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Modern technology increases a student's access to knowledge. It is a useful tool that if used correctly is a welcome asset to a class room. Teacher driven web quests are very popular and very useful. Although technology is a great tool to use in the classroom there is always the danger of it being misused. One way is that students in a class use the computer in inappropriate ways. Some of these misuses include instant messaging, visiting inappropriate websites and cheating. One way to avoid these pitfalls is by good teacher supervision. There are now remote desk tops that allow teachers to monitor computers used by students. I recently completed an internship at a local middle school. I did not see any of the remote desktops at the school but I did see a device at one teacher's desk in the computer lab that let her know which students were on line.
Cheating is one possible misuse of computers. I have heard of students who have downloaded the answers to tests as well as collaberated on online tests. I think that the answer to this problem is diligent teachers who are aware of what type of work their students are capable of and who are willing to investigate when they suspect misconduct. Another problem is plagiarism. There are so many websites offering essays that tempt a student to cheat. There are now many software programs that can detect plagiarism. However sometimes the plagiarism is unintentional. It is up to the teacher to make sure that students understand what constitutes plagiarism. Technology is a great tool, but it is not a replacement for a teacher. Students need to be made to understand that if they cheat they are really only cheating themselves. When a teacher if forced to discipline a student because of technology misuse she is putting the interests of her student first.

Learn more about this author, Deborah Barfield.
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