Introduction
After an emergency meeting by the school's PTA the parents of Carla's Academy school decided to ban the use of the internet at the school. However, after a vote to put all internet activities on hold, the parents had all agreed to never again allow their children/students to be put in danger by allowing them access to the internet. These parents believe that the Internet is nothing more than an unsafe playground. After much pleading for the students by their computer teachers, the parents have agreed to meet again the following week for a final vote. Will the Internet be banned forever? Or can the students of Carla's Academy change their future?
Task
Your parents are trying to ban the Internet! It is up to you and your teammates to make sure that does not happen. You need to prove to your parents that you understand how to be safe on the Internet and you will only have one chance to do so. At the next PTA meeting, you and your team will present a multimedia presentation that covers Internet Safety. To accomplish this goal you and your team will each choose a different role and gather information about different aspects of the Internet. You must become an expert in your area so that you are able to persuade your parents to vote in favor of allowing the Internet back into the classroom. You and your group must compile the information you find into an 8-minute presentation that focuses on Internet Safety. You must also compile a list of the top 5 rules for staying safe on the Internet that will be displayed in every class on campus as a reminder to "Play It Safe" on the Internet.
Process
As a group review the information below and then determine which task each member of your team will complete.
- Explains internet safety and procedures in a school setting and at home.
- Should you send pictures or record items that are inappropriate? Should you chat with strangers or exchange private information? What can you do to prevent these violations?
- What does it mean to be a good digital citizen?
Think about any other possible questions parents might have about this area or topic. Keep track of where you find the information you are using for your answers.
- As a group compiles your list of the Top 5 ways to stay safe on the internet.
- Submit your findings to your teacher.
Good luck with your research!
For additional resource, students can refer to https://youtu.be/25G4tLVH1JE
Evaluation
Present your presentation to parents and teachers. So how was the journey? Did you convince the parents not to ban the internet? What did you learn about internet safety and how can you use this information? Each student answers the questions and writes a one-page reflection about the project. Hand it in at the beginning of the next class.
Conclusion
Being a good digital citizen means demonstrating and practicing safe, responsible, and legal use of technology. A good digital citizen is someone who understands the rights and responsibilities that come with being online and someone who uses technology in a positive way.
When using the internet ALWAYS remember:
- NEVER post personal information (name, address, telephone confidential information) online to other people or where other people might see it. If someone asks for it, tell your parents/guardian
- NEVER give out your password to anyone, even if it's your friends or you trust them
- NEVER agree to meet anybody in real life that you have spoken to online without your parent's permission
- ALWAYS asks permission before downloading or installing anything on your PC (this is both for your safety, so you don’t accidentally install anything malicious that could crash your PC)
- If in doubt, ALWAYS ask an adult.