Banned social networks can mean missed opportunities for student (and adult) learning
Posted by Harvey on September 23, 2009 in Web 2.0
Student social networks are banned in most schools as disruptive distractions or potentially unsafe and unmoderated spaces that can put students at risk. However, students themselves use technology tools like cell phones and social networks as integral parts of their world, a world that includes school and classroom learning. Students are online and using social networks, and preventing student access at school does little to address the real need to help students to safeguard their well-being. Like any other health or safety issue, the real solution to protecting students lies in education.
Phishing scams, issues of authenticity and duplicity, inappropriate private information on public spaces, trolls, flames and cyberbullies are all very real threats online. Students and teachers alike have unfortunately fallen afoul of these threats, and the only real solution to creating safe and healthy digital citizens in schools and the world at large comes from addressing the challenges with learning solutions.
The Smokescreen site provides an opportunity to educate digital citizens of all ages about potential threats and best practices for maintaining an online presence. Presented as a series of discovery games designed for a teen audience, Smokescreen offers a series of interactive modules that help users explore threats and learn safeguards for their activities on the web.
Share Smokescreen with your own social network, online or in the classroom.
September 28th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Harvey, thanks for this. I also think it’s important to teach these lessons to my kids in a real environment. A simulation provided by a third party is moving in the right direction, but teachers really need to be given the latitude and trust for teaching these lessons to their classrooms themselves. I would certainly welcome the opportunity…