I recently attended a live Tech Talk event presented by Julie Lindsay. She talked about her Flat Classroom project, and how important it is to create global and digital citizens. However, there is actually a lot more to creating digital citizens, than just giving them free reigns to explore. The first step is to make them aware of the norms of behaviour in regards to appropriate use. I thought this was a very interesting concept, simply because I was never given that information as a kid. However, as we are beginning to see a lot more global collaboration and connecting happening between classrooms, it is so imperative that kids know how to be smart digital citizens. Julie Lindsay noted things like: affection, gender, language awareness, cultural sensitivity, how to respond to others etc. all neeeds to be addressed.
As i did my daily browse and readings, I came across a really neat virtual website for children called Think You know Cafe. This website is designed for students to practice and learn about online safety in regards to email, texting, instant messaging, web browsing, creating an online personal space, and chatting in a chat room. One of my favourite parts about the site is that it gives students different scenarios to think about, and respond to. I think this would be a great tool that a teacher could share with the whole class prior to really jumping in.
Hi Jayla, I enjoyed this post. That is great that you attended a live event, I will be attending one this wednesday! It sounds like the event you attended was very informational and benefical.
I also liked learning about Think you know cafe. This is a great way for students to learn about internet safety.
-danielle
Great resource that I am sure many of us will use! I also know Marley is doing her ‘what to learn’ project on internet safety so maybe some other stuff you learned might be of benefit to her.
It’s funny because I guess with all of the amazing tools and resources that are out there today, it’s silly for me to have never seen something like this. However, the day after this post, Dean talked about 2 other similar reources about internet safety. I think that I will actually utilize this sites in the future!