Journal 4: It's Time to Trust Teachers with the Internet (Nets T- 4, 5)

Schaffhauser, D. (2010, December 01). It's time to trust teachers with the internet: a conversation with meg ormiston. Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/12/01/its-time-to-trust-teachers-with-the-internet-a-conversation-with-meg-ormiston.aspx?sc_lang=en

It is the 21^st Century and students are all about technology, but how can the teachers incorporate interesting topics that engage students when everything is blocked. In today’s society the teachers are trying to keep up with the 21st century learners. But teachers are being limited and shut down because websites such as YouTube are being deemed as inappropriate. “If schools by this point can't trust teachers to decide whether a given Web site is appropriate for their students, how can they trust those teachers in the classroom at all?” Teachers were given the opportunity to learn how to incorporate technology in their credential program by deciphering what is appropriate and what isn’t, yet they are not given the opportunity to use these resourceful tools in their own classroom. It is important to help students make good choices and know right from wrong. Teachers should be given the opportunity to access website so they can be the filters. But administrators have to have the vision to make change. They need to have the ability to see the possibilities and let change happen. If some schools are still unsure about unblocking websites then it is best to take one step at a time approach by opening one website a month.

1.  What can you do to be proactive about using technology in your classroom in a school that might block websites?  

I can learn how to develop a plan to successfully handle the administrators, or IT people. Educate those who do not have a deep technical background. Instead of complaining and shutting down I can learn to be more proactive. I can also show how useful the internet is in the classroom. Students are tired of being handed a packet and told to work on it, they want to work on subjects that interest them, and this will keep them engaged.   

2. How can you promote internet safety in the classroom?

There is a program called i-Safe America whose mission is to “educate and empower America’s youth to safely and responsibly use the internet ("i-safe america," 2009).” I-Safe America is a nonprofit organization that delivers a 5 part program delivered by teachers to their students. It is important for teachers to be aware of the predators around them and to be monitor students activity. “Websites need to be up to the discretion of the educators.” 

i-safe america. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.isafe.org/channels/?ch=ai