This past week in I4Ed we did not
have a speaker. Instead, we were given the opportunity to work in groups and research
a current internet topic in education, and present our findings to the class. First,
I must say that I really enjoyed each of the presentations. They were all
informative and everyone did a great job!
My group was the first to
present. Our topic was on “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD). Schools are starting
to movie in this direction and we were interested in learning more about it. We
researched the different devices available for student use (there are many),
the statistics around BYOD, the variety of available apps that could be used in
a BYOD classroom (again...there are many), the policies for BYOD and the
benefits and risks of BYOD. To view all of the information we found, please see our presentation!
The second group to present
talked about, "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of the internet." The Good: The internet provides students and teachers with quick access
to information, and the ability to contact and network with people all over the
world. The internet allows teachers to bring the world into their classrooms, and not to mention the millions of resources available to teachers and students online.
The Bad: The internet is a great
tool... unless it used inappropriately. It is much easier for students to
plagiarize today with a simple “copy and paste,” off the internet. Teachers
need to be extra cautious of this. The internet also provides students with the
opportunity to post any words or pictures online. Young people do not always
use their discretion when posting and do not realize the consequences of
their online actions. This can get them into trouble. The internet has also
formed a new and easy way for bullying to take place. Cyber bullying is
another issue teachers should be aware of and on the lookout for. Lastly, there
is credible and non-credible information available on the internet. Teachers
need to warn students about non-credible information and teach them how to
distinguish it from credible information. The
Ugly: The ugly side of the internet includes things like cyber harassment/ bullying,
black mailers/predators, and job losses due to inappropriate digital footprints.
This last point is so important. As educators, we need to inform our students
that their online actions can stay with them for life. Future employers are
likely to Google candidates to see if they are right for the job. It’s
important to think before your post. To see this groups presentation: click here.
The third groups presentation was
called, “How not to steal from the internet.” This was a very informative
presentation. I realized how I unknowingly have been guilty of stealing from
the internet by not attributing a picture that I used to its owner, or the same
with videos, etc. Although I have been lucky so far, the consequences for these
actions could be great. So as a teacher, we need to warn and educate our
students about how not to steal from the internet. One of the best ways to do
this is through modelling. Attribute all of your pictures and videos etc., in
your presentations to the class, and educate and expect the same from your students. To see the website that this group made, visit this website.
The fourth group also had an
interesting topic on “Internet Filters.” Internet filters serve a great
purpose. They prevent inappropriate online behavior, and monitor and protect
students from inappropriate content. However, this group brought up the point
that sites that can be a great learning resource are unfortunately also blocked
to meet these goals. For example, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest, just to name
a few, are often blocked from both student and teachers use. The connections and
resources available from these sites are endless and it’s a shame that students
and teachers are unable to access them. For more information about internet
filters,check out this website.
The last group had a very
entertaining and unique presentation on "Cyber Bullying." This group made their
own video to portray the way that the media blows up the issue of cyber
bullying. Cyber bullying is a serious issue, however research shows that it is
the least common form of bullying. So why does it get so much attention? The
media! It’s important for educators and everyone to look at the facts. If cyber
bullying is the least common form of bullying, let’s find out what the most
common form is and focus on that. To check out this video, visit this link.
With one week of class remaining,
I have learned so much from our presenters outside of BU, and the presenters’
right inside our classroom. Great job everyone! ~T
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