Web Safety Blog

Welcome back to my blog (if you’re there). Tonight’s posting will discuss Web Safety in the 21st Century Classroom. Today’s teachers need to consider a few questions before they plunge into the world of using the web with students. The first question addresses the teacher’s specific grade level(s) of students. What level of technological skills should these students demonstrate? For me, I have 11th graders and 9th graders, as well as the newspaper (9-12). I expect my 9th graders to have the ability to use Microsoft Word. I expect my 11th-12th graders to be proficient with Word and Power Point. The next question addresses essential elements that need to be integrated for an effective classroom technology policy guide for a specific grade level. A policy guide must be developed, first, districtwide, then schoolwide, then, in the individual classroom. This policy should be signed by parents and students, and kept on file. The next issue to address is Internet Safety, and how to inform students/parents. Students should be informed about the dangers of the Internet – strangers, etc. – and some students don’t receive this information at home. So the teacher assumes a responsibility to teach internet safety – don’t reveal address, phone number, pictures – be careful with information you share on line, etc.

Using the internet is a valuable tool for our students, yet with it comes the need for teachers to implement safety with its use. That’s my blog for the night – hope you enjoyed reading my rambles!

Welcome back to my blog (if you’re there). Tonight’s posting will discuss Web Safety in the 21st Century Classroom. Today’s teachers need to consider a few questions before they plunge into the world of using the web with students. The first question addresses the teacher’s specific grade level(s) of students. What level of technological skills should these students demonstrate? For me, I have 11th graders and 9th graders, as well as the newspaper (9-12). I expect my 9th graders to have the ability to use Microsoft Word. I expect my 11th-12th graders to be proficient with Word and Power Point. The next question addresses essential elements that need to be integrated for an effective classroom technology policy guide for a specific grade level. A policy guide must be developed, first, districtwide, then schoolwide, then, in the individual classroom. This policy should be signed by parents and students, and kept on file. The next issue to address is Internet Safety, and how to inform students/parents. Students should be informed about the dangers of the Internet – strangers, etc. – and some students don’t receive this information at home. So the teacher assumes a responsibility to teach internet safety – don’t reveal address, phone number, pictures – be careful with information you share on line, etc.

Using the internet is a valuable tool for our students, yet with it comes the need for teachers to implement safety with its use. That’s my blog for the night – hope you enjoyed reading my rambles!