After reading these articles, particularly the article about social networks, I have discovered that I really did not understand the domino effect that can occur by information gathering sources or activity streams. A lesson for all is that we are not as anonymous as we thought. There are consequences for our behaviour and we leave behind a visible trail of activities. If we can drive home this message to our students, and provide safety tips and information to students and parents, then we have prepared them to be aware of the dangers of providing too much information online.
Parents (and some educators) are often just one step ahead (or behind) their children. It is important that parents are viewed as partners with educators in the struggle to protect students. Information sessions, police and guest speakers, and literature home are all methods of beginning the discussion of safety. Safe practices at school, consistent monitoring and open communication are also very important. The tips provided by the OPP articles are excellent and often common sense. The issue of Cyberbullying can be easily be minimized with careful supervision and interest in what our children are doing. How can our kids be online for hours and we not know what they are doing? As a parent, I believe my trust only goes so far. It is my responsibility to know what my children are doing. As a teacher, I would be direlect in my duties (as my Principal loves to say...) if I was not watching what they were doing.
I think that providing students a voice and placing a value on face-to-face discussions and interactions, can encourage open dialogue and social interactions, without the need for social networks. Some students find it hard to express themselves, interact with others and listen to differing opinions. The best way to combat social network and technology needs might be as simple as empowering students to ask questions, listen to others and think for themselves. (Old fashioned? You bet.)
Social skills result from teaching, experiencing and doing. Some of the most awkward moments of my school days were the best learning models for me. Teachers can help students by encouraging them to help themselves and others and also ask for help when needed. Despite the technological changes that are ahead, students will be well prepared for change with critical thinking skills, research capabilities and the ability to make independent decisions. We can't always be watching but our words will always be with them. Whether they like it or not.
Parents (and some educators) are often just one step ahead (or behind) their children. It is important that parents are viewed as partners with educators in the struggle to protect students. Information sessions, police and guest speakers, and literature home are all methods of beginning the discussion of safety. Safe practices at school, consistent monitoring and open communication are also very important. The tips provided by the OPP articles are excellent and often common sense. The issue of Cyberbullying can be easily be minimized with careful supervision and interest in what our children are doing. How can our kids be online for hours and we not know what they are doing? As a parent, I believe my trust only goes so far. It is my responsibility to know what my children are doing. As a teacher, I would be direlect in my duties (as my Principal loves to say...) if I was not watching what they were doing.
I think that providing students a voice and placing a value on face-to-face discussions and interactions, can encourage open dialogue and social interactions, without the need for social networks. Some students find it hard to express themselves, interact with others and listen to differing opinions. The best way to combat social network and technology needs might be as simple as empowering students to ask questions, listen to others and think for themselves. (Old fashioned? You bet.)
Social skills result from teaching, experiencing and doing. Some of the most awkward moments of my school days were the best learning models for me. Teachers can help students by encouraging them to help themselves and others and also ask for help when needed. Despite the technological changes that are ahead, students will be well prepared for change with critical thinking skills, research capabilities and the ability to make independent decisions. We can't always be watching but our words will always be with them. Whether they like it or not.
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