The Internet offers so much for education today. Students understand and can navigate in this virutal world with much more sophistication than most teachers and parents. We all need to be aware of both the good and bad offered on the Internet. It is after all, only access to computers, programmed by people. Just as we begin teaching children at very young ages to be responsible and safe as they cross the street, we need to immediately teach our children how to be responsible and safe as they encounter people and information through technology.
An Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is one example of a method being used to keep children safe and responsible while using technology and the Internet. Most schools have an AUP contract for all staff and students to read and sign. This document explains the "rules" for using technology at school, including consequences of inappropriate behavior.
The Web sites bellow offer more information on this topic and some example AUP contracts.
Responsible Netizen - http://responsiblenetizen.org/
Responsible Netizen Institute is tje leader in the area of safety and responsibility on the Internet, especially teaching children how to aquire these skills. This is a site every teacher and parent should be aware of! Definitely take advantage of the resources and materials offered here!
Critiquing Acceptable Use Policies - http://www.io.com/~kinnaman/aupessay.html#collections
Internet Safety Menu - The Police Notebook - http://www.ou.edu/oupd/inetmenu.htm
Parental Control of the Internet - http://www.worldvillage.com/family/parental.html
Permission Form - http://www.rice.edu/armadillo/aupenglish.html
Safe Kids Home Page - http://www.safekids.com/
Yahooligans: Street Smart on the Web - http://www.yahooligans.com/docs/safety/
Page Created 1/4/2000
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