Part 1: Internet Safety & Global Citizenship
In the classroom, teachers must use strategies to keep students safe not only in the physical class environment but on the internet as well. First teachers must know and follow the Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA) law. Teachers must be aware of this law and follow at all times when using the internet with students and concerning students. It is essential for teachers to know if their school or district have an approved list of apps and sites for student use because student data privacy issues play a critical decision to approve or not approve websites. Next, teachers should choose their classroom tech for student use wisely, by selecting tech that is designed for educational purposes. Lastly, if a teacher is not sure about a digital tool to use Common Sense’s privacy evaluation for technology tools to help make the decision.
I reviewed three websites on the safe and healthy use of the internet that would be beneficial when learning about students safety on the internet. Of the three websites reviewed, the following two are for teachers: The following resource, is the third website I visited, which is an online video for students to learn about internet safety: After reviewing several websites on the safe and healthy use of the internet for students. I thought the following strategies discussed by Common Sense Education are critical for educators to follow when using the internet for students learning and data:
I reviewed three websites on the safe and healthy use of the internet that would be beneficial when learning about students safety on the internet. Of the three websites reviewed, the following two are for teachers: The following resource, is the third website I visited, which is an online video for students to learn about internet safety: After reviewing several websites on the safe and healthy use of the internet for students. I thought the following strategies discussed by Common Sense Education are critical for educators to follow when using the internet for students learning and data:
- Common Sense Education encourages teachers to look for the “s” in the URL whenever using a website and when students are logging into the site. The “s” means that the website is encrypted and a lot more secure. If there is no “s” within the URL of a website, it is wise to re-assess the site.
- Check out the site's privacy policy, if there is not a privacy policy for the site, do not use the site.
- Use websites that are geared toward educational purposes. If you are unsure about a website, check your school/district approve list. Also, speak with a technology specialist at your school/district, and also complete a privacy evaluation online at Common Sense website.
Global Collaboration Projects (GCPs)
Global Collaborative Projects (GCPs), can be used to help students develop digital citizenship, global and cultural awareness and collaboration skills by focusing on a certain skill for mastery while collaborating with others to promote learning. Not only do students collaborate with students from the same area and background, but they also interact digitally with others from different areas and backgrounds. By collaborating globally with peers, students gain the opportunity to work with students for various backgrounds learning about different cultures and becoming culturally aware and respectful of others background. In addition to cultural awareness, students learn how to communicate effectively and respectfully with others while using the internet safely and appropriately when working on GCPs which promotes digital citizens. After learning about GCPs and its benefits to students, I would use Edmodo and Global Math Project.
- How can these projects be used to help students develop digital citizenship, global and cultural awareness and collaboration skills?
- What are some Web 2.0 tools you could use to support the projects you explored and how would you use them?
- What do you think some of the challenges will be in designing or participating in a CGP? How would you overcome them?