John Waeltz - EDTECH 541 - Spring 2009
Over the last decade or so the internet has opened a whole new world for people. Information is just a few keystrokes away. People can shop without leaving the comfort of their own home. People can collaborate from a computer screen. It is no different in education. Students have a whole new avenue of learning, a virtual library right in their classroom. But this wealth of information comes with many cautions. Students need to be wary of what perils await the novice internet user. From predators to inappropriate sites featuring adult content, the internet has many areas that are not in the best interest of students. Below is a list of items dealing with internet safety.
Students need to be informed on the validity of the information they find on the internet. They need to understand that just because it is posted on the internet it is not necessarily true or fact. It is a very difficult concept to teach students. They are enthusiastic about using the internet to research and learn new things. Here are a few things to discuss with them:
- Show students and discuss the difference between an article and somebody's blog. Show them what to look for when trying to validate a website. Some are more obvious than others.
- Encourage students to ask questions to their parents and the teacher if they cannot figure it out on their own.
Everyone knows Google. Just about everyone has used Google, Web Crawler, or some other type of search engine. They are an excellent tool for quickly finding information but they do have drawbacks. Search engines do exactly what you tell them. The less information entered into the search block the more broad the search results will be. Sometimes these results take students to inappropriate websites with many pop up screens to other inappropriate sites, opening up a huge can of worms. They all cannot be blocked. About the time an IT department blocks a group of websites, three times as many new ones are added. Students need to be trained on proper use of the search engine. Here are some things they should know when using search engines:
- Students need to refine their search and make them as specific as possible. This will limit the possibility of inappropriate material appearing within the search results.
- Students need to be encouraged to use a search engine dedicated for student use. My students used to love using Ask Jeeves for Kids. There are several others available that will ensure appropriate content will be delivered.
- If students are going to do a WebQuest or scavenger hunt, pre arrange sites that you want students to find to minimize the risk of students finding inappropriate content.
Social networking has become big, big business. MySpace, Facebook, Friendster among many others are commonplace among children and young adults. Students chat, send pictures, blog, and keep up with friends using the internet. The problem with most of these social network websites are that anyone can enter. There are many well documented cases of inappropriate behavior by adults against children. Students need to be well educated on all the possibilities that may happen when using a social network so they can make the right judgement. Ground rules have to be set and strictly followed. Some good rules to discuss with students are:
- Students need to discuss with their parents about the house rules for using the internet. Times and websites they will frequent need to be agreed upon and followed.
- Predators hang out in chat rooms waiting for unsuspecting prey. Students should be wary of who they chat with. Anything out of the ordinary should be a sign that they are not what or who they say they are.
- Never give out personal information over the internet such as address, phone number, e-mail, etc. This type of information can very easily fall into the hands of the wrong people.
- Do not post photos on your page unless they are screened and approved by your parents.
- Get to know your online friends well. If you meet new people, sort of the point of social networking, then take your time getting to know them. If anything at all is suspected, refrain from contact with them any further.
- Students need to know to consult their parents on any issues they are uncomfortable with online. Students need to understand that their parents are a valuable resource when encountering problems online.
- Encourage students that if they want to participate in social networks to use one dedicated to children. Disney and Nickelodeon, among many others, offer safe social networks for children.
Social networking can be a lot of fun and can be a valuable tool for the classroom when used correctly. I discuss that in greater detail at my Students and Social Networking page.
Internet filtering software would be a wise choice for use in any classroom. The purpose of such software is to limit the content on the internet that is available. The software has settings that can filter out inappropriate material from the internet. Like anything else, it is not perfect and there are a few drawbacks to using filtering software. Sometimes the software limits too much, leaving out valuable information that can be found. Also, filtering software slows down the speed of the network while it is doing its job filtering. There are several different companies that offer filtering software for use at home, in the classroom, or both.
Acceptable usage policies clearly state objectives for students to safely navigate the internet. It is highly recommended that a usage policy be created and strictly adhered to. It can be set up much like a contract where the student, parents, and teacher all take part. It works pretty simple. If the contract is broken than so is the internet privilege of the student who breeched the contract.
The following links contain much more information on internet safety:
safekids.com - Many resources available for internet safety concerning children and parents.
http://cybersmartcurriculum.org/
CyberSmart - K-12 curriculum and lesson plans for K-12 internet safety.
A critique of internet acceptable use policies. Links to policies from many different district usage policies.
The internet is a wonderful place to find information and communicate with friends. But it has also become a place where inappropriate activity can be just a click away. By educating students on the pitfalls of internet usage and setting some firm ground rules, students will be able to safely navigate the internet for years to come.
