Thursday, October 21, 2010
Student use of social media and internet
I think teachers are fearful about inappropriate use of internet time with students free surfing during lessons, especially perhaps the older grades. At my place of work certain web sites are blocked, for example I cannot access my msn email from there. Certain images with a particular pixel count in specific colors are also blocked. Incoming or outgoing emails with certain words that are deemed inappropriate or unbusinesslike are also blocked. I am not sure who decides on those. I think we need to be brave, trust the students, set ground rules and introduce meaningful review mechanisms.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Claire,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that students need to be taught Internet safety. Maybe they could even be required to complete a unit on the subject before they are permitted to do Internet searches at school. Ultimately, they are going to be using the internet probably both at home and at school, so they need to know how to avoid pitfalls.
I am always very cautious when I take my students into the computer lab, because there's no guarantee that they are completely safe. I definitely agree that students should have to complete some kind of unit or workshop about internet searching and safety. Claire you made a great point about setting rules and placing trust in our students. The best thing we can do is arm them with the skills to stay safe. And, the more we tell them to not to go to certain sites, the more they will want to. So, by preparing them through training and practice, the better off they'll be in the long run.
ReplyDeleteHere are some sites with more information about internet safety. I appreciate when there are age-appropriate sections on the sites and when there is plenty of information for teachers and parents.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.netsmartz.org/index.aspx
http://it.pinellas.k12.fl.us/schools/perkins-es/internetsafety.html
http://etc.usf.edu/security/index.htm
I agree that many of the teachers are afraid of what the students might find on the websites. Unfortunately, what some of the teachers at our school feel is appropriate is not actually allowed by our BOE. Teachers feel google and various game websites are ok for the students to use. I feel that the teachers are hindering the students ability to research and use the web effectively because the teachers are not willing to take the time and utilize the websites that the BOE approves and recommends for the students to use.
ReplyDelete