Internet safety is extremely important for all students. I was fortunate to grow up in a home with a very involved mother and father who always emphasized the importance of internet safety. They were very strict about me using MySpace and Facebook (Ugh, I was like THE last person in the whole entire school to get a MySpace). Looking back, I appreciate my parents' concern for my safety as I used the internet. I realize that not all parents are as involved as mine were and students do not always know how to use safe internet practices. I do think that it is important for students to know how to use the internet safely and that teacher's should be responsible for addressing safety issues, especially when the internet will be used in class or for an assignment.
One way that internet safety can be incorporated into the classroom is by providing students with the school rules for computer/internet use whenever students go into the computer lab or use the computers during class for an assignment. For example, in Science class, students may be required to create a lab report or research a specific topic. I would go over different SAFE resources to begin an internet search. I would also show students how to search for topics safely. I would also direct students to the school's online library resources or online encyclopedia's for the majority of their research. I could stress that not every resource is reliable. I could emphasize this by comparing 2 different websites that have information on a topic we have learned about. I would have an example and a non-example of good and bad resources. I would have students point out the differences and show them that the bad example has inaccurate information. In addition, I would make a point to students that they should have a bibliography. I would talk about plagiarism and proper resource citing. The bibliography and reputable sources would be part of the rubric. I think that it would also be wise to have a school librarian come in to discuss different research methods and resource citing.
I think it would be harder to incorporate internet safety into the classroom if I was teaching math. I would do something similar to science if I had students do a math research project. In addition, if students were learning to collect data, I would like to use the internet and I could incorporate safety into that project.
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/safety_crisis_management/internet_safety/ideas_integrating.pdf
Courtney--
ReplyDeleteLike you, I was always taught about internet safety from my parents at a young age. I do agree with you that this helped me later in life when taking internet safety into account more seriously. As teachers, it is our job to educate all students on the importance of internet safety, because many parents are not as involved in internet safety as ours. I really enjoyed reading about how you would incorporate internet safety into your classroom. I thought the idea of comparing two different websites with your students is a great way for students to see the difference and not just hear about it. Loved your ideas!
Courtney - I'm also very grateful for parents that helped me learn to be safe on the internet. As a future math teacher, I also found it difficult to think of ways to incorporate internet safety into my classroom. One thing to think about though is how you can make any moment into a teaching moment. So anytime students need to search the internet --to research information for a project, to look for answer to a web quest activity, or playing a game during break-- a teacher can use that opportunity to remind students about safe internet practices.
ReplyDeleteMy parents, especially my mom was the same way! I was never allowed to have a MySpace, and when I had to type a paper she would come in and check on me every 10 minutes! Woman was STRICT. But looking back I am really grateful that she was that with it to know the dangers. I love how you will compare the two websites, I think that is a GREAT idea! For math you could totally incorporate it in class. It might not have anything you are doing but you can take a break for two days to teach students this. I am really excited to see you in the field one day teaching kids internet safety! Your ideas are great!
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