Education Learning Center
Keep the Internet a Safer Place for Students of All Ages
Computers have become common place in schools and libraries and are a valuable learning and research tool for children of all ages. While the Internet has a lot of good information, along with the good comes potentially inappropriate content and malicious web sites that students should not be exposed to.
"The technology that has so dramatically changed the world outside our schools is now changing the learning and teaching environment within them." - National Education Technology Plan for the U.S. Department of Education
Today, schools and libraries face new challenges with technology. It is important for these institutions to protect their students from stumbling upon questionable websites as well as actively sort the kinds of content that can be viewed in an educational setting. Most schools and libraries have Internet policies in place to assist in protecting today’s youth. Education is a key element in providing a safe online experience. There are many resources that teachers and librarians can use when discussing appropriate Internet use.
Some of these resources can be found here:
NetSmartz
This NetSmartz educators section is designed to show educators and administrators how to use NetSmartz interactive materials in their classrooms, accumulate more information about Internet safety and technology, and take steps to bring their classrooms into the 21st century. http://www.netsmartz.org/educators.htm
OnGuard Online
OnGuard Online is a resource sponsored by the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Homeland Security, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Commerce Department's Technology Administration and other non-profit organizations and technology companies to help online users protect themselves against Internet fraud, and to promote computer security and online personal privacy. Its website, www.onguardonline.gov,
OnGuard online also provides a separate initiative for educators. Safeguarding the Wired Schoolhouse: http://safewiredschools.cosn.org/other.html This organization provides specific tools to be used in the classroom http://safewiredschools.cosn.org/toolkit/files.cfm
The National Cyber Security Alliance
The National Cyber Security Alliance, a coalition of government, non-profit and industry organizations, offers a collection of resources to promote online safety and security on its website, www.staysafeonline.org. A special section for educators can be found here: http://www.staysafeonline.org/basics/educators.html
LOOKBOTHWAYS
Expert online safety consultant Linda Criddle provides information for educators and parents with tips on how to keep your kids safe. LOOKBOTHWAYS is a pioneer in online safety with a deep understanding of predatory behavior online, broad experience in evaluating online consumer and industry trends, strong background in technology, and consumer safety messaging. Learn more at: look-both-ways.com