u01a2 - Witthoff - Appropriate Use / Internet Safety Policy in the Collier County Public Schools

The Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) has very recently updated their "responsible use" policy when it comes to use of technology and the internet within our classrooms.  This update has come about as part of our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program that is being implemented in the fall of the 2013-14 school year.  This responsible use policy lays out the guidelines for the BYOD program in our schools, but it also addresses student network and internet acceptable use and safety policies.  

The CCPS responsible use policy document clearly lays out what the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires schools districts to do.  CIPA applies to any school district who receives discounts on internet services through E-rate funding.  On page 4 of the CCPS responsible use policy, the district lays out how CCPS utilizes software and hardware methods to protect students from displays or images that are inappropriate as outlined in CIPA.  

CCPS expects that teachers will take the lead in protecting students from inappropriate content when utilizing online resources.  The policy lays out that staff will provide guidance and instruction to students in the appropriate use of the internet and they are also expected to monitor student technology activities while in their classroom.  

There is also a system set up for CCPS teachers to request bypass internet filters.  In some cases it's as minor as another log in screen to bypass some filters, while other sites will require additional permissions.  

CCPS is a very progressive district when it comes to technology use in the classroom.  Our district highly encourages the use of technology within our classrooms.  The "background" section of our responsible use policy document lays out a four paragraph summary of the importance of teaching and learning in the 21st century which is heavily dependent on acquiring a number of technological skills.  

u01a1 - Choosing a Creative Commons License

I have created a Creative Commons (CC) license for my Wilkes University Instructional Media blog.  I have placed the CC badge under my blog archive.  The CC license generator was very easy to use and a license and badge can be created after answering only a few short questions.

For this blog I selected the Attribution-Non Commercial-Share Alike license.  I decided to allow for modifications of my work as long as others applied similar CC licenses to this modified work.  I don't anticipate many folks wanting to use the work from my blog, but since I am not using this blog for commercial use, I didn't see any reason not to allow my work here to be altered.  At the same time, if anyone would like to use my work, I would like to see them apply the same license that I selected.  

I also chose for my work to not be used in a commercial way.  If I am providing these thoughts and ideas without any commercial profit, I would not like others using my work in this way either.  

I have been very impressed with how easy it has been to use the CC website and license generator.  I believe making this resource so easy to use will help it's overall cause.   

EDIM 514 Introduction

Hello EDIM 514,

My name is Curt Witthoff and this is my 6th class towards my Instructional Media degree.  I live in Marco Island, FL (near Naples, FL) with my wife and two children.  I just finished my 16th year with the Collier County Public Schools and my 6th year as the K-12 Science & Environmental Education Curriculum Cooridinator.  Our district serves approx. 43,000 students and about 50 schools.  One of my most exciting projects of the last couple years has been implementing Discovery Education Techbook into our K-8 + HS Biology science classrooms.  I'm a "tech-ie" and have really enjoyed being part of a technological progressive district.  

My current favorite ice cream (it tends to change....) is Mint Moose Tracks!  I've only seen it at our grocery stores here in FL.  Does anyone else have it in their state?

Easily the movie I've seen the most is A Few Good Men.  It's on TV a lot where I live and it's one of those movies I can't not watch when it's on.  Any James Bond movie ranks right up there as well.  

I'm looking forward to another great class, if anyone is new to the program, I can honestly say the first 5 with Wilkes have been outstanding.