Online Safety in the Classroom

Objective: Student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of legal and ethical issues arising from the use of technology in the classroom.

Objective: Student will be able promote safe use of technology in the classroom.

Introduction: Technology plays a big part in today’s classrooms. The Internet gives us access to the world with the push of a button. There is also a “dark side” to all this information sharing. There are a number of ways for students misuse this resource. As educators, it is important that we understand how to use technology safely and legally. This lesson will give you practical information about online privacy, personal safety and ethical use of material found on the Internet.

Activity: Visit the following web sites to learn about online safety and cyberethics. Take notes on the information found on these web sites.

v CyberSmart! – This site has lots of resources for learning about safety and ethics. It has complete lesson plans for all grades. http://www.cybersmartcurriculum.org/home/

v CyberAngels – This site offers an overview of safety issues facing educators and families. It also offers online lessons that can be set up for viewing by a whole class. http://www.cyberangels.org/

v The NetSmartz Workshop – This web site has information for children, parents, teachers and members of law enforcement. It contains online activities and lesson plans. http://www.netsmartz.org/index.htm

v Play It Cyber Safe – Software manufacturers sponsor this site. It contains information on cybercrime in schools and a curriculum overview on cyberethics. http://www.playitcybersafe.com//cybercrime/schools.cfm

v Kidz Privacy – The Federal Trade Commission sponsors this site. It contains information about the legal issues of computer privacy for students and teachers. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/kidzprivacy/index.html

Assignment:

1. Use your notes to create an Internet contract for your classroom. Your contract should include 5 – 7 rules. The contract should include personal safety rules and a statement of cyberethics. It should include a signature line for student and parents. Make sure the rules are grade level appropriate.

2. Create a letter that you can send home to parents about the Internet contract. Include details from your online research. Share the web address of your favorite site with the parents.

Submission: Send the assignments to the instructor as an email attachment. Make sure the assignment is created as a Microsoft Word document.

Grading Rubric:

	Unacceptable	Developing	Accomplished
Contract	Lists less than 5 rules and no cyberethics statement. No signature line.	Lists 5-7 rules and no cyberethics statement. Signature line included but only for student.	Lists 5-7 rules and a cyberethics statement. Complete signature line for parent and student.
Parent Letter	Letter does not include any of the details from research and does not list web site.	Letter includes details from research but does not list web site.	Letter includes details and the web site information.

Additional Web Sites: Here are some additional web sites to share with your students and parents.

v Stay Safe.org for Kids – This site has informative games and activities to enhance online safety lessons.

v Rules in Cyberspace – This site is sponsored by the US Department of Justice. It contains a section, which poses ethics questions for students.

Avis Horowitz

SLM 521 – Spring 2006