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.