Web 2.0 New Tools New Schools Chapter 7

In the chapter on online safety and security the authors discuss legal issues, copyright and intellectual property, security solutions, awareness programs, acceptable use policies, ethical behavior, administrative restrictions, parental involvement, blocking and problems as well as some alternatives when things are blocked.
Online safety is of great concern as teachers we are aware that the Internet is not always a safe place and we must create an awareness in our students about the dangers out there. Keeping our students and data safe are important aspects of using the Internet. It is important to prevent problems by education of both staff and students. With today's Internet web 2.0 applications it is easy to get information out on the Internet but that information is not always truthful, may be biased or inappropriate for some individuals. We must be aware of the social networking sites like Myspace and Facebook that students readily utilize to maintain their social contacts and teach our students not to post private information on these websites that may be used by others Adults and children do think differently about the Internet and its dangers.
Their discussions on how to avoid copyright problems and five steps are good things to think about. Having a technology policy that includes a code of ethics and procedures, reviewing this policy with parents, teachers and students, have a technology manager, teach ethical and legal behavior for technology use, and thank your employees and students for supporting the steps. We all must work to help students understand copyright and intellectual property.
Security is important to protect our students:
According to the Thinkronize report from 2006 the actions that have been taken to protect students include;

• Having filters installed
• Giving faculty instruction on safety
• Giving students instructions on safety
• Providing parents with tips and information
• Purchasing special search engines

Anchorage schools are working on this with the Internet safety being taught in elementary and middle schools. More instruction is being given to faculty and students alike. That information as well as other information is being shared with parents. Special search engines have also been purchased to help alleviate these problems. Students are being taught about cyber awareness, safety, acceptable and appropriate uses of information.
Instant messaging, image sharing, and social networks have created another interesting obstacle for school districts to manage. With filters and education it is still a challenge to keep students from using these inappropriately. Having web 2.0 tools on intranets so they are behind district firewalls is one way to help alleviate some of the problems. As always with new technology come new challenges and obstacles which need to be overcome and continually monitored. Continually getting information out to students, teachers and parents on how to use these resources will help them to do it safely and legally. We will still have challenges to overcome but that is always the case with emerging technologies.