So last Wednesday there were a few really good presentations..including my own which was probably super fascinating. I think all three presentation were great but the two topics that really stand out as important issues to me are Cyberbullying and Website Blocking and Filters in schools.
First, cyberbullying is a growing problem and I think will only get worse with all of the new mediums for communicating with each other. I haven't experienced it first hand to a serious degree but have seen it affect others in a very humiliating and offensive manner. For the most part my experience with it has been very light-hearted and meant to be a joke; just friends busting each others chops so to speak. I have no real problem with that, but I think a lot of the time the student on the receiving end wouldn't feel comfortable coming forward if they were personally offended and the joke crossed the line. I think these situations happen a lot more that we might think, the kids just don't come forward. There isn't an easy answer to this problem either unfortunately. Schools need to address this problem by talking to students about how serious these situations can actually be, and discuss how to avoid them. Also showing videos (many on youtube) that show the dramatic effects of cyberbullying. Anything would be better than leaving the problem untouched.
Second, filtering in schools is another growing concern. I have gone back and forth on this issue quite a few times but I think that I've settled on the decision that I think schools would be better of without blocking or filtering websites. Students need to be supervised while using the computers at all times, which shouldn't be a problem and would be happening anyway. This way the students could still utilize things like email and sites like youtube that have many positive educational purposes. I also think that many students, especially in inner city schools may not own a computer and need to use the school's facilities. If they can't access their email they will be falling behind when it comes to keeping up with their peers in the ways of communication and technology. I think filtering and blocking really do more harm than good.
My thoughts on it anyway...drop a few of your own.
Dan
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Good Post Dan!
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that we should talk to our students about cyberbullying, rather then leave the problem untouched! I don't think students realize how hurtful it can be to others, as you said, a lot of them do see it as a joke. There are a lot of good videos on YouTube that I feel would have an impact on students, teachers just need to find these resources to show them!
You made lots of good points when it comes to filters! Lots of things I never thought of before, such as the many inner city kids who do not having access to computers. I agree teachers do have to be supervising students on computers at all times, so why filter?
I also agree that cyberbullying needs to be discussed with students. In todays age with such a rapid expansion in technology, every kid has a cell phone. Kids have to be taught that bullying via cell phone or internet is the same as face face bullying.
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