Singleton M11 Internet Safety Blog Post

Whats the real source of Internet danger?

For years the focus of discussions regarding internet safety for students has been on
viewing inappropriate sites/content and protection of student identities from
predators. The shift to a read/write web over the last several years has raised new
issues. Now the discussion has shifted from concerns about what students see, to
what students post. Those underdeveloped frontal lobes are ignorant to the
dangers they pose to themselves. The ease of posting junk, and the numerous
tools for doing so, are catalysts to the problem. The ability to do so anonymously
exacerbates the problem. But the problem is one of moral character. We can discuss
the symptoms, and invent ways to mitigate and minimize the consequences, but
that doesnt address the problem. The problem is that we are born with a sinful
nature from which we need to be saved. The solution is found in the Bible. Too bad
we cant teach that truth in our schools. Fortunately, we can live our lives as a
testimony to our students and their parents; love them; and pray for them. Our
struggle is not against those who are enslaved by the evils of the internet, but
against the powers of this dark world that perpetuate the evil (NASB) The solution is
an abiding faith that frees individuals from the pathway of death and eternal
suffering.
Aside from that perfect solution to the problem, the world we live in often requires
imperfect solutions that deal with the symptoms of greater problems. Educators
have a responsibility to proactively engage in this battle against the dangers of the
internets dark side. K12 educators must teach students the knowledge and critical
thinking skills needed to be safe and responsible digital citizens both inside and
outside of school (Butler, 2010). Resources for doing that abound. The Educators
Technology web site has a list of ten free tools and resources about internet safety
(Free Tools and Resources About Internet Safety, 2012). One example is a game
called Safety Land for pre-teens that reinforces eight fundamental internet safety
practices. Far more impactful than such a game, especially for older students, is a
resource developed by MTV named A Thin Line. This site offers straight forward
information about sexting, constant messaging, spying, digital disrespect and
cruelty. A quiz that challenges students with questions about their reaction to real
life situations is a great way to introduce students to the site. Dozens of interesting
videos and informational pieces on the site give students an opportunity to see the
subject matter presented in a way they can relate to.
In reflecting on what I might do as a teacher to address to help my high school
students become better digital citizens I decided to take an approach that gives
them a fresh perspective on a topic thats been repeatedly presented to them since
elementary school. Im going to show my students a TED talk by Gary Kovacs that
reveals some enlightening facts about data tracking, and a TED Talk by Mikko

Hypponen on three types of online attacks on our privacy and data. An online
discussion forum assignment will follow the videos.
References
Butler, K. (2010, June). Cybersafety In the Classroom. Retrieved from District
Administration: http://www.districtadministration.com/article/cybersafetyclassroom
Free Tools and Resources About Internet Safety. (2012, February 7). Retrieved from
Educational Technology and Mobile learning:
http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2012/02/free-tools-and-resources-aboutinternet.html
God. (1977). The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible - New American Standard.
Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

Response to Chris Rodgers:

Chris,
Thanks for a very comprehensive post on Internet safety. We have a great
responsibility as educators to teach students to think, feel, balance, listen, and
stand in regards to internet safety. We should be proactive in teaching them all of
the good stuff the web has to offer so they are engaged with that and not out on
their own outside of school looking for something to do online. The best way to
teach digital citizenship is Project Based Learning. Lets give them opportunities to
engage in blogs, and wikis, and social media in ways that are applicable to all the
subjects we have to teach.
Do you have to fight the Gwinnett County IT folks, or are they cooperative and
reasonable with decisions that affect you?