Isn't this the same question we ask when we look at student behavior in the classroom? Whose job is it to teach students good manners, respect, a sense of pride and taking responsibility for their actions? This dilemma is now surfacing in a different context, the Internet. As schools rapidly integrate technology into the classroom, teachers are responsible for implementing lessons focused on online safety, security and the dangers of social networking. Many students do not realize that once they post something on the Internet it is almost impossible to take it back. It may also have an impact on future events in their lives.
Although students have experience and background knowledge with Internet usage, many students are not aware of how the Internet can enhance their learning and connect to the classroom. The issue of student safety on the internet has become one that needs immediate intervention. So many children act impulsively and feel they are anonymous behind computer screens. This leads to "dangerous behaviors: cyber bullying, inappropriate photo or video uploads, illegal downloads, meeting strangers -- even cheating."
Teachers may feel unprepared to teach such concepts to students, as these lessons currently part of the existing curriculum. There are few if any professional developments on cyber safety and cyber ethics. Many students are tech savvy and can easily get through filters and firewalls. However, if technology is use in the classroom, classroom expectations must be set and teachers must ensure a clear understanding of the guidelines. They may also feel that it is the parent’s responsibility to monitor their child’s use of the internet surfing.
Parents may feel that it is the schools responsibility to teach students to use technology and reinforce the concepts of appropriate use and safety. However, teachers are exposing students to new applications and parents may not be aware of the dangers themselves.
All stakeholders should engage in the development of effective collaboration and communication strategies between students, teachers, and parents. School leaders should regard the safety of students as a topmost priority. Therefore, the answer to this question is one that applies to the success of students in any realm. With students using the internet from anywhere at any time for a variety of purposes protecting students must be a collective effort. Everyone shares in the responsibility of keeping students safe.
Helpful Resources:
http://www.webwisekids.org/pdf/InternetSafetyActivityPacket_4-6.pdf
http://www.onguardonline.gov/features/feature-0004-featured-net-cetera-toolkit
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2010/0226/Internet-safety-Whose-job-to-teach-kids-about-it
I really like all of your helpful links that you have provided. I need some for mine.
ReplyDeleteYou provide some excellent resources.
ReplyDeleteAs a parent, I strongly feel it is my duty to monitor what my children are doing online. It is my job as their mother to teach them what is right and what is wrong to post online. I need to be aware of what sites they visit to be sure they are not going onto/viewing inappropriate material. The same goes for what they watch on TV. I would not expect a teacher to have to instruct my child on what is appropriate to watch on TV, or what video games are appropriate to play on the XBox. Why would I expect a teacher to instruct my child on what is appropriate online? Teachers have a curriculum to teach. Their job is to deliver the content. It is my job to be a parent. If what my children are doing in school involves using the internet, then yes, some instruction should revolve around appropriate use. However, the bulk of that instruction needs to start at home. Just as how to speak appropriately to friends and adults starts at home, but is reinforced at school. Parents need to parent - not pass the buck onto the teacher.
Rani, I agree with what you said about there not being many professional deveopments out there to teach teachers about how to be safe online. Also, many school do not have full time tech teachers who could either be responsible for teach students about online safety or who could teach teachers how to teach their students about online safety. I think these are two things that need to be improved in order to support the movement towards incorporating more technology in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed looking at all of the resources you provided.
ReplyDeleteAs we proceed into the 21st century, children are exposed to the internet on a regular basis. Children are often very naive to the dangers they can come across while “surfing” the web. Adults must take on the responsibility of educating the children around them about internet safety. Children can be accessing the internet, through cell phones or gaming systems, at any time without others around them even knowing. This is a scary thing! Although I know that teachers have a lot of responsibility of material to coving in the classroom, I do think it is important for them to incorporate time to educate their students on internet safety. I agree with you that all stakeholders should be participants in the development of their understanding of safety online. Therefore, they can relay the information to children who would greatly benefit.
Rani,
ReplyDeleteI am really pleased that you shared such valuable resources. My blog is about a similar problem, but at the high school level. It's so important to promote online saftey rules in the primary classroom. My high school students still don't "get it"; however, I think that if they learned them from a young age, they'd be less likely to engage in unsafe online behaviors.
Your blog and resource links appear to be generating some interest. Be sure to link other colleagues on your home page to spread the word and bring in similar topics.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a very interesting question. Whose job is it to teach students how to act safely on the internet? Cyber bullying is most likely to occur at home but we all know the side effects will be brought into school. As an educator I believe it is our responsibility to help protect our students. If a student comes into school telling us an incident happened, we should investigate it. Many times parents simply do not know what their children are doing at home. I believe it is our duty to help in anyway we can.
ReplyDelete