These scenarios were good to read as I think about using a class webpage and blog. There's so much to be aware of, and a lot of it is new, unfamiliar turf.
Scenario 1: Collaboration = Harassment
There are definitely ethical and safety/well-being issues involved whenever name calling and racial slurs are involved! It's not clear whether both boys had their accounts suspended, or for how long, yet there obviously need to be consequences. Jeremy's mother objects to his consequences, which complicates, but shouldn't change things. It sounds like there needs to be a meeting with Jeremy, his mother, the teacher, and the principal. They should review the technology use policy form that both student and parent should have signed to reinforce the idea that they understood and agreed to the rules of technology use and the consequences for misuse. Hopefully the principal will stand firm with the suspended account for a set period of time. Then they can all agree on a time for reinstating privileges, as well as predetermining more permanent consequences if there is any further misuse of the tech privileges. This is an excellent reminder to me about making sure that each student completes the technology use agreement before participating, as well as knowing what my end of the agreement includes.
Scenario 6: Course Management Overload
I don't believe that there are ethical or safety/well-being issues caused by the fact that each teacher uses a different class site. I'm also not sure that the parent really has a complaint as much as a concern. I always appreciate parents sharing concerns, even when they seem upset, because it means that they care and are willing to discuss it. I think this is an excellent opportunity for the staff to take this parent's concern and discuss the issue. Perhaps it would be better if the staff did agree on one particular format to use. Perhaps they discuss the options and decide to continue using whichever format works best for them. If that is the case, then I think that it should be clearly stated up front, perhaps at a parent information evening. Teachers could share the reasons for their choice and show parents how it works. I suspect that our tech savvy students can handle multiple formats with different log-ins, and parents can probably adjust with some coaching. This scenario reminds me that I must be aware of the technology use available and in use around me, as well as being sensitive to the ramifications that my technology choices have for students and their families. For now, I would just be happy to know how many of our students even have access to computers and the internet so they can access our school website and on-line grade book.
I like your way of looking at parent concerns. We're a team working together to help their student learn, so we need to listen to and cooperate with each other. In both scenarios, open communication from the very beginning might have prevented problems from developing.
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