It's Been Awhile

It's been quite a while since my last post - For the 2009-10 school year I stepped back into my teacher shoes and got some much needed real-time experience with a class of 5th, 6th and 7th grade boys. They have taught me a great deal! It pleases me to no end to see their seemingly innate attitude towards positive digital citizenship. These boys have grown up with technology and not only do they embrace it as an important part of their lives, they also realize that it IS a place where real people are impacted. However, and it's a BIG "however," there is much they are unaware of, especially when it comes to the kinds of risks that online interaction involves. They seemingly move and click at the speed of light (!) and that just doesn't usually leave enough time to think cautiously.

The other thing I have been painfully reminded of is how difficult it is to truly integrate cyber safety into the curriculum. Yes, it takes some planning, and that means time that I never have enough of. I am very humbled to think of the many teachers who have embraced cyber safety education - Teachers, you have my greatest respect.
Carry on and think about SUMMER vacation!