Patty Chiles
Douglas School
Springfield, Illinois
There are numerous issues of debate that center around the Internet. As we bring this valuable tool into our classrooms we also need to reflect on how we, as educators, will handle the "negative" aspects of Internet use.
For this assignment we were asked to choose four topics of interest and reflect on how we might address these issues with our students. I chose to link the topics of censorship and free speech together because I feel there is great overlap. It is hard to discuss one without the other coming to light. The other two topics I chose were sexual predators on the Internet and the issue of piracy of software. I believe both of these topics should be of concern to the classroom teacher.
Censorship and Free Speech
I teach seventh and eight grade students. In Illinois the eight grade students are required to study the Constitution and pass a test on it. The majority of students I teach are aware of "the right to free speech". Being aware and understanding the privilege and responsibility that comes with free speech can be a different matter.
I think a debate on the pros and cons of free speech could lead into an excellent discussion of free speech and censorship on the Internet. Questions should be raised about infringing on the rights of others. Students should be asked to consider whether or not it should make a difference if they are using a school computer on school time. Students should also be asked if they are aware of any consequences that might result from violating the rights of others.
Several projects for a class could be drawn from this one topic. Students could search the web for cases of censorship then give their own opinion on the case sited. Groups could collaborate to come up with free speech restrictions for school newspapers that they might impose if they were the school board members.
I have listed three web sites you may wish to look at if you are working with your students on this topic.
http://spyglass1.sjmercury.com/breaking/docs/065518.htm
The above URL will take you to Breaking News. There is an article entitled Youth Winds Up In Doghouse Over Web Page by Tracey Cooper of Scripps Howard News Service. It is the story of the student who created the Chihuahua Haters of America Club. The student created this from his home computer, but he received consequences from his school for his actions. Could lead to some very interesting debates for your students.
http://cuda.ucr.edu/Page_rhyde/freespeech.html
This URL will take you to an article by an individual named Randall Hyde. He gives his opinion on free speech and the Internet. This might be useful as a tool to have your students take an opposing view on.
http://www.ccpj.ca/publications/Internet/index.html
An issues identification paper written by David Cozac of the Canadian Committee to Protect Journalists. It is more in depth and touches on several areas of interest. He reflects on ratings and filters, privacy issues, free expression, and Internet regulations and legislation. Plenty of food for thought here.
Sexual Predators on the Internet
The majority of students we teach are minors. We need to consider our responsibility to protect them as they explore the Internet. We cannot or should not eliminate technology from the classroom due to the offensive acts of a few. The Internet is a valuable tool we must teach our students to use. Teachers and parents alike have warned children of the many dangers in the "real world". I think we can effectively use these same strategies to educate children about using caution when surfing the web.
Especially with younger students guidelines for use of the Internet should be given and discussed before access is ever allowed. Students should be advised to not give out home addresses or phone numbers.
I teach seventh and eighth grade students. I still discuss this topic even though most of my students have already had experience browsing the web. I don't like to assume anything. I usually start a discussion by asking the class how anonymous they feel they are when using a computer. We discuss the use of e-mail and if it can be traced back to the writer. Older students are usually much more aware, but often feel too safe when alone behind a computer.
I have listed a URL that teachers and parents would find helpful in protecting children from sexual predators.
http://www.tvrundown.com/cases/casknxva.html
The above URL will take you to The TV Rundown - Case Histories. There is a story taken from KNXV-TV on sexual predators on the Internet. It informs and gives advice on protecting children from pedophiles.
Piracy on the Internet
Students should be informed about restrictions on using or copying material from the Internet. Teachers need to explain that simply just because it CAN be copied does not mean it is OKAY to copy material. In researching this topic I came across some interesting facts I wasn't aware of. Software theft results in 130,000 lost U.S. jobs. It cost 5.3 billion in lost wages and nearly l billion in lost tax revenues. One in four programs are pirated.
Teachers can teach through example. Many of us are guilty of "just making one copy to use in the classroom". I would suggest looking at the site below then rethinking your own actions.
http://www.info-sec.com/OSsec/OSsec_062697a.html-ssi
This will take you to the Congressional Hearings to Target Software Piracy. Very informative.
Don't let the controversial issues scare you off. There is far too much to gain from teaching your students to use the Internet. If we neglect to teach them or deny them access then we will be doing them a great injustice. We really can't afford to leave them behind. Don't look at this as a challenge, but instead as an opportunity. It is your opportunity to teach them wisely!
"There is no place like home. There is no place like home."