Jon’s Network

In this podcast, you’ll learn that URL filters are inadequate management tools when the goal is the teach kids to use the internet safely and responsibly. First, Nancy Willard, director of the Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use explains that a comprehensive approach to student internet use is necessary. The approach must include much more than simply using a content filter. This includes:

• Comprehensive technology planning including Curriculum and Instruction, Library Media, Technology and Safe Schools Committee
• Assessment and accountability to ensure that technology resources are used for teaching and learning rather than “internet recess”
• Age based policies: Elementary students operate on a whitelist of previewed sites while older students have more freedom under supervision. Meanwhile, older students need access to sensitive and accurate health information sites that may be pre-selected to ensure they aren’t blocked
• There should be a clear internet use policy
• Staff should be trained to teach kids safe use of the internet and how to handle problems should they occur
• Supervision of student internet use should be done by the teachers, but also by appropriate technology that can monitor what students are saying online and whom they are talking to, rather than just websites that are visited.

Second, Ken Brown, Executive Director of Technology for Spokane Public Schools, explains how he has used Vericept to augment his district’s web filter to improve network safety and increase compliance with the internet use policy. You can contact me for more information. You should also visit Nancy’s Website and check out some of Nancy’s new books, Cyberbullying and Cyberthreats and Cyber-Safe Kids and Cyber-Savvy Teens.

 

 School Internet Safety with Nancy Willard and Ken Brown [39:21m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download