I
researched the area internet safety in the classroom. Although, there are many
benefits of using the internet in the classroom, there are also some issues
with using the internet with children. Therefore, it is important to consider
how teachers can make sure children are using the internet safely.
Some
of the issues surrounding this topic are the internet can have negative impacts
on children for example, being exposed to inappropriate images on the internet.
A teacher may ask children to find images about the sinking of the titanic to
insert into their word-processed report. If no structure or control is provided
the children will naturally type “pictures of titanic” into a search engine,
where they may come across inappropriate images. Cennamo, Ross and Ertmer
(2013) argue children may not only be exposed to inappropriate images but also
inappropriate content. Therefore, it is important to address this issue in
order to still use the internet in the classroom but safely. Another issue of
making sure children are safe on the internet is the
lack of control teachers have of what children can view on internet (Futurelab,
undated). However, Cennamo, Ross and Ertmer (2013) argue that
this issue can be addressed by making sure the computers are positioned outwards
in the classroom, in order for the teacher to see what websites children are looking
at. Wasson (2012) argues children do not realise the implications of sharing their
personal information on the internet, therefore, it is important to teach them how
to be safe on the internet so that their information is kept private
It
is important to address the issues of using the internet. The Department for
Education (2013) argues teachers need to teach children how to use technology safely,
so children are safe online, and they understand what to do if they are
concerned with their safety etc. For example, children will know that they can
talk to their teacher because there are potential threats that children can experience
from using the internet such as, being a victim of online bullying (Wasson, 2012). To avoid children using
the internet when it does not support their teaching and learning, teachers
should save for example, images or websites that children need into their class
folder (ICT in the Early Years, 2008). This reduces the risk of them being exposed
to inappropriate content and images on the internet. Valuable teaching time
will also be saved because the children will not have to look for the pictures
online. Teachers should take time to look at the websites that they want the
children to use so the teacher knows they are suitable for their class to use (ICT
in the Early Years, 2008). Murray (2011) argues that teachers should explain to
the class that no other websites should be looked at without permission.
In
conclusion, the internet can be used safely in the classroom in many ways but
it is important for teachers and parents to work together to ensure children
are using the internet safely.
Useful
materials to use:
This
website is a search engine that allows children to search safe images online.
This
guide can be adapted for children to complete as activities to learn about how
to use the internet safely.
Internet
Safety Young Readers' Guide
Bibliography
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. and Ertmer, P. (2013) Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (2nd Edition) Stamford: Cengage Learning.
Department for Education. (2013) ‘Computing
programmes of study: key stages 1 and 2’. [pdf] Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/239033/PRIMARY_national_curriculum_-_Computing.pdf (Accessed: 05.03.2014).
Futurelab. (undated) Digital literacy across
the curriculum. [pdf] Available from: http://www2.futurelab.org.uk/resources/documents/handbooks/digital_literacy.pdf (Accessed: 05.03.2014).
ICT in the Early Years. (2008). Keeping Safe.
[www] Available from: http://ictearlyyears.e2bn.org/planning1_29.html (Accessed: 05.03.2014).
Murray, J. (2011) 38 Web 2. 0 Articles That Will Turn Your Classroom Around.
Structured Learning.
Roddel, V. (2007) Internet Safety Young
Readers' Guide. lulu.com.
Safe Search Kids. (undated) Safe Image Search.
[www] Available from: http://www.safesearchkids.com/safe-image-search.html (Accessed:
04.03.2014).
Wasson, E. (2012) Be Safe!
Internet Safety in the Classroom. [www] Available from: http://erinwasson.weebly.com/1/post/2012/09/be-safe-internet-safety-in-the-classroom.html (Accessed:
04.03.2014).
I share your view that the internet poses multiple issues when implemented within the primary classroom. I also agree that it is important for teachers and parents to work together to ensure children are using the internet safely. However, i wonder if parents might argue that it is the role od the teacher to educate children about the dangers of the internet?
ReplyDeleteYes, Abbey this may be true parents might argue it is the teachers role to educate children about the dangers of the internet. However, parents have a responsibility too which is to make sure their children are safe on the internet at home because teachers do not have control over what the children are viewing on the internet outside of school. Therefore, parents should carry on making connections at home with children about what they have learnt in lessons concerning the dangers of the internet.
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