Wow! Mr. Flickinger’s article called, “Educational Technology Bill of Rights for Students,” was a breath of fresh air. I agree with him 100 percent. Since students are actively immersing themselves in technology outside of school, they should be able to use it in school to supplement their learning and show teachers what they know. I’m not saying students should be spending their day texting or chatting online with classmates about things unrelated to school, which could be a distraction from learning, however I agree that social media is a great (and possibly better) way to communicate with students and receive an active response. As a high school student I think I would have been much more cognizant of upcoming deadlines and events (like a 7:30 am rehearsal I so easily forgot to wake up early for) if I had been sent a message from a classroom Facebook group or Twitter page.

I loved amendment seven of this Bill of Rights: “I have the right to be taught by teachers who teach me and demand that I use 21st Century Skills. Someday I am going to need a job — please help me be employable.” If students are expected to use 21st century skills and technology when they go out into the workplace, it is absolutely our responsibility as teachers to show them how to appropriately and effectively use these skills and technology. If we cannot do this we are setting our students up for failure, which means we fail as teachers.