TEACHnology Today
Technology Integration Newsletter-October 23, 2014
Vintage Social Networking
How many of these do you use?
Upgraded Technology?
Technology and Parents
Teaching Digital Citizenship and Internet Safety
Teaching our students to be good digital citizens is a tall order. So many students fail to realize that their actions online can follow them and impact everything from the colleges they are accepted to, the jobs they receive, and the friends they make and maintain throughout life. It may shock you to find out that students as young as 6 years old are joining social networks and conversing with other kids through online games and networks built around their favorite TV shows and movies, as well as products they see on TV. While it would be great to assume that parents are monitoring their student's behavior online, we as educators should find a role in promoting positive and responsible use of digital content and social media.
Some Helpful Tips:
- Think Before You Post. Encourage students to think about the people that can see their post or picture before they click to send it into the digital world. Students should also remember that the internet never forgets. Even apps that promise to delete your pictures (like Snapchat) are not safe and many people know how to take a screenshot of a conversation or picture even if you delete it. A good frame of reference--Would your grandmother like to see what you post?
- What Goes Around Comes Around. It's important to safeguard your own privacy, but it is equally important to protect the privacy of others. Don't forward a picture or text message to others that was sent only to you. Passing along content not meant to be seen by everyone can be very hurtful and even ILLEGAL.
- Digital Talk is Real. If you wouldn't say something to a person's face, don't hide behind a computer screen to say it. Stand up for those who are cyberbullied in the same way that you'd stand up for someone being bullied face to face.
- Give Credit and Don't Steal. Students sometimes fail to see the significance of copying, illegal downloading or stealing stuff that others have created online without proper reference. Help students to understand how to cite their sources properly. Explain that if you created something online, you wouldn't want someone else to use it and present it as their own.
- Spread the Love. Teach students that while it is a good idea to share, tag or post about the positive things they do, they should try to steer clear of negative posts!
Below you will find an infographic that may be good to print or share with middle to high school level students.
iPad App of the Week: ChatterPix
ChatterPix App for iPad and iPhone
Chatterpix can make anything talk -- pets, friends, doodles, and more! Simply take any photo, draw a line to make a mouth, and record your voice. And best of all, it’s FREE!
Students could find an image of an influential person in history and record a speech using their voice, or bring a literary character to life. The options for this one are endless!
Other Helpful Resources
YouTube Channels for Educators
Below is a list of YouTube channels based on different subjects and content areas. Check out the channel related to the subject area you teach and access the videos it contains. These channels are among the best ones you can find online.