Search Engines
I wonder how anyone ever made it without search engines. I google anything and everything these days, and having a smartphone makes this accessible at all times. Search engines help us locate information on the web. It is very important that we teach our students how to use search engines so they are able to find reliable information for projects, etc. Roblyer suggests teaching students to use keywords in search engines instead of questions, also show them how to use advanced search tools to narrow their searches (p. 184).
Website Evaluation Video
I really enjoyed this video and believe it is appropriate for an elementary classroom to better explain websites and their validity. This video shows students how to find out if a website is a reliable source or not. If I were to use this in the classroom, after showing it to the class I would display a checklist for evaluating websites like Roblyer does on page 198.
Favorite Professional Websites
There are so many websites I go to for reliable information. Using the evaluation checklist by Roblyer, I was able to provide two websites that fit the criteria listed (Roblyer, 2016, p. 198).
Scholastic is a favorite of mine that I use quite often. This website allows you to browse book suggestions, activities for students, lesson plans, information about common core, etc. This website is gold and not to mention FREE!
Education World is a website that I came across recently. This website provides lesson plans, administrator sources, teacher essentials, technology information, etc. Education World has to much to offer and just like Scholastic, it is also FREE!
Online Safety and Security
Although we all love the internet, there are certain safety precautions we need to take and that should be taught to students. Roblyer suggests installing Firewall software or Filtering software to help with keeping track of what students can access and keeping outsiders from accessing your computer and its files (Roblyer, 2016, p. 174). I also find it important to teach students about the importance of not sharing personal information online and the effects of cyberbullying.
Roblyer, M.D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Boston:
Pearson/Allyon and Bacon.
I agree that internet safety precautions should be taught before introducing the internet in the classroom. I think you could make it into a fun scavenger hunt or interactive activity to help students become really invested in internet safety.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you cyberbuliying is becoming more and more prominent and it can be very detrimental to the student being bullied because one person may start it but many others will join in. Which leaves the bullied student feeling trapped and helpless
ReplyDeleteSafety precautions should be taught before allowing children to do anything involving the internet. I am so glad that we have online safety options and filters available for us to use in the classroom!
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