Internet Safety

Blogging

I choose to watch the hour long Frontline documentary of technology and internet safety called Growing Up Online ( http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/view ). After watching the video I was actually really concerned. I knew that there were issues with cyberbullying and sexting, but what disturbed me almost as much as these problems was the reaction of the teenagers. It shocked me that so many teens didn't want there parent to see what they were doing/posting. I understand they need there privacy, but it was almost as if they were doing something they knew they weren't supposed to be doing. Many teens also had the attitude that "they new the dangers" and "they weren't dumb when it came to online predators", yet you could tell they didn't really understand.I think it is important to have an open mind about the use of technology in the classroom. I believe that an important part of being a technology literate teacher is being able to help educate students about the dangers of cyberbullying/sexting. I believe it is also important to let students know that it is important to tell their teachers/school administrators/parents about any problems they may be having. The students shouldn't be afraid to tell you if they are being bullied.Another important issue that was brought up in the documentary, which I thought was interesting, was the fear that students were "cheating" on assignments by looking up stuff on the internet or by doing the assignment with their friends. I agreed with the teacher on the documentary that in the "real world" we wouldn't be calling it cheating, we would be calling it "collaborating".

Final-Video Review

I reviewed the videos of:

Tori H. -link to comment: http://Jimmer.it/EXgFPS

Stephanie J. -link to comment:http://Jimmer.it/qYZyHv

McKenzie K. -link to comment: http://Jimmer.it/p/rmCN77

Final Instructional Video

(this video can also be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2WlGI93ejs)

What specific lessons or activities would be enhanced by using these technologies and how would I implement them?

There are many times when schools might not have the funding to allow teachers to take their students on field trips that might prove useful in helping teach the educational material. Lack of funds may also limit the amount of materials to work with inside the classroom. I believe this is especially true for the science education. There are many activities/trips that would allow students to make better connections to the material, but they can be pretty pricey. Introducing videos I made myself would allow my students go on a virtual field trip, or do a virtual activity, without the administrators worrying about the cost of such activities.