Means for teaching safety online

Joy P. Bangayan

IT can be risky to leave students totally alone to develop internet behaviors. Highlights a range of resources which can help teachers support students to be savvy online. The internet has always been an evolving medium, however, the rate of change is becoming increasingly rapid. This means children are faced with more challenges in navigating their online world as both consumers and producers. Teachers are also challenged as they seek to find the best way to guide children on their journeys. While all teachers would agree that addressing internet safety in the classroom is important, many are unsure how to get started.

The following four websites provide a wealth of free information and resources for learning or teaching about internet safety. The resources for teachers include lesson plans and multimedia resources, specific to different age groups. The resources for children comprise of videos, interactive online activities, facts and links to online help. That provides excellent information for children, parents and teachers. The games and resources for children are especially engaging and informative. The educator section provides a range of excellent teaching resources such as lesson plans, handouts, presentations, activity cards and videos.

Common Sense Media is a organization providing information and education around media and technology. The Common Sense Media website offers fabulous resources for teachers interested in educating about digital literacy in their classrooms. These resources are organized into a scope and sequence to help educators find age-appropriate teaching materials. The scope and sequence can be browsed by grade level or topic. Lesson materials are comprehensive and include teaching scripts, handouts and links to other materials such as videos and websites. Preferred approach to teaching about internet safety is to address issues authentically, explicitly and as they arise through classroom conversations and enjoy looking for opportunities to introduce or reinforce internet safety topics throughout the year.

I also include some structured lessons on internet safety topics to facilitate more directed teaching and learning.

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The author is Teacher III at Talimundok Elementary School, Division of

Mabalacat City, Pampanga