Point/Counterpoint: Should Students Use the Internet while Taking Tests? -- James Cash and Jeffrey Starr

I never thought too much about if students should be allowed to surf the web during a test. In my opinion, students should not be allowed to surf the web out of fear of cheating. But after reading James Cash (who said YES) perspective in - Point/Counterpoint: Should Students Use the Internet while Taking Tests? - arguing that teachers should not put boundaries around students trying to learn. Furthermore, students looking for answers on the web should [also] be allowed in some cases, depending “on the goals of the test and what you [the teacher] are testing” for. Which, in my opinion, seems a bit ironic or an unusual perspective.

The other half of the story, Jeffery Starr, who also said "NO"! felt like students should never be allowed to surf the web "researching" for answers because that defeats the purpose of testing to see if students know the material or not; which is understandable in my book.

Both arguments had valid points. I felt that Jerry could have packaged his approach a little better then he did and not come across as a control freak wanting to police every aspect of students personal life, as if he never been a child before. Students could possibly feel threatened by his demeanor putting up a resistance if they feel grown-ups are violating their personal privacy, and taking away their freedom. This could cause students to even loose trust in their teacher and not respect them.

What is your take on this issue?

Digital Citizenship

If anything was ever posted or said about you (rather good or bad) on the internet, you can now consider yourself a lifetime member of the digital citizenship world forever or for the remaining of your lifetime. From my understanding and depending on what is being said or posted on the internet - rather true or false - could also be the determining factor if one even can get a job interviewed or not. So we can [all] safely assume that [all] potential employers are now looking at [all] digital portfolios before hiring potential candidate(s).

Now that you know and understand the ramification of what is being put on the internet "will" defiantly stick to you like a tattoo. It may also be good idea being extremely careful (from here on out) what you say or post on the internet - and at the same time - pay close attention to the stuff others are posting or saying about you. After all, it is your digital profile so protect it with your life.

On a positive note. The worldwide web or social media can be quite a useful and powerful tool - if strategically plan right - for those interested in networking, gaining exposure, and to collaborate and work with other influential professionals toward a common goal(s). By attempting to reach out to potential employers/business partners via LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook - just to name but a few social media outlets out there - allows others to see if you are a potential match for their company and could hopefully help single out your resume from the other stack of job applicants you are competing with.

What is your perspective on this matter?

Technology Integration – A Short History

What did you already know and what surprised you?  

I was not surprised (although surprised) to see imbedded within the revised goals of the - National Education Technology Plan, Transforming America Education: Learning Powered by Technology - which was released back in November 2010 by the Department of Education encouraging educators to collaborate and work with other educators and professionals having extensive expertise in the subject matter being studied. This can only enhance the educator and students understanding/overstanding concerning “real live practical learning that will become useful” for surviving in a global community powered by technology.  

How does change/not change your ideas about educational technology?


When I was growing up we didn’t have computers or the internet and all this technology like we have at our finger tips today. Instead, we had hand-held radios and typewriters. Unlike our past, where educators basically had to rely on books and other teaching materials and tools for teaching certain subject matters. With the invention of computers and the internet, educators figured out ways of collaborating with other educators and professionals around the world to gain more in-depth insight concerning other cultures and nationalities (for example) and at the same time the other culture being studied can get the opportunity to learn something about American culture(s). At first, I was scared about all this technology coming out so fast that it is basically impossible to keep up with. But now I have learned to embrace and see technology for what it is and all the implications (good/bad/or both) for teaching and learning in the 21st century.

What is your take on this matter?

About Me

Hello, my name can be pronounced Enoch in English, Hanokh in Hebrew/Ge’ez, or Edris in the Arabic language; and out of the three, I prefer to be called Edris.

As a future educator, I believe it is important to have equality, equity, fairness, and representation of other cultures and views in the classroom. It is also important to continue striving to create a culture where all students are made to feel inclusive so they can achieve and are provided with the best tools, resources, and opportunities to learn. This inclusive perspective leaves no culture behind, including those with disabilities, seeing we are all apart of the global community. 

I strongly believe educators should be conscious and respectful to students by removing all known barriers that could hinder students from learning, and thereby allowing students to learn within the learning style(s) that is best for them. There is no point, nor would it be fair to force students into learning from the educators learning style only, and still expect for them to succeed. This is what happened to me as a child and because of that I was often times placed in special education classrooms, which also happen to be “one” of my areas of study. Imagine that. 

With that being said, my future goal is to one day work in the areas of special education and gain experience working with that culture. I would also like to work in a college/and or university setting as a professor and conduct research, publish, and possibly even be a director for community development/engagement center, hopefully at a university, to help provide an environment where all students can feel free to celebrate their cultural heritage, and strive to promote the creation of a safe and welcoming community that encourages all students, staff, and faculty, to become active as well as involved citizens within the campus community and surrounding region.

In an attempt to strengthen my educational awareness. I will research to find out the answers to the following questions: 1. What means the most to the community and region, 2. How do you choose a partner for a project or program, 3. What are the available resources available in a given community or region, 4. How does one write a competitive grant for funding, 5. How does one publish the results of a successful project, 6. How does one get volunteers and donations for project(s), and 7. How does one create job opportunities that wont discriminate against those with disabilities?

Hopefully, I will be able to shadow under influential professors and professionals qualified to educate and train me toward my goals. With a declining economy and frequent budget cuts, having mastery in the following areas will leave me confident that I will arrive prepared to a highly competitive job market with much to offer any giving community. Thank you.