Internet Security

You Just “Gotta” See

Simple talk is not enough when it comes to safe Internet practices. For

schools, the point is that to ensure safe Internet access,

teachers and other staff members must be actively

involved in what students are doing on the Internet.

Email

Instant messages

Text

Blogs

Phone callsDigital images

WEBSITES

Other kinds of electronic media

So, how does the school district currently work to provide safe, secure Internet access for students and staff?

All educational leaders need to identify policies and procedures

currently in place regarding acceptable use and misbehaviors.

Identify filtering software and other blocking technology presently in use;

determine the level for AUPs (acceptable use policy); and

determine the level of use for filtering software and otter blocking

technology throughout the district. In addition, leaders should identify

methods used to inform staff, students, and parents about safe

Internet use and AUPs and identify ways Internet use is currently

monitored on site.

Child Nethttp://www.childnet-int.org/

This group promotes positive ways for children to use the Internet. The site provides links to Internet safety information.

Global SchoolNethttp://www.gsn.org/

This nonprofit organization's Global Schoolhouse site fosters online internet strategies for learning among schools in more than 100 countries. Global SchoolNet offers a clearinghouse of online collaborative projects, shared learning, and other safety supports so students can roam the internet safely.

International Education and Resource Network (iEARN)http://www.iearn.org/

This global nonprofit network of schools encourages teachers and students to conduct international Internet-based projects toimprove Internet learning and safety. The network offers a links to a list of projects and professional development for educators.

Kidlinkhttp://www.kidlink.org

This virtual organization focuses on empowering youth to take more control over their lives, express their creativity, and collaborate with peers around the world.

There are many reputable resources for educators

There are two more very popular and widely used

resources for educators that teach online safety: childnet-

int.org NetSmartz.org

http://www.netsmartz.org

http://www.childnet-int.org

http://www.netsmartzkids.org/activities/index.htm

http://www.childnet-int.org

Another resource founded in 1998 and endorsed by the U.S. Congress is i-SAFE. This group is a non-profit foundation dedicated to protecting the online experiences of youth everywhere, domestically and internationally. i-SAFE incorporates classroom curriculum with community outreach to empower students, teachers, parents, law enforcement, and concerned adults to make the Internet a safer place.

Educational leaders identify, communicate, model, and enforce social, legal, and ethical practices to promote responsible use of Technology. Many resources can be found on the Internet.

Administrators must also be aware of laws (cyber law) that outline a minimal level of expectations for behavior and use of technology by students and staff. Districts also fall under the provisions of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). This law establishes requirements for Internet safety policies and the use of filtering software for blocking technology to help prevent obscene materials, such as pornography. http://cyberlaw.com/

Two such resources are The eSchool News newsletter and SmartBrief. Published weekly (www.eschoolnews.com) often highlights articles about legal concerns while (www.smartbrief.com/ascd), another online newsletter, is published by the ASCD.

As always, money is a key factor in what you do. Your district can receive funds from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act or E-Rate monies through the Federal Telecommunication Act. http://edlabor.house.gov/education/esea/ http://www.access-board.gov/about/laws/telecomm.htm

Two more resources are the Washington Internet Project’s guide to (CIPA) (www.cybertelecom.org/cda/cipa.htm) and the Universal Service Administrative Company (www.universalservice.org/sl/about/overview-program.aspx)

What can we do to PROTECT EVERYONE who uses the Internet? For now, be responsible, develop an AUP, educate students, staff, administrators, community members and law enforcement. Internet safety is not just a local problem but, an international concern.

Questions of Concern:

How can policies be created when the technology is constantly changing?How do we protect our children?Will there ever be a way to be 100% successful? Should we even have the internet?Where will funding come from?How can we get students to internalize safety and responsibility?What other issues will await us in the future?

http://www.schoolcio.com/ShowArticle.aspx

http://www.schoolcio.com/ShowArticle/1016

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/internet-censorship/22f6594170e5ec5c46e422f6594170e5ec5c46e4-1712392372596

Will Internet safety ever lead to CENSORSHIP?