Good Netizens.....
One of the most exciting educational
aspects of using the Internet lies in its ability to open the classroom
to the world. Learning about different countries and cultures becomes
even more meaningful when students can easily communicate with people
internationally. Communication via the Internet can occur in many different
ways including email and chat rooms. Although the diverse nature of
topics available on the Internet can enhance the learning experience,
students need to be aware of safety issues when interacting with others
online.
This chapter discusses the social nature
of the Internet, focusing on topics such as Internet etiquette, confidentiality,
and safety. It is important for students and teachers to be informed
of these issues when using the Internet for telecommunications.
Guidelines
for Internet safety
Although a valuable instructional tool
in the classroom, the Internet does comes with some real dangers. Keeping
in mind a few simple precautions will help protect students from potential
dangers. It is important to supervise the students as they begin their
journey on the Internet. One way to facilitate the students in their
learning process is to provide safe and valuable sites. Emphasize to
students that information on the Internet is posted by both reliable
and unreliable sources.
Safety Tips for kids on the Internet
- Never give your name, address, phone number,
photo, or password to someone you meet over the Internet.
- Never respond to email messages that are suggestive,
obscene, belligerent, threatening, or make you feel uncomfortable.
- Report any email that makes you feel uncomfortable.
- Be careful when someone offers you something
for nothing.
- Tell your teacher or parent right away if you
come across any information that makes you feel uncomfortable.
- Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone
you meet on the Internet.
- Remember that people online may not be who they
seem.
- Get to know your "online friends" just as you
get to know all of your other friends.
Information provided by the Federal
Bureau of Investigation at Parents Guide to the Internet - English
- Spanish
Acceptable
use policy
The National Education Association (NEA)
suggests that an effective AUP contain the following six elements:
- Preamble explains the process involved in determining
the goals of the AUP.
- Definition of the Goals of the AUP and key words
used in the AUP.
- Policy Statement tells what computer services
are covered by the AUP and the circumstances under which students
can use computer services.
- Acceptable Uses defines appropriate student use
of the computer network.
- Unacceptable Uses gives clear and specific examples
of what constitutes unacceptable student use.
- Violations/Sanctions establishes procedures for
the reporting and handling of policy violations.
Collaborating
outside of the classroom
Internet learning communities are designed
to facilitate conversations in multiple directions. Through email, videoconferencing,
and chat room conversations, students connect and communicate with multiple
audiences. Students now have the opportunity to reach fellow students
and mentors throughout the world. Collaboration with fellow students,
faculty, and experts of all nations can become an everyday experience.
Introduction to email
One form of communication beyond the
classroom is electronic messages. These messages can be sent from computers
that are connected to the Internet. These electronic mail messages are
known as email. Email messages can be addressed to an individual, a
group, or an entire organization.
An email address is comprised of two
parts. The first part is the unique username of a person. This is the
part of the address on the left hand side of the @ (at) symbol. The
second part of the address is on the right hand side. This tells the
address of the system that is responsible for that individual's email.
It can be seen as:
mail_user@particular-system.edu
Email plays an important role as a vehicle
of communication with cultures and communities. Students can communicate
instantly through email and receive prompt feedback on how well their
messages are understood. They need not wait for a penpal's letter to
cross an ocean or for the potential visit of an international student
to their classroom. The content of an email is usually text, but can
also include images, audio, video, and program files as attachments.
Video conferencing
Another form of communication on the
Internet is video conferencing. This form of communication enables you
to view, talk, and chat live with new friends from around the world.
Initially, video conferencing involved communication between only two
computer users, but there are now programs available that allow you
to connect multiple participants.
Video conferencing is a very attractive
form of communication. However, in a school district it can be very
difficult to use because it requires high bandwidth to be effective.
Bandwidth is the rate the data is transferred over a connection. Although
low bandwidth connections will often result in a less satisfactory experience,
they still can be used productively in a classroom.
Chat groups
Chat groups are a more dynamic form of
communication than email. Persons involved in a chat group can simultaneously
participate in a discussion over a particular "channel," or even multiple
channels. To participate in a chat group, you simply log into the chat
room, then begin conversing by typing messages that can be seen by other
users. The main advantage of a chat group is that it takes place in
real time, requiring active participation. Although chat rooms can offer
tremendous opportunities for a classroom, they must be closely monitored. You must be careful, because some creepy old, 50 year old man could pretend to be a 12 year old boy or girl and you'd never know the difference.
Netiquette
As the Internet includes a global community,
students need to be aware of behavioral standards. Proper Internet etiquette
is often referred to as Netiquette. Etiquette is using good manners, like using a fork and spoon at the dinner table instead of your hands. I mean, you don't want to go to a fancy restraunt and eat steak with your hands, do you???? That might be a little embarassing. :- ) Netiquette is using your manners on the Internet. Students and teachers can avoid embarrassing
situations by following some simple guidelines for electronic communication.
The following is a list of standards for Netiquette:
- Always identify yourself and keep your messages
brief and to the point.
- Avoid "flaming" (inflammatory or antagonistic criticism)
or sending insulting, abusive, or threatening remarks. There is no
"unsend" option in email.
- Avoid using all capital letters in a message. This
is perceived as SHOUTING and may cause hard feelings.
- Do not assume that your intentions will be understood;
remember there is no body language, facial expression, or tone to
indicate your intentions.
- You may wish to use "emoticons" to help get your
point across:
| :-)
| Happy |
| :-(
| Sad |
| ;-)
| Winking |
| :-o
| Surprised |
| :-@
| Screaming |
| :-I
| Indifferent |
| :-e
| Disappointed |
| :-<
| Mad |
| :-D
| Laughing |
- Remember that email is not necessarily private.
Your messages can be forwarded to many people without your knowledge.
Before sending a message, read it over, double check the recipient(s)
and make sure it would not become an embarrassment if it were forwarded
to others not on your recipient list.
- Do not spam others. Spam is the practice of sending
unsolicited email messages in bulk or overloading someone's mailbox
or server with messages.
- When sending or posting to multiple mailing lists
or newsgroups, indicate the lists you have posted to in your message.
Example: "This message cross-posted to [names of mailing lists]."
Children's
Online Privacy Protection Act
In October 1998, Congress passed the Children's
Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), with the requirement that the Federal
Trade Commission address and enforce rules concerning children's online
privacy. The law went into effect on April 21, 2000. For more information,
visit COPPA or A
Parent's Guide to Online Privacy.
Below are some of the provisions of COPPA:
- Personal information cannot be collected on the
Web from children under age 13 without permission from a parent or
legal guardian.
- Parents have the right to know what personal information
their children are being asked for and how it is to be used.
- Permission from parents and guardians, in most
instances, must be verifiable.
- Children cannot be required to give out more information
then is reasonably necessary to participate in web site activities
such as games and contests.
- Web sites and online services must prominently
post a clear privacy policy.
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