgrading. Just an idea, but that I think could work well, although this is something that needs to be initiated at Federal level as it involves the ATO.
Well David, I trust that give you some idea of where I am as a person, and the Policies provide an outline of what the Family First Party is about. I would like to say though that I fully support your comments about downloading and other pirate activities. This goes on far too much and will ultimately affect our entertainment industries to the point where there may be nothing produced to pirate.
Well, its late and I must away, but first, just how influential do you think this Internet technology is in SA Politics? Perhaps, if you think I'm worth while, you could put it to the test and see just who steps up to the plate. I'd certainly be curious to see.
Have a good week.
Regards,
Dale Clegg
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Technology and the South Australian state election
Last week Peter Kelley posted a blog about technology and the state election. In it he outlined a few questions that it would be good to ask candidates for the upcoming state election (March 20 2010). I have volunteered to do my electorate Newland. So I have emailed the questions to the Labor Member, and Family First, Greens and Liberal candidates. The questions are listed below. As I get responses I will post them on my blog for all to see. If any more candidates nominate I will try to find them and ask the same questions.
David
1. What web browser do you use?
2. What is your day to day computer (PC, Apple, Laptop) etc?
3. What social networking sites do you or your staff use (Facebook, Twitter, Others) and where can we find you on those sites?
4. Do you have a blog and if so what is the address
5. In your opinion, what is the role of the internet in the South Australian political process?
6. What role should government play in regulating the internet?
7. What are your thoughts on how to address objectionable content on the internet? What role should government play in this process?
8. Do you support an R18+ classification for computer games?
9. Tell us about the policies that your party has that would influence the use of technology if elected.
10. What are your thoughts on the funding of computers for schools?
David
1. What web browser do you use?
2. What is your day to day computer (PC, Apple, Laptop) etc?
3. What social networking sites do you or your staff use (Facebook, Twitter, Others) and where can we find you on those sites?
4. Do you have a blog and if so what is the address
5. In your opinion, what is the role of the internet in the South Australian political process?
6. What role should government play in regulating the internet?
7. What are your thoughts on how to address objectionable content on the internet? What role should government play in this process?
8. Do you support an R18+ classification for computer games?
9. Tell us about the policies that your party has that would influence the use of technology if elected.
10. What are your thoughts on the funding of computers for schools?
Monday, April 13, 2009
High School Students and Copyright
In my time as an IT teacher I have seen many examples of students (and staff) infringing copyright. These infringements fall into three main groups. Piracy (software, movies or music), stealing ideas (in written work), stealing media (for Powerpoints etc.). I some ideas that I have been trying with students to help combat this, not sure if it is having a widespread impact but a few students have listened and changed their behaviour so it is working a little bit.
Piracy
1) make students and staff aware that they are doing the wrong thing. Some students do not realise that getting copies of their favourite songs from a torrent site or their friends computer is actually against the law. When they are aware of this some of them change their behaviour.
2) set a good example. Many student have trouble believing that I don't use torrents for my music, however some are encouraged that it is possible to obey the law and have a good music collection. This also applies for software. If we use pirate software in our school computers how can we expect honesty from our students.
3) promote open source. By using and encouraging the use of open source software (eg open office, audacity, gimp) we are allowing students the opportunity to get software they want without braking the law.
Stealing Ideas
1) acknowledge all your sources. Teachers are permitted to copy and use a portion of a text etc. for educational purposes. By siting the source of this material we show students the habit of referencing. As part of a copyright audit in a school it must be done, so why not do it all the time.
2) teach an information literacy system eg PLUS Model or ISP form the NSW Department of Education and Training
3) don't write copy and paste assignments, If the students are required to think about a deep question, or are asked to create a non text artefact for their assignment then they will have to analyse the content and create their own meaning.
Stealing Media
1) Insist on Attribution, always reference the sources of your images in presentations is important not only so you can discourage copyright infringement but also so you can find the images again.
2) Set a good example, if you are making a presentation use only material that you have permission to use.
3) Use Creative Commons resources. These are resources that are available for the world to share, provided they attribute the author. I have published photos on Flickr with CC and one of them is now on a tourist website. Creative commons are a way for students to use images that they have permission to use. For more details see Smartcopying Australia
Well that is what I do, if you have any further ideas please post them in the comments for all to see.
David
Piracy
1) make students and staff aware that they are doing the wrong thing. Some students do not realise that getting copies of their favourite songs from a torrent site or their friends computer is actually against the law. When they are aware of this some of them change their behaviour.
2) set a good example. Many student have trouble believing that I don't use torrents for my music, however some are encouraged that it is possible to obey the law and have a good music collection. This also applies for software. If we use pirate software in our school computers how can we expect honesty from our students.
3) promote open source. By using and encouraging the use of open source software (eg open office, audacity, gimp) we are allowing students the opportunity to get software they want without braking the law.
Stealing Ideas
1) acknowledge all your sources. Teachers are permitted to copy and use a portion of a text etc. for educational purposes. By siting the source of this material we show students the habit of referencing. As part of a copyright audit in a school it must be done, so why not do it all the time.
2) teach an information literacy system eg PLUS Model or ISP form the NSW Department of Education and Training
3) don't write copy and paste assignments, If the students are required to think about a deep question, or are asked to create a non text artefact for their assignment then they will have to analyse the content and create their own meaning.
Stealing Media
1) Insist on Attribution, always reference the sources of your images in presentations is important not only so you can discourage copyright infringement but also so you can find the images again.
2) Set a good example, if you are making a presentation use only material that you have permission to use.
3) Use Creative Commons resources. These are resources that are available for the world to share, provided they attribute the author. I have published photos on Flickr with CC and one of them is now on a tourist website. Creative commons are a way for students to use images that they have permission to use. For more details see Smartcopying Australia
Well that is what I do, if you have any further ideas please post them in the comments for all to see.
David
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Safety on the internet
Dr danah boyd has posted a blog about her involvement in writing a report for Internet Safety Technical Task Force. One of the points that she raises is that "The kids who are in trouble offline are more likely to be in trouble online and offline psychosocial factors contribute to online risks". My observations of teen behaviour with my students reflect this, the students who have the most "inappropriate" material on their myspace pages are most likely to be the ones who are seeking assistance from school counsellors about troubles or fronting the administration over poor in school behaviour. This leads to the question what are we as the community, and more particularly parents and teachers to do?
My first thought is we must listen. Often risky behaviour is a cry for attention, so we need to be listening to our children and students before they get to this stage. During the last six years there have been a number of students whom I have wanted to go to the parents and tell them this. I have suggested that my principal write a newsletter article about this but he suggests newsletters are for positive things. Secondly once we as teachers and parents are listening we need to be honest and open in our talking with young people, explain why we are asking that they do/do-not do things, admit we don't have all the answers.
For many years I have been reading about "middle-schooling" a concept that blends the relationship development of primary school with the broad and deep understanding of high school by putting students in-front of only a few specialist teachers, even sharing some subject areas. I personally think that this could lead to a better social and learning environment and have volunteered to be involved in this at my school, however the way that time-tabling is done at my school it is not something that I have been able to do yet. Perhaps next year.
In the mean time I will do my best to listen to the students I have and talk openly with them, especially my year nine IT class where online issues are a major theme.
David
My first thought is we must listen. Often risky behaviour is a cry for attention, so we need to be listening to our children and students before they get to this stage. During the last six years there have been a number of students whom I have wanted to go to the parents and tell them this. I have suggested that my principal write a newsletter article about this but he suggests newsletters are for positive things. Secondly once we as teachers and parents are listening we need to be honest and open in our talking with young people, explain why we are asking that they do/do-not do things, admit we don't have all the answers.
For many years I have been reading about "middle-schooling" a concept that blends the relationship development of primary school with the broad and deep understanding of high school by putting students in-front of only a few specialist teachers, even sharing some subject areas. I personally think that this could lead to a better social and learning environment and have volunteered to be involved in this at my school, however the way that time-tabling is done at my school it is not something that I have been able to do yet. Perhaps next year.
In the mean time I will do my best to listen to the students I have and talk openly with them, especially my year nine IT class where online issues are a major theme.
David
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