INTERsafetyNET

    As our society emerges into an era of technological communication, so do our students.  Students, at young ages, are using e-mail, Facebook, cell phones, and texting.  How can we communicate with our students and encourage their use of modern communication technology while protecting them from Internet dangers?

    Looking closer at this issue, two components are evident:  1.  Encouraging student use of technological communication and 2.  Providing awareness of technological communication dangers to students.  By encouraging student use of technological communication, educators are engaging students in meaningful learning experiences while also preparing them for their future. Student benefits can be found both in and out of an elementary setting such as in the college setting: The Challenges and Benefits of Using Computer Technology for Communication and Teaching in the Geosciences where authors Fairley, J. P.; Hinds, J. J. share that technology "which has historically attracted students with strong spatial and visualization skills. In today's job market, graduates are expected to have knowledge of computers and the ability to use them for acquiring, processing, and visually analyzing data."  With respect to providing student awareness, students must be made aware of the dangers to technological communication such as Cyberbullying, identity theft, and the many dangers that may result from sharing your personal information.  Opposition to the issue of encouraging student communication use includes the dangers of communication use as well as the high technology costs.

   The setting of this situation lays both in and out of school.  Technology is being provided to students by their families while additional technology is provided in school.  Parents themselves may not be aware of the dangers for their children which has led to additional awareness to be provided within schools.  Resources for Community Involvement can be found at Community Outreach Guide.This issue has been an ongoing issue but has become more prevalent with national Cyberbullying tragedies Cyberbullying Continued After Teen's Death.

      I fully believe in encouraging our students to communicate with technology.  Communicating with technology allows introverted individuals to convey their ideas in a way that allows them to feel comfortable.  As an educator, we are providing a disservice to our student if we do not education our students about comunication technology.  Students will be unprepared for the real-world.  But educating our students about technological communication also requires education on the dangers of technology communication.  I feel that we need to be forward with our students but not to the extent that students are discouraged from using technology.  In order to do so, students need the opportunity to communicate with technology within the school setting so that learning experiences may arise.  I look forward to encountering these opportunities with my students.