When children (and adults) are posting things onto the Internet there are some things they should be taught first in order to ensure their safety.
One, NEVER share personal information such as your full name, address, phone number etc. Remember, everyone in the world will have access to whatever is posted and once it is out there it cannot be taken back. You never know who is looking.
Two, use children's sites that you know have a good reputation. Sites that have been recommended by other educational faculty, and ALWAYS check them out before you send the students on them.
Third, do not use sites like Twitter or chat rooms, with young children, as the posts may be inappropriate. Monitor what they are doing closely. Make sure that the children know that should anything happen while they are online that they are uncomfortable with, they can come to you and it will be ok.
Following these guidelines will help the children that are using the Internet learn how to do so in a safe manner while increasing their ability to be tech savvy in this ever progressing world.
The Safe Child Program is a site that will take you through some safety tips. It will detail issues of safety on the internet, and provide suggestions for parents (and teachers) regarding this issue. It could be used as a teacher guide or a parent reference.
Hi Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI like your idea about always checking the sites out before letting students access them. I think I would always take for granted the fact that if it was recommended to me then it has to be good!
I might also suggest having bookmarks or hyperlinks in word documents so that misspelled addresses don't end up at an inappropriate website.
Lindsay Hall
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI really liked the Safe Child internet link that you posted. I liked how the site expressed the risks that are involved with Internet use. It started to make me think that some parents may not be as familiar with the Internet at their children may be and it is possible that they might not even know what the risks are. Sending students home with a copy of the website information could be a great way to make parents aware of what they will be doing in the classroom along with informing them of the risks of Internet use inside the home as well. Great link!
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link. I've added it to my Delicious account.
Dr. Burgos