Food for thought:
The controversial trial of Julie Amero has been the subject of international media coverage. Julie Amero is a former substitute teacher who was previously convicted of four counts of risk of injury to a minor, or impairing the morals of a child. On June 6, 2007, the conviction was vacated and she was granted a new trial.
Julie Amero was substituting for a seventh-grade language class in Norwich, Connecticut. Prior to Ms. Amero’s arrival, the teacher's computer had been accessed by pupils while the regular teacher was out of the room. When Julie took charge, the computer started showing pornographic images in the form of pop-ups.
On January 5, 2007, Amero was convicted in Norwich Superior Court on four counts of risk of injury to a minor, or impairing the morals of a child. Her sentencing was delayed four times after her conviction, with both the prosecution and judge not satisfied that all aspects of the case had been assessed. The felony charges for which she was originally convicted carry a maximum prison sentence of 40 years. On June 6, 200, a New London superior court judge threw out the conviction of Amero, she was granted a new trial and entered a plea of not guilty. It is unclear at this time if the State's Attorney of Connecticut will pursue a second trial.
The Controversy
Amero and her supporters say that the old computer, along with the school network, lacked firewall and anti-spyware protection to prevent inappropriate pop-ups. Although the school did use a filter, it was not licensed for software updates and so did not block newly discovered pornographic websites. Amero’s defense argued that this prevented her from controlling the pop-ups.
One of the important things for you to consider is how could an AUP have helped? A comprehensive AUP should stipulate information for substitutes and other temps using school or classroom computers. It should layout how these temporary or non-permanent personnel are to be instructed on how to handle issues such as this if they arrived.
ALL Ms. Amero should have done was immediately turn off the computer or contact the office for help. NEITHER of which she did.
Just how should we define a Techsafe Teacher? HOW will you implement your responsibilities in ensuring that students engage in appropriate and safe technology experiences while in class? Share your thoughts by blogging on the following:
- What types of cyber safety issues do you envision that you may face and how will you respond to these challenges?
- Have you, or will you, teach classroom acceptable use policies?
- How does your teaching style equate to how you will handle safety and/or security issues that will come up?
13 comments:
This again is such a tricky area. I believe computers can engage, provide creative and exploratory moments, create a classroom of universal proportions: but we are working globally and providing safety information is vitally important. The rought spot for me is where fear steps in and we stay safely in our comfort zone (our box of safety) instead of growing and being productive. The measurement tools for safety is sooooo very gray (their is no black and white) when dealing with problems that arise. I feel being present when students are on the computer is extremely important and I feel that substitute teachers need to be provided any information that will help them along the way. Annie
As I teach second grade, I feel there will be a small opportunity for the children to get "off task". However, we cover internet safety and discuss things that could happen and how to deal with them if they do occur. It is such a touchy area, especially with the little guys.
Allowing Internet use at school can be a bit scary. Even though I work with first graders there are some that want to get on the Internet and go to their favorite sites. These are sites that they have learned about at home. Students bring a variety of skills and experiences with them when they sit down at the school computer. The teacher is not usually aware of the experience that students pick up at home from older brothers or sisters or Mom or Dad.
A teacher is responsible for monitoring computer use so it is very important that the students be in a position where the computer or computers are easily seen at all times.
It is also important that teachers have covered the safety rules of using the computer.
I agree with Annie. The Internet is a great big exciting world. But there are dark areas in that wonderful world so we need to know how, and help students learn how to navigate around those dark spots but still not be afraid to explore this new world.
I will admit, I do not use the internet very much with my students. I am not sure if it a result of lack of time or more so just the content that I teach. However, I do believe that all teachers have a responsibility to educate students about the dangers of using the internet. Watching the video left me feeling very uneasy. I know that predators are out there, but I've never taken the time to think about how easy it is for them to "hunt" children. The child in the video did most of the things that would make me think that she had protected herself. We all know how easy it is to get caught up in a conversation and revel too much information about ourselves. I agree that students must learn to use the internet, yet need to be aware of its dangers. The problem come when we miss something. It is impossible to think of and prepare for everything. The question I would pose is, what is enough safety education? When do you leave the rest up to students' judgments? How do you know?
In laboratory situations, when accidents occur, and they inevitably will, the best thing I can do as the teacher is to react calmly to the situation- this calms the students and reminds them there is a protocol to follow that we have rehearsed: what first aid to apply, who to notify etc. These "accidents" in a tech setting should be treated in the same matter-of-fact, nonalarmist manner as well. I like Anne's(Minckler's)way of dealing with inappropriate sites- her kids were taught that if for whatever reason you find yourself somewhere you know you shouldn't be, shut off the monitor, notify the teacher and hit Control P. For the student, the incident is over, and the teacher is in control.
With respect to substitutes, just as I would never have a substitute conduct a lab activity, neither would I have them directing a tech activity where the likelihood of "accidents" is high, or the temptation for students to wander around is greater because the teacher is not there. At least in the lab situation, numerous court cases have found that the liability for accidents that occur rests with the teacher, not the substitute! The teacher is responsible for anticipating the dangers and seeing that they don't occur, even in their absence.
You are all approaching internet safety in such a responsible manner - it is very impressive, and unfortunately not always the norm. I am happy to see that some of you are lower elementary teachers. As with many areas of social development, you can have such a huge impact on cyber-social development in your students. I agree with April's approach - you need to be proactive in talking about internet safety and just be ready to face the challenges as they come up. The real key is in trying to see the teachable moment in the unexpected. Don't be afraid of what may happen - be prepared by knowing what your response will be, even if that response is best left at "This is where we wanted to go! What should we do?"
LOL - What I meant to say was - "This ISN'T where we wanted to go! what shall we do?"
I remember reading about this incident and the "punishment" of the substitute teacher. In defense of the sub, she was "set up" by one or more clever students. And, I think it is an appropriate defense to ask the question as to why screening software was not updated to prevent such a thing happening.
It is easy to say that all the sub had to do was turn off the computer. In retrospect, that is the logical and best course of action. However, I can imagine being in her shoes with kids shouting with joy and laughing. But in no way would I punish the teacher like the state is attempting to do. The punishment simply doesn't fit "the crime."
Also, from a labor law standpoint, the district still bears responsiblity for its facilities AND employees.
We use Cybersitter at school which is automatically updated. It works well (all too well by blocking many legitimate sites and searches). I also have SynchronEyes software in our computer lab which allows me to view all computers in use and block/shut down any student when he/she is not following our lab rules. This too works well.
The philosophy behind the Internet has always been to provide a totally open and non-censored format for expression. That is both a blessing and a curse.
The best thing we can do is to teach students how to be a responsible user of the WWW. As the saying goes, "Teach someone how to fish. . . "
I think anything that deals with the internet is very complicated. Where are the lines drawn? What is available that is safe. I guess if there is not any overreacting by the teacher the students will not overreact themselves.I know that no matter how many blocks you have on the computer you will aways get some sort of material that is undesirable.
That's it in a nutshell, Tera. Don't overact and don't think that you can depend on "blocking" to take care of Internet safety. Education is key. Online usage is a part of our social existence now and learning how to appropriately interact through technologies is a very important part of a young person's learning experience. Unfortunately many adults don't have the "wisdom of experience" to rely on in handling it. I think though that if we do our best at this point in time, we will be setting up future generations to have better experiences.
Four years ago when I was teaching 5th grade, of one my students was typing on santa.com. Innocent, right? He clicked on a flashing pop-up. We ended up with a picture of a scantly clad girl. Luckily, the kids told me. I got him out of the site, and called our tech team. I followed up by sending an email of what had happened. I can't help but think of how quick it happened. Now that I am teaching 1st grade, I hope I can raise up a POSITIVE tech savvy generation. I took Ann Minkler's advice from the summer Protec's meeting: things can happen...raise your hand..I'll handle it. It was one of the first lessons of computer lab etiquette I covered.
I think the key it to being proactive. Have ongoing discussions with the student about what "safety" issues exist in our new age. If a situation does arise in the classroom, use that as a "teachable moment." Be calm and matter of fact to minimize any overeaction on the students' part.
It is so important to monitor student use of the computer. Students often make mistakes in typing addresses that can pop up inappropriate sites. Students may also go off task if your not paying attention.
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