Are students the new Shadow IT?

Just finished an article from CIO that was shared with me by our IT Director. (Users Who Know Too Much and the CIOs Who Fear Them) The article discusses shadow IT, or groups providing technology solutions outside the formal IT organization, can pose challenges for CIOs. In schools, students must be seen as a challenging shadow IT organization. Flash drives are cheaper and cheaper, web based tools are multiplying like rabbits and the latest cell phone has more apps than computers 10 years ago. Whether school district administration likes it or not these tools are being brought into the classroom. Students and teachers will not wait for IT to dole out the technology. They will work around it and use tools from home. Yet students choices are not always appropriate and the school system has a responsibility to provide a safe environment for students. Internet use policies do not cover this type of behavior by students. Is it time to include curriculum on the ethical and appropriate use of technology? I think so. As students enter the workforce the temptation to use the Internet and other technologies inappropriately will not dissolve. Technology citizenship is a crucial skills for students as they prepare for their future.