Tim+and+Chad

=Internet Safety=

I can't seem to change the text color, so I guess Chad = black (for now).

Nor can I seem to get these images to actually show up without having to click on them...

[|devilinternet.jpg] [|bigbrotherinternet.jpg]

W**hat are the issues**? In addition to regular concerns on the tech side of things, such as firewalls, filtering, virus protection, and password security, there is a significant collection of safety concerns that come along with anyone (especially children) accessing the interactive web. To name a few, internet users need to consider cyber bullying and p otential p redators, the credibility of sources, purposfully or inadvertantly encountering inappropriate material, and not representing onesself well (especially in terms of possible ramifications inpacting a job search or college admissions).

The following link provides a great summary of these issues as well as offering resources and support materials for confronting the issues: [|**http://www.globalgateway.org.uk/default.aspx?page=390**]

For a more creative look at the issues (albeit painfully acted), this middle school video from Teacher Tube is a collection of skits illustrating several issues, why they are important, and even what users should do to avoid the pitfalls. I'm not sure this embedded video link will work, so here is the link to the video on Teacher Tube: []

**How should the districts handle Internet safety education?** Given the already-existent load on the curriculum and the challenges faced by the teachers "in the trenches," even just mentioning these issues stirs the classic debate over "Whose job is it anyway: schools or parents?" I really believe schools need to cover this material. All students will not get guidance from their parents, so schools need to step in. If parents are also covering Internet safety, chances are the same message is getting covered and contradictions will not be an issue. Repetition will only reinforce the importance of the issue while increasing its effectiveness.

**Should it be a stand-alone curriculum or part of the current curriculum?** If it is within the school’s responsibility to cover these issues (And I do believe it is.), what is the best way to approach teaching the issues? Most of the debate centers on a perception that teaching the material would take too much time from already pressing standards and curriculum, especially in a high-stakes NCLB landscape. || ** PROS ** || ** CONS ** || Does not take instruction time from current curriculum Probably taught by an expert (see below) || No context Only reaching select students (assuming elective) Covered and then class moves on… No necessarily carried over into other classes (not put into actual practice!) || Reinforces the importance Every student will be included Reinforced over longer time period || Wide-ranging issues take away from content time Asking non-tech teachers to wear another hat (see below) || **Taught by content area teachers or specialists?** As seen in the chart above, part of the debate also centers around teachers. Many content area teachers are resistant to taking on more responsibility within their already demanding curriculum areas. On top of this issue is a fairly prevalent technophobia as less tech-savvy teachers try to push the job into the hands of more computer-centric educators. || ** PROS ** || ** CONS ** || Consistent protocols etc. Access to all students Effective due to modeling Teachers would also be forced to acquire skills || Perhaps less tech-savvy || || Perhaps not available to all students Other teachers using technology are not reinforcing issues and safety protocols: undermines specialist ||
 * ** STAND ALONE ** || Easier to go into depth
 * ** CURRENT CURRICULUM ** || Context embedded and put into practice (authentic applications)
 * ** TEACHERS ** || Reinforced importance
 * ** SPECIALIST ** || More in depth knowledge

There is a relationship between community and schools, and that includes shared values as well as approaching the myriad developmental and academic needs reflected in the given demographics. I can't imagine elementary teachers arguing that parents should teach their children not to run with scissors and therefore it is not their job to step in...If there is a need, and I think these issues are important, it belongs in schools and teachers have obligations. With that said, I really do not see any benefit in assigning these issues to a specialist with a stand-alone curriculum. The charts show scales clearly tipping in the direction of an integrated curriculum covered by content teachers. I really do believe in connections, relevance, and repetition, so it makes the most sense to me to embedd Internet safety (along with overt instruction in software etc.) into the constructivist projects and authentic assessments reflected in the best classroom practice.
 * My Bottom Line:**

**__Tim's Response in Blue__** It is a very important role of the district to discuss and educate its students and staff regarding internet safety. Everyone is aware of online predators, scams, identity theft, and bullying. However, students and adults perhaps aren’t aware of the warning signs that exist. I feel it is a positive step by districts to educate its students, parents and staff. Through assemblies, professional development and parent meetings, folks can receive information and education necessary to keep students safe while using the internet.  Here is a website witha narticle about school saftey [] I do not feel internet safety should be part of a district’s curriculum. When I think of curriculum, I think of content area based educational material and instruction. Therefore, educating students and staff regarding internet safety should be a goal of all districts. I believe the best way for a district to do so is via school assembly. Districts should make it a point to hire internet safety professionals to discuss these issues with students and staff.  Content area educators discuss bullying and the fact that it is not acceptable in the classroom. However, when it comes to online bullying and other dangers, professionals who are experts in the field should be hired to educate both students and staff. Not all teachers are current with online dangers; therefore, it is the districts best interest to provide expert information (outside source) to students and staff. owver, many studebt and adults aren’t privy tot the wrning signs that

 A newscast from Tampa Bay on Internet Saftey media type="youtube" key="3rA1uP23gKs" height="344" width="425"