As technology becomes more prevalent in classrooms, what precautions do we need to take as teachers to protect students? Specifically in terms of identity theft, cyber-bullying, inappropriate materials, etc.
A good firewall and some common sense will go far. Conversations with your students can be a start. If a serious problem arises don't hesitate to get outside help. May one of the councelors can be a resource in appropriate behavior.
Good question. I think cyber-bullying will definitely be a part of the classroom discussion right from the start of the year when you are setting up ground rules for your class and trying to foster respect among the students. And you will just have to be very careful about the sites you direct students to and teach them some strategies and tips on how to avoid the bad stuff. But whatever they are doing in your class is probably only a 10th of the time they spend on computers everyday anyways. So just do what you can do and don't stress.
This is a tough one because social networking sites are making cyber-bullying easier than ever. I've seen kids as young as eight taunt and torment each other online and I'm sure it will only get worse. As teachers, we need to make strict classroom rules about this kind of behavior and let students know, from the get go, that it won't be tolerated. I guess we could also talk to parents if it gets to be too much of a problem.
What we have is a question of behavior and medium. Managing behavior is a problem as old as managing young people. Establishing rules and consequences regardless of medium is a good way to start.
As with any behavior management, I believe implementing discussions about these issues is a great place to start. The more we converse with our students on important matters the better equipped they will be to understand our expectations and to follow the standards set.
I agree with what everyone else has said. I think a good discussion with your students is very important. In this day and age students need to be aware (and reminded)of what is appropriate and acceptable behavior when using technology. With that said, I'm sure that the technology/computers at the school will have strict firewalls. At my mom's school I can't even access my yahoo email account...
A good firewall and some common sense will go far. Conversations with your students can be a start. If a serious problem arises don't hesitate to get outside help. May one of the councelors can be a resource in appropriate behavior.
ReplyDeleteGood question. I think cyber-bullying will definitely be a part of the classroom discussion right from the start of the year when you are setting up ground rules for your class and trying to foster respect among the students. And you will just have to be very careful about the sites you direct students to and teach them some strategies and tips on how to avoid the bad stuff. But whatever they are doing in your class is probably only a 10th of the time they spend on computers everyday anyways. So just do what you can do and don't stress.
ReplyDeleteThis is a tough one because social networking sites are making cyber-bullying easier than ever. I've seen kids as young as eight taunt and torment each other online and I'm sure it will only get worse. As teachers, we need to make strict classroom rules about this kind of behavior and let students know, from the get go, that it won't be tolerated. I guess we could also talk to parents if it gets to be too much of a problem.
ReplyDeleteWhat we have is a question of behavior and medium. Managing behavior is a problem as old as managing young people. Establishing rules and consequences regardless of medium is a good way to start.
ReplyDeleteAs with any behavior management, I believe implementing discussions about these issues is a great place to start. The more we converse with our students on important matters the better equipped they will be to understand our expectations and to follow the standards set.
ReplyDeleteSimple, open, honest discussion plus teacher presence will probably go a long ways.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what everyone else has said. I think a good discussion with your students is very important. In this day and age students need to be aware (and reminded)of what is appropriate and acceptable behavior when using technology. With that said, I'm sure that the technology/computers at the school will have strict firewalls. At my mom's school I can't even access my yahoo email account...
ReplyDelete