Sunday, November 15, 2009
Ethics
Today’s world is accessible to students at the click of a finger. Students can speak to people half way across the world like they were sitting in front of them. Students can access research reports and other academic media easily as well. Educators need to teach students HOW to use the internet. When I bring my students into the computer lab, I sometime expect them to know how to use the internet wisely. I am always wrong. These kids have been brought up in a digital world and can play any game or assemble electronic devices, but most do not have a clue about wise internet usage. Chat rooms, citing sources, and displaying private information are all areas we can teach students about ethical computer usage. I like most assume students know what to do, and we all know what we do when we assume.
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We have to ask ourselves, when were they taught ethical Internet use? Is it taught in third grade, fifth grade, etc? We cannot ever assume that they have been taught. I think it is something that has to always be modeled and emphasized every time they get on the computer. This reminds me of when fifth grade teachers would come to me complaining that their students didn't know how to write a science report or social studies report. I would say, "When do you think they were taught how to write a report?" They made the mistake assuming their students came to fifth grade with the skill. That resulted in a great deal of frustration on their part. When it comes to computer use, it is better to be safe than sorry.
ReplyDeleteWe need to invest time teaching students how to practice internet safety. We can't shield students from all internet dangers. So, it behooves us to provide them with knowledge and experience combatting those dangers.
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