DANGER

DANGER
As it has been discussed within blogs to date, Web 2.0 technologies offer an abundance of teaching modes and resources that make learning experiences meaningful and engaging for todays students. It is vital that both within the school and home environment that students are aware of the dangers of web 2.0 technologies. The main danger and cause of recent news is cyber bullying. It is up to parents and teachers alike to make students aware of the dangers and to give them strategies and skills to handle the dangers.
This week all the grade 5/6 students were spoken to by our school principal in regards to cyber bullying and accessing appropriate web sites. Every grade 5/6 student within our school has a mini lap top and the vigilance of our staff is crucial for the successful use of this resource and teaching tool. The students all watched a cyber bullying video on the classroom electronic whiteboard from the Victorian Department of Education and Training. This can be accessed from: http://www.digizen.org/cyberbullying/fullFilm.aspx
There is several website that provide supportive information on the dangers of technologies such as:
http://www.nfschools.net/106120826102117440/site/default.asp (love the picture on this site)
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/management/elearningsupportservices/www/classroom/video.htm
If we looked at the dangers associated in all activities that students engage in we would find possible dangers, the key here is providing students with the knowledge, skills and ability to protect themselves in addition to setting a level of expectation and rules of technology use.