The Information Super Highway and computer technology have become a large part of our lives and are changing so rapidly that changes will have already been made in the time that it takes to read this. The use of the Internet in the classroom is a very valuable resource providing students with rich, quality, and up-to-date information, some of which can not be found in our text books. Well-planned and professionally developed lessons using the Internet and computer technology greatly increase the effectiveness of teaching and learning.

As a result of helping students over the years and the need to keep my students safe, I have developed this list of guidelines that may help my fifth grade students become more "street smart" as they navigate along the Information Super Highway.


1. It is best to use the Internet at school or at home under your parent's supervision. Remember, you are traveling on a super highway!


2. Always be polite, respectful, and appropriate when using the Internet.


3. Use kid-safe search engines and search appropriately.


4. Never give out personal information like your name, address, phone number, picture, or anyone else's name, address, phone number, or picture over the Internet.


5. Never order anything over the Internet or give out your parent's credit card number.


6. Be very careful about giving your e-mail address to other people, and do not give out someone else's e-mail address without his/her permission.


7. Never click on e-mails from people you do not know.


8. Stay out of public chat rooms, blogs, and instant messaging. If you begin having conversations with people over the Internet, your computer may be sending out information that will allow the person to figure out where you live.


9. Don't communicate with strangers!


10. Be aware that people may not be who they say they are on the Internet.


11. Never agree to meet someone in person that you have met on the Internet.


12. If anyone or anything makes you feel uncomfortable, tell your parents or teachers immediately.


13. Do not respond to any pop-up messages. You really didn't simply win, nor is it that important or urgent! It is an advertising ploy and a way of getting some information out of you that you should not be giving.


14. Never share your password with anyone else except your parents.


15. Follow your school and home rules about computer use.



Drive safely on the Information Super Highway!

Most of these guidelines are just "common sense" to help make your trip on the Information Super Highway a safe and positive one. There are many wonderful academic sites published by the scientific community, the educational community, libraries, government agencies, museums, and historical agencies. We will be involved in many academic activities this year that will require the use of the Internet which in turn will bring a wealth of quality information and resources to our classroom discussions and activities. Buckle-up, drive safely, make choices that will set you up for success, ask directions from your parents and teachers, and enjoy the journey!

 

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