Internet Safety Assignment: Doing

I spoke with my mom, who has teenagers, about the internet safety information we have learned about in class. Specifically, I focused on the importance of only communicating via chatrooms and instant messaging with people we know. I gave her the link to the PBS videos that warned against communicating with strangers. My mom (who is wonderful!) was already very familiar with these dangers, and she and my dad have always made it a rule that we cannot communicate via the internet with people who we do not know. Additionally, they placed our computer in a high-traffic area of our home, which makes us more aware of our internet choices and the associated consequences. But, although I did not tell my mom anything new regarding internet safety, it was a good experience to discuss with her the things that she and my dad have done right! She and I both agree that internet safety is VERY, VERY important.

2 Best Project Ideas

As I wrote in a previous post, I really enjoyed viewing my group members' practicum technology projects. They were great! I also got some excellent ideas from viewing my peers' projects in class. One idea is to, when possible, use technology often in lessons. Several of my peers had access to Smart Boards in their classrooms, and I can see the value in using these on an everyday basis. A second idea is to get the students involved as much as possible -- have them read along with a PhotoStory presentation, have them use the Smart Board to answer questions, etc. It is SO important that students see us using technology, and that they also have opportunities to use it themselves!

Observations About Project Presentations

I really enjoyed watching my group members' project presentations -- they were great! One thing that I learned from the presentations is that there was a wide variety of technological resources available among schools, and that the availability of resources definitely impacts how much we use technology. But no matter what we use, technological resources can be excellent lesson enhancers. I had a great experience integrating technology into my lesson, and it appears that everyone else did, too!

My Technology SlideShare

Lindsays Technolgy Pp

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Internet Safety Assignment: Media Article

1. What article did you choose to read for your fourth article?

I read Elder H. Burke Peterson's article "Leave It Alone," found in the January 1995 New Era (originally given in a General Conference address in October 1993).

2. What were the most important things you learned from the readings?

Elder Peterson taught that it is up to us to select appropriate media to view and listen to. Although we have been counseled for many years to not view R-rated movies, Elder Peterson here counsels us to not view any movie or television show that promotes behaviors or ideas contrary to Gospel teachings. This also applies to the music we listen to. We need to abstain from viewing or listening to unwholesome material, regardless of its ratings, and even if in doing so we stand alone. As we wisely choose uplifting media to view and listen to, we will be entitled to personal inspiration, which will make us happier and more successful people.

3. How will what you have read influence your actions as a parent and/or teacher of children
and youth?

I found Elder Peterson's statement that, "...on our television and theater screens is portrayed more and more often a lifestyle that might even rival the excesses of those who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah" to be incredibly powerful --especially considering the fact that he spoke thisto audiences more than 15 years ago! Elder Peterson's message inspires me even more to protect my future students and children from the evils of the media. I recognize and enjoy the many wholesome uses of the media, and I look forward to being in a position of authority as a teacher and parent where I can influence children to make wise choices about media use. I will teach them to choose to watch wholesome movies and listen to uplifting music, and to abstain from watching/listening to material that is inappropriate in any way -- no matter the rating. Additionally, I will model correct behavior for the children as I only endorse and view appropriate media.

4. How can you use what you have learned from the reading to have a positive influence on
family and friends?

Although I am proud of my friends' and family's media choices, I will be an influence for good as I only view and listen to appropriate media. I will turn off or walk away from inappropriate media.