Chp. 7: online safety and security

I believe that "lurking online threats" are what deter some parents and teachers from allowing students to interact with the web; in my mind keeping students and their data safe and secure is an essential priority, as is legal and ethical use of online resources.

I especially like how this chapter outlined a five step avoidance plan for copyright problems (I am listing the five steps below so I can revisit my blog anytime to recall the process):

1. Create and implement a technology policy that includes a code of ethics and set of procedures.
2. Review the entire policy with your educational community: students, teachers, and parents.
3. Appoint a technology manager to conduct audits and maintain a log of licenses and registration materials.
4. Teach ethical and legal behvior for technology use.
5. Thank employees and students for supporting these steps.

*This five step process was taken from the book entitled Web 2.0 New Tools, New Schools by Gwen Solomon and Lynne Schrum.

This chapter also covers security solutions and safeguards to put in place in order to protect students. At our elementary school we have some of the security solutions that are listed in this chapter in place already. For example, we have an internet filter, students and staff have been instructed on internet safety, parents are provided with information on safe student use of the world wide web, and our district has purchased school licenses for safe search engines (i.e. netTrekker and Discovery Streaming). However, even with all of that in place, students have still found ways (most of which I believe are chance encounters) to interrupt the system and cause the safeguards to fail. Therefore I believe strongly that the answer is not to totally lock down the tool but rather teach students to use it in an ethical and responsible manner.

I have found the Net Smartz Workshop website to be an awesome resource for students, parents, and educators. The website aids in the process of keeping all parties involved aware and up to date on what is important to know when considering how to keep children and teens safe online.