Internet Safety:What should schools be doing?

Monique UzelacDirector of Instructional TechnologyAnn Arbor Public Schools

Overview

What is this stuff?

Opportunities and Dangers

Teaching Internet Safety

School Action Steps

What is this stuff?

Blogs Chat Rooms IMSocial Networking– Bebo– Facebook– MySpace– Xanga

Virtual Worlds

Digital Natives

Computers

Cell Phones

Wireless Handhelds

Game Devices

Some of the Dangers

Privacy invasions

Cyberbullying

Misinformation

Online predators

Pornograhy

Spam

Violent or hateful contenthttp://www.bewebaware.ca

And the Opportunities

Smart internet use offers dozens of education applications.– Research opportunities– Communication and collaboration tools

Students use the internet:– As a textbook, a tutor, a study group, a counselor,

and a storage space for school documents

94% of 12-17 year olds with internet access, use the internet for school research.

http://www.pewinternet.org

Internet Safety @ School

Filters– Required since 2000 law, Children's

Internet Protection Act

Internet Safety @ School

Teaching Internet Safety– Soon to be required due to recently

passed Broadband Data Improvement Act (S.1492)

– Integrate into technology and information skills curriculum

Internet Safety @ School

School Policies– Acceptable Use and Technology– Code of Conduct and Discipline

When should schools get involved?

Plan before it becomes a problem– Include cyberbullying prevention in anti-

bullying programs.– Schools, parents and students work

together to address cyberbullying.– Update school policies to address

misbehaviors that happen off campus but disrupt the learning environment at school.

Resources for Teaching Internet Safety

http://www.cybersmartcurriculum.org

http://www.ikeepsafe.com

http://www.isafe.org

http://www.netsmartz.org

http://www.wiredkids.org

How Do Schools Balance Dangers and Opportunities?Acceptable use and other policies that address internet safety

Education: staff, students, parents

Curriculum integration

Include cyberbullying in anti-bullying program curriculum

School Action Steps

Integrate Internet safety and bullying prevention into the curriculum

Update school district policies to address Internet safety issues

Educate staff, students and parents about Internet safety and cyberbullying

Questions?