Internet Safety Tips

The Internet is a wonderful tool that has changed the world. It has given the average person access to resources that were untouchable just a few years ago. All with the click of a button. It has encouraged a more global society, as communication is now a breeze. For example, while I was doing an internship in Taiwan, I used Skype (an Internet-based software) to call home frequently. This method was less expensive and, overall, easier than worrying about phone cards. Email, social networks (such as Facebook), and instant messaging also facilitate communication.

Yes, the Internet has become a valuable tool to access resources, facilitate worldwide communication, share information, etc. However, along with these assets, the Internet also allows for the spread of incorrect information, computer viruses, pornography, and other in appropriate materials for certain audiences--such as children. As both a consumer and a teacher, this gives me cause to use extreme caution and teach my students to do likewise.

Because of the risks involved with using the Internet in education, it is important that students and teachers alike are trained on using it safely. This includes evaluating websites used as well as the personal safety of the users.

Just because something is found on the Internet, doesn't make it true. Anyone can post or publish something online and call it fact. So, how do we know what to believe? This is why it is necessary to evaluate the sites we use. The following questions can be used to evaluate a site:

• What type of domain does the URL contain?
• Who is the author of the page?
• What credentials does the author have on the subject?
• What seems to be the overall purpose for the site?
• Is there a current, "updated" date on the page?
• Does the information appear biased?
• Are there additional, working links about the topic on the page?

It is also important for parents, teachers, and students to be aware of certain Internet safety tips to protect themselves (and their computers) from harm. The FBI Kids website provides the following tips for kids when using the Internet:

• Remember never to give out personal information such as your name, home address, school name, or telephone number in a chat room or on bulletin boards. Also, never send a picture of yourself to someone you chat with on the computer without your parent's permission.
• Never write to someone who has made you feel uncomfortable or scared.
• Do not meet someone or have them visit you without the permission of your parents.
  Tell your parents right away if you read anything on the Internet that makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Remember that people online may not be who they say they are. Someone who says that "she" is a "12-year-old girl" could really be an older man.

The fact that there are people and things on the Internet that are inappropriate does not lessen this tool's uses. Consciously being cautious will go a long way in protecting yourself and others.

I pledge to do my part in keeping my students safe while they are using the Internet. This entails training them in Internet Safety, evaluating the websites I use as part of my instruction, and monitoring the students' use of the Internet.

UEN=Amazing Resources!!!

I am honestly amazed at how much information is available via the UEN site. There are different lesson plans, articles, games, virtual field trips, and so much more! It is also all based around the core curriculum, which makes life that much easier. This is an excellent source for resources.

One of these resources is the Pioneer Library, and what an amazing source this is. This database provides more reliable sources. It is also safe and appropriate for student use. There are many options for my students to explore. Another cool resource provided is EMedia. Videos can be an excellent tool to help engage students. The different interactives, movies, and games are other ways to involve students in their own learning. It also provides me with a way to use different learning techniques. All of this helps make learning fun, yet developmentally appropriate.

I feel like a teacher (especially a beginning teacher) can never have access to too many resources. The UEN website is definitely a must-have resource! It supplies exciting, colorful, developmentally appropriate, fun, and FREE activities for teachers and students alike.

Microsoft Office Tools ROCK!

As a student in today's society, it is now necessary to have at least a basic understanding of two Microsoft Office programs: Word and Excel. But these programs also have potential uses for me as a future teacher.

Word is, of course, a word processor most commonly used to create documents such as reports and papers. Within my classroom, it could be used by both my students and myself. My students could of course use word to prepare homework assignments and written reports. However, they could also use it in more creative fashions, such as creating their own books or a classroom newspaper. As the teacher, I could use Word as a tool in creating classwork as well as letters/reminders to be sent home.

Word would enable me to do all of this. However, I also feel that it may not be the easiest nor the most efficient tool to use in all instances. It is not always the easiest tool to manipulate when attempting more creative projects. I have found programs such as Photoshop and Microsoft Publisher easier to use for these types of projects. But if these programs are not available, Microsoft Word works just fine.

Excel creates spreadsheets which help collect, organize, store, and display sets of data. During my student teaching in Hawaii, I found this an amazing tool for creating my gradebooks. I was able to create one workbook with several spreadsheets for each subject I taught. The students' scores were all organized, and I set up formulas in helping me to determine their final grades. For my students, Excel is a great way to integrate technology into the curriculum. For example, they could use data collected in science and/or math to create a spreadsheet. From these spreadsheets, graphs and charts are easy to create and add something special to reports or projects.

The biggest downside to Excel is just figuring out all that it has to offer. The basics are easy enough to understand, but when creating formulas, charts, links to other worksheets, etc., it isn't always easy to just sit down and do. For a beginner, it takes a lot of fiddling and tweaking. But that is a small price to pay for such wonderful results!

Blogmania

The ever increasing popularity of the Internet is constantly bringing about new forms of Internet-based technology. For example, blogs. Blogs can serve many different purposes such as personal journal, a method of updating people on your life, a place to record thoughts & opinions, etc.

I have incorporated all of these different purposes into my personal blog (Kokayz's Kooky Khronicles). I started this particular blog shortly before I left for an internship in Taiwan. I viewed it as a way for my family and friends to follow along on my many adventures. I was able to post pictures and document my experiences in one convenient location! Being abroad made it difficult for my family and friends to keep directly in touch (though Skype helped with that problem), so they loved being able to know what I was up to.

But could such technology be incorporated into my classroom? The answer is a resounding YES!!! I actually implemented a blogging activity within one of my classrooms in Taiwan. I had each of the students write a letter to my sister Annie (who was their same age). The letter introduced themselves, asked some questions, and was a great way for them to practice some of the English skills I'd been reviewing with them. Next, we posted the letters on a blog and I sent the link to my sister. She then responded to them. The kids loved being able to communicate with someone their age who was half a world away. I think this idea could be used to establish "pen pals" in a similar method.

"What did you do in school today?" "Nothing." How often is that conversation held between parents and children? In my house, it happened frequently. If parents really want to know what their kids are doing in school, a class blog would be a great way keep them updated. It would also allow for them to get to know me better. Plus, it would open another channel of communication between parents and the teacher. Announcements, calendars, schedules, news, pictures. A blog could have it all!

Web technologies tend to come and go, but, for now, blogging is one that is extremely popular, easy to use, and can be incorporated into a classroom setting. How cool is that!