In today's world of education, classrooms are moving from books and papers to blog posts and Google Doc! This great transition has opened up the doors to new ways both teachers and students teach, learn, and communicate. But the internet is such a broad space that reaches trillions of people world wide everyday. So how do we create a safe space for young learners to use these new skills while being safe in the world wide web?
Digital Citizenship! According to Amy Erin Borovoy of Cyber Wise, digital citizenship is an umbrella term that covers very important issues like cyber bullying, "netiquette", digital divide, internet safety, copyright, and more! Understanding digital citizenship can prepare young learners for internet access for both home and at school.
To learn more on Digital Citizenship check out the video below.
Digital Citizenship! According to Amy Erin Borovoy of Cyber Wise, digital citizenship is an umbrella term that covers very important issues like cyber bullying, "netiquette", digital divide, internet safety, copyright, and more! Understanding digital citizenship can prepare young learners for internet access for both home and at school.
To learn more on Digital Citizenship check out the video below.
So, let's discuss internet safety.
According to Common Sense Media, there are three things teachers should do to keep students safe while using the internet. The first thing students must know is to not talk to strangers. The same rules apply as if they were in the real world. It is important to let students know the same risks and dangers they may occur when talking to a stranger on the web. The second thing students should know is to not share important information. Especially for older teenagers, who may have accumulated some important documents from entering the adult world. They may still be unaware of danger that could be lurking on the other side of the screen. The last thing students should know is to never, ever share their location. Lots of apps now have features where location is needed to perform certain tasks through the app. Informing students on the importance of turning that feature off when using apps of their choice is very important for their safety. Teaching students how to do this on their phone or laptop is key for internet safety.
So what can teachers do to keep students safe while using the internet?
Sarah Muthler, author of "Online Safety: A teachers guide to dealing with Cyberbullying, Sexting, and Student Privacy", suggest teachers have an open discussion about the topic. Have a conversation on how popular apps such as, Snapchat and Instagram, are not only used to store videos and pictures, but they also collect and store data that could stick around for up to 30 days! As teachers, an acceptable use policy signed by students can be used as a contract between the student and the school that states students will follow school rules. This will show that teachers hold their students accountable for their actions and that students have a clear understanding of what is expected when using the internet at school.
There are lots of other websites that could help spread the knowledge on internet safety. Check out the list below following a cool BrainPopJr. for primary students.
Basic Internet Safety from Netsmartz
Internet Safety from Kids Health
Internet Safety from National Crime Prevention Council
Internet Safety from BrainPopJr.
According to Common Sense Media, there are three things teachers should do to keep students safe while using the internet. The first thing students must know is to not talk to strangers. The same rules apply as if they were in the real world. It is important to let students know the same risks and dangers they may occur when talking to a stranger on the web. The second thing students should know is to not share important information. Especially for older teenagers, who may have accumulated some important documents from entering the adult world. They may still be unaware of danger that could be lurking on the other side of the screen. The last thing students should know is to never, ever share their location. Lots of apps now have features where location is needed to perform certain tasks through the app. Informing students on the importance of turning that feature off when using apps of their choice is very important for their safety. Teaching students how to do this on their phone or laptop is key for internet safety.
So what can teachers do to keep students safe while using the internet?
Sarah Muthler, author of "Online Safety: A teachers guide to dealing with Cyberbullying, Sexting, and Student Privacy", suggest teachers have an open discussion about the topic. Have a conversation on how popular apps such as, Snapchat and Instagram, are not only used to store videos and pictures, but they also collect and store data that could stick around for up to 30 days! As teachers, an acceptable use policy signed by students can be used as a contract between the student and the school that states students will follow school rules. This will show that teachers hold their students accountable for their actions and that students have a clear understanding of what is expected when using the internet at school.
There are lots of other websites that could help spread the knowledge on internet safety. Check out the list below following a cool BrainPopJr. for primary students.
Basic Internet Safety from Netsmartz
Internet Safety from Kids Health
Internet Safety from National Crime Prevention Council
Internet Safety from BrainPopJr.
Karbach, M (2011). 5 Excellent videos to teach your students about digital citizenship [Blog Post]. Retrieved from http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/10/5-excellent-videos-to-teach-your.html
Muthler, S. (2015). Online Safety: A teachers guide to dealing with Cyberbullying, Sexting, and Student Privacy. Edudemic Connecting Education & Technology. Retrieved from http://www.edudemic.com/the-teachers-guide-to-keeping-students-safe-online/
Muthler, S. (2015). Online Safety: A teachers guide to dealing with Cyberbullying, Sexting, and Student Privacy. Edudemic Connecting Education & Technology. Retrieved from http://www.edudemic.com/the-teachers-guide-to-keeping-students-safe-online/