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!