The Internet as an Instructional Tool
provided by
Kerry Lynn Rice, Ed. D.
College of Education
Department of Educational Technology (http://edtech.boisestate.edu)

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Internet Safety

Recommendations Resources for Adults Resources for Kids

Using the Internet allows students to instantly connect with others and access information without the barriers of time and distance, but these new learning and teaching environments bring additional responsibilities to teachers and families for teaching children how to make safe and informed decisions while using the Internet.

In addition, Internet safety issues in schools usually revolve around two things: (1) the student’s ability to access inappropriate material; and (2) the potential risk to the student’s personal safety when "meeting" someone online. The information provided in the section below reflects a growing awareness about the possible danger to students in these areas and was gathered from a variety of reputable sources. There is a great deal of information for you to view related to this topic. Skim the materials and read only those items that are relevant to your situation. Save links that you think may be useful to you at a later date.
The information below was taken from TECH CORPS comprehensive Internet Safety Primer. Close supervision and structured activities are the best defense in diminishing many of the dangers associated with student Internet use. Always investigate sites that you intend students to visit beforehand to ensure appropriateness. Activities that require students to only visit sites that you have previously bookmarked reduce the risk of them venturing out to inappropriate sites. Visit the Internet Integration, Scavenger Hunts, (we'll look at Scavenger Hunts in more detail later in the class) and WebQuests tutorials for information on how to incorporate structured Internet activities into your classroom. For more information on the importance of supervision see http://techcorps.org/resources/internetsafety/primer.html#os Acceptable Use Policies It is important to establish clear guidelines and ground rules that students should adhere to prior to any Internet activity. This is best accomplished through an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). An AUP is a signed agreement between the school, the student, and the parent (usually) about acceptable computer use and possible consequences for failure to adhere to the guidelines. Examine your schools' AUP carefully and make sure that your students and parents are aware of the policy. For more information on Acceptable Use Policies see http://techcorps.org/resources/internetsafety/primer.html#AUP For more information on guidelines and Internet safety rules see the Center for Missing & Exploited Childrens' Netsmartz site at: http://www.netsmartz.org/flash/index.html Screening Inappropriate Materials There are a variety of tools available to screen sites for inappropriate material. Filtering software is one common approach used by many schools and provides a barrier between students and inappropriate material by screening out sites with Web addresses that are suspicious. Internet Service Providers (ISP's) and browsers offer additional screening opportunities. For more information on screening inappropriate materials see http://techcorps.org/resources/internetsafety/primer.html#SIM For information on content rating see Internet Content Rating Association http://www.icra.org/ The information above was taken from TECH CORPS comprehensive Internet Safety Primer.

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Resources For Adults (Parents and Educators)

Web Teacher
http://www.webteacher.org/windows.html
This site is a portal to a variety of Internet guides, tutorials and lessons. Click on "Internet in the Classroom" for some nifty safe Internet screen savers, lesson plans, and other miscellaneous goodies.

Netsmartz.org
http://netsmartz.org/flash/index.html
Web site for "Parents & Educators" by The Center for Missing & Exploited Children — learn more about Internet safety. Follow the links on this site to learn more about the risks children face online and how to avoid them.

Internet Content Rating Association
http://www.icra.org/
An international, independent organization that empowers the public, especially parents, to make informed decisions about electronic media by means of the open and objective labeling of content. Great information for Web authors and children as well.

GetNetWise.Org
www.getnetwise.org
A public service organization that wants Internet users to be only "one click away" from the resources they need to make informed decisions about their and their family's use of the Internet. Includes an online safety guide for children of all ages.

Get Net Smart Quiz
http://techcorps.org/resources/internetsafety/getnet.htm
Includes an online safety agreement that you can download and post.

Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use
http://responsiblenetizen.org/
This site is designed to provide guidance to parents, educators, librarians, policy-makers, and other district personnel in promoting effective strategies to assist young people in using the Internet in a safe and responsible manner. Includes a comprehensive guide for educators.

SafeSurfin'.com
http://www.safesurfin.com/
Interactive quiz for students that allows them to earn their Internet Drivers License.

Ikeepsafe
http://www.ikeepsafe.org/

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Resources For Kids

SafeKids.com
http://www.safekids.com/
Kids will find tips, advice and suggestions to make their online experience safe and fun.

SafeTeens.com
http://www.safekids.com/safeteens/

Berenstain Bears Safe Surfing Tips
www.berenstainbears.com/safesurf.html

SafeSurfin'.com
http://www.safesurfin.com/
Interactive quiz for students that allows them to earn their Internet Drivers License.

GetNetWise.Org
www.getnetwise.org
Lots of activities for students on this site.

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Boise State University
Department of Educational Technology
1910 University Dr.
Boise, ID 83725-1745
(208) 426-2050

This site created by Kerry Rice
© 2003 Kerry Rice, Department of Educational Technology, Boise State University
Date Last Modified 11/13/2008