MSTI 131 April 16, 2009 Kahley Stalteri, Alex Suto, Pete Balaji, Joey Yager, John Sullivan
Students are able to access all information at home and can get easy accessible information for projects and regular learning purposes without leaving home The internet provides more information about what they can learn and how they can learn it Provides increased motivation along with more improved and efficient presentations Can connect learning at school with learning at home The computer-mediated communication tools allow students frequent and timely communication with children from around the world, and also with their teachers for information about class assignments or any school related issues. The multiplicity in Internet services offers a chance for children of different talents to all develop a certain niche in the use of the medium.
Porn ID theft Viruses Weird people Getting lost Spending too much time Cyber-bullying Offensive language and Adult Content Cost of equipment Inappropriate Advertisements
Install software to block potentially “bad sites” Ask questions about what safeguards are being utilized at your child’s school, friend’s houses, etc. Keep your home computer in a common room of the house, not in a child’s bedroom Spend time with your children on the internet, have them show you their favorite websites Teach your children how to use online resources responsibly Talk with your kids about how to use programs such as IM safely
In the past, schools have used filtering software and blocks restricting students from visiting “ naughty” websites. A log of where the students have gone on the internet can be held and checked randomly by teachers Some teachers make students fill out a “ Acceptable use policy” in which students and parents must fill out and sign what they think acceptable online activity is. Teachers warn kids prior to using the internet the consequences of their actions if they are using the internet negatively Teachers can make kids use databases only and scholarly sources online to get truthful information Some school computers allow the librarians and/ or teachers to get onto the students computer at the same time they are and watch what they are doing (looking up)
Information For Parents: “Parents need to understand that the greatest risk our children face online is being denied access. The Internet is essential to our children's education, future careers and lives. But even the most experienced Internet user doesn't understand how children use the Internet and how to help them have a safer and more enjoyable surfing experience.” Links are given for parents and educators to give them more information on internet safety. Parents can blog with other parents on ways to increase safety for their children. Information For Parents: A Parent’s Guide To Internet Safety: “Our children are our Nation's most valuable asset. They represent the bright future of our country and hold our hopes for a better Nation. Our children are also the most vulnerable members of society. Protecting our children against the fear of crime and from becoming victims of crime must be a national priority.” This website is an article that gives parents information if they feel their child is at risk using the internet. A Parent’s Guide To Internet Safety: Internet Safety For Kids:” All children, even those who seem wise beyond their years in matters of technology, rely on their parents to guide and protect them in matters of Internet safety (even if they do not admit it). Web Wise Kids understands how challenging it can be for a parent to keep informed about online dangers and their teen’s online activities. Web Wise Kids is a unique organization that offers fun, challenging and interactive simulations based on real-life criminal cases. Each program has been designed specifically for use with young people in classrooms and computer labs and is guaranteed to be easy to use and flexible with your classroom schedule (special versions of our programs are also available for home use).” Internet Safety For Kids