1. Privacy: Source: FTC Releases Report on Consumers' Online Privacy http://www.ftc.gov/opa/9806/privacy2.htm
It is very important to address the issue of privacy with students in relationship to Internet usage before students begin using the Internet in the classroom. According to the survey explained in this site, there is little protection of privacy on the Internet. Specifically, in regards to sites targeted at children, this holds true. The Federal Trade Commission's survey found that eighty-nine percent of the 212 children's sites surveyed collect information from children which can personally identify them. Alarmingly, only ten percent of these sites require some form of control over the information by parents.
Although new legislation is being considered to protect users' privacy, it is my opinion that parents and teachers must address the issue with children who will be using the Internet. Before students first use the Internet as a tool in my classroom, I will make the students aware of the dangers of disclosing any type of personal information on the Internet. I will also be sure that students understand what might be considered personal information, such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, and even e-mail addresses.
Finally, I reiterate my firm belief that the key to successful use of the Internet in the classroom is for the teacher to carefully select and preview sites that will be used in the classroom.
2. Copyright: Source: Web Issues http://www.benedict.com/edge/webiss.htm#Top
Now that students have begun creating their own Web pages to display information, I believe that teachers must make students aware of copyright issues. I would raise this issue in my classroom prior to the students creating the page by identifying the points raised in this site: What is protected when you publish on the Web? What can you take from others for your Web page? What issues are involved in linking to other people's Web pages? As the author explains, putting your work on the Web implies public access. Furthermore, there seems to be a thin line between Fair Use and copyright infringement. Again, students just need to be aware of this issue before creating their own sites.
3. Censorship: Source: Censorship on the Internet, Marty Bruce http://www.purplenet.net/~marty/ip.htm
This article deals with the topic of censorship on the Internet. It defines the Communications Decency Act, legislation intended to impose government restrictions of the Internet. The Citizens Internet Empowerment Coalition's(CIEC) viewpoint is also explained. Its theory is that the Internet is a communications medium which deserves First Amendment protection. Also, it is the responsibility of the users and parents to determine what material is appropriate, not the government. Finally, the author explains that because it is a printed medium, the government cannot censor the Internet.
Again, censorship is an issue about which students simply should be made aware before using the Internet. I would approach this topic in my classroom through a discussion in which I would mention that there are inappropriate sites on the Internet. However, the First Amendment protects the Internet. This might be an appropriate time to discuss our District and School's Acceptable Use Policy and explain that students will be using sites that have been carefully selected and previewed by the teachers.
4. Free Speech: Source: Law and Order Comes to Cyberspace, Dorothea E. McDowell http://parsons.ab.umd.edu/~demcdow/laworder.htm
This article again addresses the issue of censorship and protection of copyrighted materials on the Internet. Among other points, the author explains that although the Internet is protected by the First Amendment, children must still be protected from accessing certain sites. The article explains that some online services and schools block access to certain groups, and the anticensorship groups closely monitor to be sure that free speech is being upheld.
Again, students must be made aware of the issue of free speech when using the Internet. This would be discussed in my classroom when reviewing our policy for student use of the Internet.
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