The best way to combat security concerns on the Internet is to teach our students and children the tools to determine how to properly check out an Internet sites credibility. I believe if students have the tools to guide and direct them, they will be less likely to be harmed using a web resource or other Internet service.
Security issues envelop so many categories. We have to ask ourselves, what is that we are trying to protect students from; adult predators, identity thieves, or themselves? Once we have this answer, it will allow us as educators to put into effect the type of restrictions and helpful guidelines that keep students consciously applying the .
My big fear is that if you restrict access to specific sites and resources, some students will be intrigued to find out what lies beyond. This is why I feel it is so important to educate and inform students, so that they can make proper Internet use decisions. After all, many students spend more time on the computer then they do playing outside today.
Here are two sites that I find to be helpful when informing students about credibility and security. The first, http://kathyschrock.net/abceval/5ws.pdf, is by Kathy Schrock. She believes that “the ability to critically evaluate information is an important skill in this information age.” On this site there are many resources on how to critically evaluate blogs, podcasts, websites, and much more. She also has some basic computer and Internet education resources included as well.
This site, Evaluating Web Pages, has a page of helpful tips on how to verify if a web page is authentic and purposeful.
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2 comments:
I agree with your comment about
if you restrict access to specific sites and resources, some students will be intrigued to find out what lies beyond. That is why we need to keep the dialogue alive with students, just as you have said. It is too bad students spend more time on the computer, rather than playing outside. Why is that? Has that been studied? Is it good or bad? Kathy Schrock's site looks good. I am glad I am doing this before school starts and we will have all these great resources.
Jeff
I think you have a good point about kids wanting to do or see what they are told they shouldn't do or see.
The article in the nymag.com article does a pretty good job of describing the way young people develop tools to deal with what lurks out there on the internet. But it also points out the dumb things kids do without thinking about the long term impacts.
Adult supervision is definitely required to teach the dangers and values that can be found in the web 2.0 world.
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