We can find almost anything on the Internet but is it worth the risk? I was able to find information on how to tie a tie as well as the best way to commit suicide! Anything and Everything can be found. Before we take our students on the journey of Web 2.0 we need to ensure that they are aware of the dangers. Apart from verifying the validity of the information by verifying authorship, source and how often the site is updated, we all need to always be cautious about the information we give out or the persons we interact with. Phishing and viruses are very real threats that are usually not detected until it is too late. Pop-ups and links often lead us to places that are not only irrelevant but possibly dangerous. these are some of the dangers/issues we must be aware of when using the Internet. In terms of designing our site or any work we must ensure that the content ans appearance are suitable. Contrast, colour, alignment and proximity are some of the things we must carefully consider. The layout of work must be pleasing to the eye as well as easy to read and understand.
I am thinking of actually devoting time specifically to these issues before introducing any of the Web 2.0 tools. Anything online beyond facebook is new to my students so they need to be informed of these things. Displaying posters and reminders int he classroom/lab concerning these issues would serve as constant guides. Of course, the students must actually read them. Designing a screen saver and wall paper with this information is another way to ensure that the students are exposed to the information every time they use the computer.
Nice work, Khadine. IT will only be introduced fully to the incoming Form 1 students at FSS, and they won't be exposed to what we're doing. I won't ask those teachers to rearrange their syllabus to support my work.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure it will be the same for everyone. I believe the best way to go is to apply the treatment in small doses. One step at a time.
And I do agree about the posters, had never thought about all the things that we would need to specifically direct our students to do and to not do while on the web (just no porn, etc.).
I totally agree with you. I believe that teaching our student to be responsible when using the internet and how to evaluate websites will help to develop their metecognitive and critical thinking skills.
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