Patricia Deitrick's E-Portfolio
Home Page	Net-Wise Teens: Safety, Ethics, and Innovation is a must read article for administrators, educators, and parents. Today, students are rapidly surpassing the technological skill levels of their predecessors. However, this almost exponential increase in skill is not necessarily accompanied by an increase in caution. Educators, more than ever, must be aware of the potential dangers that our students face in cyberspace, such as sexual predators, discriminatory postings, untruthful information, and pornography. This article touches on basic information that all adults must know. What are our children and students doing on line? Their communicating with their peers, writing journal entries, and getting help with homework. Can they evaluate the information presented on the Web? Not unless, we teach them how to assess information. What steps should schools take to ensure appropriate use of the Internet and protect their students? Schools can reexamine their Appropriate Use Policy and keep parents informed. How can we teach are children and students to evaluate the information on the Internet? First, let's educate ourselves. Then, we'll pass the information on to students, as well as parents. Honestly, this article addressed a broad range of Internet issues. After I finished reading this article, I realized that teachers and parents must hone their technological skill to surpass, not match, the current generation. Furthermore, we must teach are children that the Internet can be just as scary as the real world, to assess their on-line sources of informations, and to address problematic issues as they occur. I plan to teach my students a set of Internet safety rules, as well as role-play uncomfortable situations that may possibly occur. However, I will not fail to explain that the Internet can be an amazing resource when used properly. It can be used to reinforce inquiry-based education, serve visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners, and open doors to global awareness and communications. Who would've thought?
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© 2005 Patricia Deitrick