Microsoft Word and Technology Implementation Issues

As a student, I have always used Microsoft Word to complete written assignments for my classes. It has mostly been to write an essay or discussion post and never really on creating a fun document like a newsletter or something of that sort. During high school, the focus was more on using the various Microsoft Office applications for practical uses rather than creative uses. I feel that in my high school experience, the more creative aspects were focused on using paper to create a visual representation rather than using a software program. My teachers have used it in the same way, as a way to present information to the students in a formal way. Some of my teachers would open a Word document to write our ideas down for a class discussion or to show an example piece of writing. The only other more creative way my teacher used Word was to sometimes create a flyer or poster or a club or organization.

In an educational environment, I have only encountered copyright and fair use of materials when talking about writing an essay or citing sources for an essay. The focus was mainly on writing original work and not plagiarizing any work without properly citing that source. In my 3D art class, the teacher would talk a lot about using someone’s work as inspiration but making it more personal to ourselves to avoid plagiarism. As a teacher, I would probably try the same techniques that my teachers have used in the past of taking points away for any plagiarism or copyright issues. I would also try to incorporate the online application called Turnitin that cross references all genres that have been published online and within the class and highlights the section that have potential plagiary.

As previously mentioned, a way to combat plagiarism within copyright issues would be to use Turnitin.com to instantly check each work submitted for direct plagiarism. Students would submit their work through Canvas or a similar application where Turnitin can be embedded in the submitting process. Also, telling the students about this function and that the plagiarized work would be automatically spotted, and they would be punished accordingly.

A solution to cyber bullying would be to set up a reporting system within the school. Any spotted cyber bullying cases could be reported, anonymously or not, and a point and reward system could be in place for students that report any cases. The students would be able to pick rewards depending on how many points they earn. The student that reported the cyber bullying and the person that committed the cyber bullying would be kept anonymous so that no students could start any other bullying based on names revealed.

A solution to the digital divide would be to allow different ways to access the assignments, whether that be going to the library or computer lab to use the computers there. Teachers could also do less activities dealing with technology or those that are less reliant on technology. The school could also apply for more grants that would allow them to give out school laptops for each student, or those that do not have access to a laptop or computer at home.