Elementary class access to web 2.0 tools is a bit cumbersome because young children must be much more protected from the outside world. This requires that their teachers be much more web 2.0 savvy so that they can structure the environment for safe access. An example is Google images. An adult, or near adult, can simply pop into Google or Flickr or any other image repository to find creative commons images. Not so, elementary students. One misspelling, incorrect search or even a bit of devilment can lead them to images which are not healthy for young children. Viewing the video (http://teachweb2.blogspot.com/2009/12/welcome-to-my-ple.html) on personal learning spaces by this 7th grader, made me try to envision a similar working environment for our elementary students. Then there is the access issue. This young lady obviously has computer access 24-7. Our students don't, not even at school. I wonder what other issues....I've asked this question of our 5th grade teachers. Let's see what happens.
1 comment:
Keeping young students safe and anonymous is an important consideration whenever you prepare to take them online. Preventative measures like web filters need to be in place, and students must be taught how to stay safe and what to do when problems arise.
I use a swimming pool analogy: It would be great if all dangerous bodies of water had fences and lifegaurds but since they don't we learn to swim. We know it is just a matter of time until a student jumps into the world of web 2.0 feet first, we have to teach them to be safe.
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