Chapter 7: Online Safety and Security

 Online safety and security is of utmost importance, especially within the walls of a school. Allowing and encouraging more internet usage in the schools is a worthy and necessary cause, however, if done hastily and without regard for the safety of the students, teachers, and valuable information, this positive change can have negative consequences. Web 2.0 has many tools that can be used for student and teacher collaboration, creative expression, and content delivery. Because students are posting personal thoughts and information on blogs, wikis, Facebook, etc., they are vulnerable to online dangers such as cyberbullying, harassment, predators, etc. In addition, students need to be taught the importance of copyright and intellectual property and how to use others' material without overstepping the boundaries of the law or the author's rights. Teachers and administrators can protect students from online dangers by installing filters, providing instructions on safety, and purchasing special search engines. Instructing students on these safety topics and making sure they understand the ethical guidelines of internet usage can make all the difference. Schools should be prepared with acceptable use policies and ensure that those policies are enforced. Parents are an important part of the equation and should be informed on how to protect their children from internet dangers at home. They can be taught to set time limits, block certain sites, monitor online activities, etc. while encouraging their children to use the internet in positive ways.

Solomon and Schrum (2007) state, “While schools have tools to influence students' behavior, parents are often unaware of the problems and have few strategies to resolve them” (pg. 150). Often times parents feel “out of the loop” when it comes to their children – their interests, what happens and school, etc. This is also true of the use of internet at home. While the student may be under supervision on the internet at school, he or she might have free reign when home from school. I would assume that most parents don't monitor internet use at home because they don't know how. This is the perfect opportunity for the school to make contact with these parents and offer them training or tips on how to increase internet safety and security at home. 

NETS Standards (Teachers)

1. Social, Ethical, Legal, and Human Issues
   Teachers understand the social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology in PL-12 schools and apply that understanding in practice. Teachers:
   A. model and teach legal and ethical practice related to technology use.
   B. apply technology resources to enable and empower learners with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, and abilities.
   C. identify and use technology resources that affirm diversity.
   D. promote sage and healthy use of technology resources.
   E. facilitate equitable access to technology resources for all students

 

 Reference

Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007).  Web 2.0: New tools, new schools.  Eugene, OR: International   Society for Technology in Education.