Laura Adams
SLM 521
June 2002
Elective 4 –
Note: This activity is intended for use by Grades
1-3.
Internet Safety
Dear Parents,
A vital part of your
child’s education is learning how to use today’s technology. It is my intention to integrate technology
and the internet into instruction throughout the school year. Many parents become concerned when they hear
their children will be on the internet, rightfully so. However, it is also my intention to try to
alleviate those concerns.
First, there will be a
discussion on this topic at the upcoming back to school night. We will review the major areas of concern for
parents and teacher with children on the internet including predators,
pornography, gangs, addition, and romance.
Prior to our meeting please review the information, attached or on-line
at http://www.safetyed.org/ that is
available on these topics. The more information
and knowledge we have about these issues, the better prepared we will be.
During the first few
weeks of class and before any
use of the internet, we will be teaching the students the necessary skills to
stay safe. A safety
checklist has been created and each student and parent will be required to
read and understand it. You and your
child will also be asked to sign this checklist to confirm your agreement. The list will be also being posted in the
computer area as a reminder to students as they begin their exploration. You may also want to post a copy at your
computer at home, establishing these skills will require constant practices at
home and school.
In addition, it is my
intention to closely monitor and mange all computer and internet use in my
classroom The students will be
restricted by allowing access to only a
group of sites for educational purposes.
They will only be using the internet for instructional purposes with a
detailed lesson planned to guide them.
There will be no chat sessions unless they are within a controlled
environment such as an internal chat site.
Finally, technology and
the internet are powerful tools in education, tools we cannot afford not to
use. But, like most things if used
improperly they can be dangerous.
Developing a solid foundation on safety, creating an atmosphere of trust
and open communication between student, parent and teacher will allow us to use
these resources safely.
Please feel free
to call me anytime throughout the year if you have a concern on this issue and
I hope to see you at back to school night.
Respectfully,
Laura Adams