Teaching Internet Safety

I talked to my 15 year old sister who is a sophomore in high school about cyber-bullying. After asking her about what she knew about internet safety it was pretty apparent that she knew to be careful. She knew to stay away from chat rooms and people she did not know.
I thought this was important because at her high school there have been a couple instances where people have been bullied to the point of suicide. This makes me sad because I want to be a teacher in the near future and I don't want any of my students to have to be hurt like that.
It was a positive discussion because she had already been introduced to the idea. She knew that it wasn't something she wanted to participate in. I think it was a valuable and positive discussion because it never hurts to be re-introduced to something. She had some background knowledge so it was good to discuss and revisit the idea. It is a scary thing that I do not want her to have to deal with. If anything, the discussion let her know that I care and that I think knowing about this is important.

Technology Integration Ideas

Angela did this great lesson on the Smartboard (it wasn't a Smartboard, but a technology tool just like that). She taught fractions using a picture of a pizza and I thought it illustrated it very well. She said the kids loved being interactive and participating. It was a great way to teach fractions and it was a good way to use technology.
The second great one was Angela Jack's lesson. She taught about dipthongs using the computer. She used the technology well and I think that is an important lesson to teach.

Internet Safety!

1. What article did you choose to read for your fourth article?
"Rated A" by Elder Marvin J. Ashton (Of the Council of the Twelve)
2. What were the most important things you learned from the readings?
I learned that yes it is important to have rules and limitations for internet use but there is a balance in the amount of control and agency. This is something that is logical because you don't want your students and children to be afraid of using the internet but they need to be aware. Keeping people safe is important but they need to be prepared for situations when they are exposed or encounter something dangerous. The readings made me realize how important it is to teach your children what they should do if they come across something they shouldn't. They should know the procedures so they can know how to act.
3. How will what you have read influence your actions as a parent and/or teacher of children and youth?
I have always been very skeptical of free internet access to children because I had a lot of friends who found themselves in trouble with internet problems because it was just to accessible. My parents had our family computer password protected and it was annoying as a child when I wanted to use it at my convenience but now I understand why they did that. They were trying to protect me and my siblings. I plan as a mother to also protect the computer. Internet is too accessible and tempting and can lead to unhealthy habits and behaviors.
As a teacher I will discuss with my students appropriate activities to do on the computer. Having a class meeting about the dangers of a situation provides students with the 'why' of a rule. Talking about the dangers that the internet provides is something that all kids need to know and understand. Cyber bullying is a huge problem and should be addressed how bullying on the playground is not appropriate.
4. How can you use what you have learned from the reading to have a positive influence on family and friends?
Learning about this has instilled a desire to encourage my friends and family to stay away from internet dangers. I will tell the people that I know and care about the things that I have learned so they too are aware. Internet is a blessing, it just needs to be used appropriately.

I watch and learn.

After watching some presentations I got some ideas of great units that would be enhanced with technology. I saw a lot of good ideas that used computers to help students do research and type up some sort of formal assessment. I also loved the one SmartBoard presentation because I want to be able to use a SmartBoard in my teaching!

Using Technology in 1st Grade!

Teaching with Technology

View more presentations from erinbracha.

TPACK wk 11!

I will be using our classroom ELMO on Thursday to teach a literacy lesson. The topic is not final yet but I will be projecting a story for our writer's workshop activity. I will use the ELMO for my 'Think Aloud' time and to model what will be expected of the students during their writing time. The ELMO will make it so the students can all see clearly what I have written. I am excited to use the ELMO because I think they are very useful and fun!

TPACK wk 10

Using the Smart board I would create a questionnaire over a concept that we have recently explored as a class. Smart boards have excellent participation features for the students. The students get instant feedback on their responses and it is a fun hands-on way to assess students. I would use this for a science lesson because I could have a lot of visuals to illustrate the concept.