My students use the web for a variety of reasons - my classroom is a computer lab, and with the Internet at our fingertips, it’s ridiculous to not use it. I think making a Safety and Security Policy for my own classroom is an excellent idea for this reason.
How Your Students Will Use the Web and Your Type of Web Access (#1 & 3)
My students use the web for different purposes: the computer-based classes usually use the web for resources on the web (e.g. images and information for desktop publishing and MS Office); my “textbook-based” classes (accounting and business law) still use the web, just not as often. The purpose is to find information to further our discussions. Reading case studies, news articles, or information about accounting firms are just an example. It is easy to say that the computer-based classes need expectations outlined more clearly as there seems to be more room for steering away and perhaps using the Internet inappropriately.
Your Building/District AUP (#4)
I liken my Internet Safety and Security Policy and my District’s AUP to a state’s constitution and US Constitution, respectively. I think my policy, however, will put more of an emphasis on digital citizenship and “Netiquette.” Based off of what I hear students talking about Facebook, what is posted and said online, it really worries me. Not only will it be included in my lessons, it will be an important component to the AUP.
The Grade Level of Students (#5)
I teach all high school grades. I have dedicated freshman classes and the other subjects are generally a mix of 10th-12th graders. How this relates to my policy, I think it will take into consideration the savviness of the upperclassmen for sure!
The Standards (#2)
Digital citizenship is key, as well as realistic consequences. In addition, I think it’s important that one can earn the privilege back for violating the policy. Expectations of what is ALLOWED is key to including in the policy. I think stating what is allowed is not as limiting as what isn’t allowed, for one thing. Plagiarism, and using Creative Commons as an important source of free intellectual property, is important, especially with the work done in my desktop publishing class.
Do you think that your students would be able to help you write the guidelines for your class AUP?
ReplyDeleteDo you think you will include examples for your students as to what is acceptable and not acceptable? I think Kelly had a great idea with including examples to further explain the AUP.
ReplyDeleteI think you are fortunate to have computers for students to access. Most of our classrooms have one (although remember, they are young kids)
How would you have your students earn the privilege back? Would they have to do something to earn it back? Or would it just go without saying once their "time is up" of not having the privilege?
ReplyDeleteClearly explaining what is allowed is huge. I couldn't agree with your more! In addition to not being as limited, it has a more positive spin on it, which I think is important for a "buy-in" with the students.
Netiquette - I like this term. When you are working with older children, it is important for them to understand what is appropriate, so good thinking. Also, students at this level need to start to understand the difference between communicating on facebook and something like a blog or professional email. Since these kids are closer to their career or college, it is important to distinguish between the two.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be on the right track with appropriate use for your students. It is truly astounding what some students put on their Facebook and My Space sites. We really need to do a better job of incorporating responsibility and appropriate behavior into all aspects of our interactions with others, both online and in person. Perhaps the use of simulations of appropriate and inappropriate behavior might be useful. We may also want to dwell more on the positive aspects of being responsible net citizens and "netiquette" rather than on the negative consequences.
ReplyDeleteI have a very similar class to you, not so much in subject area, but in how we use the Intenet. You have alot of good ideas that are very important. When you don't set the rules up front it can be very hard to pull the students back in.
ReplyDelete