Resourceful Website Helps Educators Stay Connected

When I read Steven W. Anderson's post on the blog, Blogging About The Web 2.0 Connected Classroom, I thought he had read my mind.  His post, Find New Resources For Your Classroom With eduTecher gives information about a great online resource that educators can use.  As educators we are always trying to find new information for our students and ways to use technology.  However, we don't always have the time to sit searching through the numerous websites that offer such information.

Enter the website eduTecher.  This website contains a generous amount of technology resources, educational links and even tutorial videos for teachers.  The resources are free and can be used by anyone.  The eduTecher site contains so much information, it has filters such as grades and subject.  I plan to spend some quality time exploring this exciting website. 

Exciting News From Our Neighbors Up North!

It is always exciting when schools decide to put the focus on providing the best education possible for their students.  Such is the case with the New Brunswick public school system.  In the video 21st Century Education in New Brunswick, Canada, the words appearing on the screen speak volumes. 

New Brunswick's approach to preparing their students for the future begins at a young age.  The schools take advantage of the fact that 2nd graders can "keyboard 60 words a minute", text, use Twitter and Facebook.  They provide (anytime, anywhere) accessible learning for their students.  They make community service a high school graduation requirement and the teachers stay relevant to keep the students involved and engaged.  And the results of these efforts?  The schools will produce young men and women prepared for the world and full of knowledge acquired through experiences and applied opportunity.

I really liked the ideas in this video.  Some of the ideas were innovative concepts that I have not yet seen in schools.  I hope we can take notice and begin to prepare our students for a better future. 
Take a look and judge for yourself.

Ready for the Brave New World

As I read the first chapter of Robert J. Blake's book, Brave New Digital Classroom (Technology and Foreign Language Learning) I was impressed by the author's idea that "technology requires constant updating and continuing education".. (Blake, 2008)  In this statement the author was referring to the teachers and the need for language professionals to keep current with technology.

One would think that as an educator the need to be current with technology would be automatic.  Yet, there are still teachers who are convinced that "change" is not necessary to keep learning current.  For others it is , "just fear of being replaced by technology".  (page13)  However, the author is not so sympathetic to these teachers who are standing by the sidelines in "fear" while technology continues to advance.  He offers a "rational response to their question of whether or not they will be replaced by stating in fact that they will, but by teachers who embrace technology". (page 14).

In a world that is becoming smaller by the use of online communication, educators must continue to expand their horizons educationally.  Technology can be somewhat intimidating for those unfamiliar with it, but there are many opportunities to become knowledgeable through practice.  Many students today text, use email, tweet, and use the Internet for online resources.  And all these resources if use properly can enhance the learning experience in the classroom.  We as educators must set the standards and lead by example.

So, if you are an educator who has been on the fence about getting involved with technology, begin with small steps.  Take time to explore different online resources for documents, such as Googledocs.  Or if you are more adventurous, create a Wiki or blog for your classroom.  The amount of resources on the Web is vast, but small steps can lead you into a "brave new world".

Mod 2: Internet Safety: NetSmartz Response

In my previous post, an issue was found with the wording used in NetSmartz's Internet safety pledge.  I removed the pledge and contacted NetSmartz for clarification on their statement.  This is the pledge that caused the objection.

1. I WILL BE CAREFUL WHEN MEETING ONLINE FRIENDS IN PERSON.
I agree to
• ask my parent or guardian's permission before going
• have a parent or guardian accompany me
• meet in a public place

http://www.netsmartz.org/Resources/Pledges

The objection was to the way this pledge is represented.  It seems as though it is encouraging the meeting of online friends in person.  (A very scary thought)
Hower, a NetSmartz representative contacted me immediately and this was their response.

Dear Ms. Diaz,

Thank you for your recent inquiry about the NetSmartz Internet Safety Pledge. One of our goals at NetSmartz is to help children be safer in an increasingly digital world.  This includes a realistic and cautious approach to meeting online friends in person. While it is age-appropriate to teach young children not to meet face-to-face with anyone from the Internet, the same is not necessarily true for teens. Therefore, you will see that the rules for each age group are adjusted to fit their needs.

It is becoming much more commonplace for teens and young adults to form friendships with people they have first met online. Teens participate in multiple online communities that sometimes extend to the offline world. For example, gamers may meet up for a game launch; fans may meet up at conventions or book signings; teens “friend” each other’s friends on Facebook, etc. As they become young adults, they may begin to use online dating sites.

The Internet safety rule you are referring to is intended to prepare teens to navigate these digital relationships in a safer manner. Very specific guidelines are included in the rule to accomplish this. The full text of the rule is:

I will be careful when meeting online friends in person.  
      I agree to:

·         ask my parent or guardian’s permission

·         have a parent or guardian accompany me

·         meet in a public place

Teens who follow these guidelines are learning how to practice safer behavior in a realistic manner that is compatible with their digital lifestyles.

I hope this information is helpful and that you will continue using NetSmartz resources to educate your students about being safer online. Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Michelle Eastwood
Educational Writer
NetSmartz Workshop
A Program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
(703) 778-6468
MEastwood@ncmec.org

I thank Ms. Eastwood, for her prompt reply and clarification of NetSmartz's Internet Safety Pledge.
And I encourage middle and high school students to discuss these pledges with their parent or guardian.

Mod 2: Internet Safety Tips for students

Hello again,
   Every student should follow their school's Internet Usage Guidelines.  It often involves having a parent sign a permission slip that give the student access to the Internet.  The parent decides if the student can participate in online activities within the school and classroom.
   Students also need to learn to be proactive and follow their classroom or library media's Internet usage rules.  I will post some ideas that help children be safe while online.
NetSmartz, a program from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children has great ideas for keeping safe whether you are surfing the Internet or blogging.  Let's take a look.

Safety Pledges:
Primary
Internet Safety Rules

   1. I will tell my trusted adult if anything makes me feel sad, scared, or confused.
   2. I will ask my trusted adult before sharing information like my name, address, and phone number.
   3. I won't meet face-to-face with anyone from the Internet.
   4. I will always use good netiquette and not be rude or mean online.


Intermediate
Internet Safety Rules

   1. I will tell my trusted adult if anything makes me feel sad, scared, or confused.
   2. I will ask my trusted adult before sharing information like my name, address, and phone number.
   3. I won't meet face-to-face with anyone from the Internet.
   4. I will always use good netiquette and not be rude or mean online.

Middle and High School

1. I WILL THINK BEFORE I POST.

I agree not to post information and images that could put me at risk, embarrass me, or damage my future, such as

    * cell & home phone numbers
    * home address
    * sexual messages
    * inappropriate pictures and videos

2.  I WILL RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE ONLINE.

I will not

    * post anything rude, offensive, or threatening
    * send or forward images and information that might embarrass, hurt, or harass someone
    * take anyone's personal information and use it to damage his or her reputation

3.  I WILL PROTECT MYSELF ONLINE.

If someone makes me feel uncomfortable or if someone is rude or offensive, I will

    * not respond
    * save the evidence
    * tell my parent, guardian, or another trusted adult
    * report to the website, cell phone company, CyberTipline.com, or the police

the Internet safety pledges can be found here:

http://www.netsmartz.org/Resources/Pledges

NOTE:  I removed the original pledge #3 due to the wording.  (It deals with meeting online friends). It is my understanding that the pledge dealt with meeting friends known by the student.  But after reading one of my classmate's comment on the "safety issue" of the pledge, I removed it.  I sent a message to the National Center for Exploited Children in regards to the wording and hope they will respond to my question regarding the pledge.  If there is an answer to my email I will post it in future posts.

And for additional information on being safe Online, go to 
http://www.netsmartzkids.org/

Mod 2: Joining the Blogsphere

Hi and welcome to my blog.  This is my first blog that deals with technology and its benefits for students, teachers and parents.  I am a new school media specialist and my classroom will be the school library. 

   This week, I would like to introduce you to the world of blogs.  Blogs are according to Will Richardson, “easily created and update-able websites that allow an author or authors to publish instantly to the Internet from any Internet connection” (Richardson, 2009).  Any one who has an Internet connection can make and use a blog. 

    There are blogs on cats, dogs, movies, books, cooking, and many other topics.  In the K-12 school setting, blogs can be useful for journaling about books read, writing book reviews, keeping up with class assignments/class projects and so much more. The possibilities are endless.

    There are a few ways I would take advantage of using blogs in my school library.  Here are three:

• Use a school media center blog to keep students, teachers and parents aware of what is happening in the library
• Have the students create their own blog on their own or work in teams of two.
• Have the students write responses to a book we read during story time.  They would also interact through their blogs to comment on books we are exploring and reading.

The above ideas would meet the following New York State Standards

Standard 2:   Language for Literary Response and Expression

As speakers and writers, students will use oral and written language that follows the accepted conventions of the English language for self-expression and artistic creation.

Standard 4:   Language for Social Interaction

Students will use oral and written language that follows the accepted conventions of the English language for effective social communication with a wide variety of people.

Standard 5 - Technology Education

Students will apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use, and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs.

We have barely scratched the surface on the advantages of blogging.  Stay tuned for more...