As a classroom teacher, your job is to take reasonable steps to protect your
students from the negative aspects of the Internet. One way is by establishing
guidelines. Your school should have a written "Acceptable Use Policy" that
every computer user--adults and children--signs. This might be something you
send out at the first of the school year with other paperwork and forms for
parents to sign.
Your school must use Internet blocking or filtering software. You need to be aware, however, that filtering does not block all inappropriate sites. Because filtering software uses words and phrases to select sites, it also blocks some sites you may need in your classroom teaching. Work with your Technology Director if you need to open specific sites.
In all cases, supervision is mandatory. Build structure into the experiences you plan with the Internet. Be sure you have thoroughly examined each web site in your lessons. Just sending a student to "search" or "surf" is a recipe for disaster.
Activity
Browse the Internet and complete the following: Use the resources below to get started:
- List five items that should be covered in an "Acceptable Use Policy."
- Name two brands of Internet blocking software. On what criteria does each block websites?
- Name one good, and one bad thing about using Internet blocking software.
- Besides having an "Acceptable Use Policy" and using Internet blocking software, what are some other steps you can take to create a safe Internet experience for your students?
- What is email Netiquette? Name one "do" and one "don't."
- List four items of information that students should avoid sharing over the Internet.
- Where can you find a copy of your district's AUP?
- Create a list of at least 3 sites to send home to your students' parents to help them with Internet safety at home. Put descriptions/annotations with each site address so explain why you believe this is a good site for them.
Online Resources
