When reading through Alan November's Four things every student should learng....but not every school is teaching, I do agree with the things he is saying in that children are ignorant to the fact that they are can be hurt very badly by the Internet. I don't think that children realize the severe consequences that can come of their actions on the Internet. Children need to be educated at an earlier age about the safety precautions they must take. It shocked me this year when my 7 year old student told me they have a FACEBOOK page. I couldn't believe it. I think that next year, I will make sure to start educating my young, little 2nd graders to prepare them for the Internet, if they are not already out there sharing information. And, if they do have important information out there, I will hope to teach them about taking care of themselves from now on while "playing" online.
David Warlick talks about fueling the questions. I think that my students are very well engaged in this skill because they ask questions about EVERYTHING. Sometimes, I feel that it can be quite overwhelming to me, but then I need to take a step back and just answer one question at a time. To me, the computer lab is the most stressful teaching situation that I encounter during the week. What I need to do, and remember is that the children are learning all of these things for the first time and all their questions are helping them become more educated everyday. So, I do feel that students are fueling their minds in our computer labs and classrooms everyday.
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I am shocked that a 7 year old would have a facebook. I hope that the parents are involved and educating the student about the internet. You must have a lot of patience to handle all the questions your 2nd grade students are asking. I am on the other side with juniors and seniors who know it all and it is so important to educate them about the internet, especially because future employers will be able access their personal information quickly. It does take a village to raise a child.
ReplyDeleteEducating students on the dangers of technology is extremely important. I teach older-aged students and many are oblivious to how this can affect their lives. Just look at Tiger Woods' recent marital problems stemming from saved text messages. Or government officials brought down by similar means. There's a good article in the USA Today regarding this: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/2008-03-15-textmsgs_N.htm
ReplyDeleteMany kids have cell phones with cameras on them these days. Now any inappropriate behavior/misconduct can be more easily captured as photos or videos. Then, it's not that hard to upload it for the world to see. Kids need to be even more careful than ever before as to what they do, especially in public.
If you actually read the Facebook terms it says:
ReplyDeleteFacebook users provide their real names and information, and we need your help to keep it that way. Here are some commitments you make to us relating to registering and maintaining the security of your account:
1. You will not provide any false personal information on Facebook, or create an account for anyone other than yourself without permission.
2. You will not create more than one personal profile.
...
5. You will not use Facebook if you are under 13.
Younger students may lie about their ages, but they are violating two or three of the terms of the agreement.
The comments here just reinforce the need for an internet safety curriculum.