Cyber Safety Net or Cyber Police Roadblock?
A Cyber-Citizenship WebQuest for Teachers
INTRODUCTION
With the swelling popularity of the Internet by adults and students, it is important to be reminded of Internet safety, security and ethics. There are "real" Internet predators who lurk in cyber space just waiting for their next "victim." Educators need to ensure Internet safety and security while teaching students about the vast resources available on the web.
ASSEMBLY BILL 307: CHAVEZ BILL
"The passage of the Chavez Bill (Assembly Bill 307) will impact technology planning this year. This bill charges districts to “educate pupils and teachers on the appropriate and ethical use of information technology in the classroom, Internet safety, avoiding plagiarism, the concept, purpose, and significance of a copyright so that pupils can distinguish between lawful and unlawful online downloading, and the implications of illegal peer-to-peer network file sharing.”
The first step in making students both safe and responsible online is to help them understand the difference between the real world and the cyber world of the Internet. This webquest will help illustrate the similarities and differences between those worlds while helping students recognize their rights and responsibilities as Cyber-Citizens (click to see video).
Our children use technology more fluently and frequently than older adults do, but unfortunately they may never learn how to use it safely and responsibly. This webquest will help teachers to instruct, guide and coach their students through the steps to become responsible Cyber Citizens.