In Chapter 5, the most important section that really resonated with me was the discussion on cyberbullying. I firmly believe that kids in our society are never too young to learn about respecting other people both in person and behind a screen. Cyberbullying is such a scary thing, as I assume that most parents are unaware of their childrens' outrageous behavior online. A child can LOOK like a complete angel, but can be terrorizing someone online so much that they tragically choose to end their life. I am extremely passionate about this issue because I think it is entirely inexcusable and horrific. It sickens me when I hear that another young person has committed suicide because of ongoing taunts and mean teasing behind a screen. Bullying of all kinds is terrible and cowardly, and if done behind a computer screen the perpetrator should be tried in the same way as if they actually came into physical contact with their victim. I really can't stress it enough: a true, serious discussion on cyberbullying and its effects should definitely be had in any and EVERY classroom. To me, this is a crucial component of being a digital citizen. Technology is all fair and well until we hear of another online victim. It happens far too often to be dismissed or deemed unimportant. We need to hold our students and kids to extremely high standards when it comes to behavior on the internet.
I enjoyed reading Chapter 6 and found particular use in the different educational websites and apps that the authors listed for use. Sometimes it is hard to think about the internet as more than just Google, CNN, Facebook, Yahoo, etc! These online educational resources are great, and an awesome way to use technology in a safe and fun way.
Jess,
ReplyDeleteI like that you call attention to cyberbullying. Back when I was in high school it wasn't as serious of an issue as it is today. Embarassingly enough, I was a victim of it and when it was reported to my school officials, all they could suggest to me was to change my online usernames or to be careful about who I talk to. Cyberbullying is just the tip of it. It encourages the taunts and namecalling in school as well. Its something that is inescapable. It is so important for not only the children but for the parents to be educated on the subject and to really monitor what their children are doing on their phones and online.
Jess,
ReplyDeleteBecause I am new to the education field I would really like to know what programs schools run in order to raise awareness on cyberbullying and Internet etiquette. Individuals who are apt to cyberbullying deserve a swift kick to the lower region of their body. Students who are caught victimizing another person should face the consequences of a long extraneous but educational powerpoint presentation on the effects of cyberbullying, along with a 10 page reflective essay. But that's just me.
I agree this is a very troubling issue we face in today's schools. Internet socialization is exploding and we must educate our students in proper etiquette. I agree with you this is an issue we must address.
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