by Alan Haskvitz

Internet usage presents a quandary as teachers and district personnel argue who should be in charge of classroom use.  Fear of legal action, such as in one school district where a student’s parent signed an Internet usage letter waiving legal action against the school, but filed a complaint anyway when the student was found on an improper site in class. The case has not been decided yet, but the district still has to pay its legal costs.

On the plus side, many districts just wash sites based on store-bought software, and teachers are left without many valuable resources.  For example, in my district I was locked out of the excellent WatchKnow site.  This site is filled with exceptional short videos on a variety of topics. The fact they are short makes them useful as ingredients to build stepping stones to additional strategies. Teachers can even add their own favorites.

In Utah they have a site, NetSafeUtah, which has a listing of copyright-free resources that teach the correct way to use and be safe on the Internet.  Click “online videos” for a look.

Some other sites that stress safety follow.  Always remember to carefully review each site before using; some even have excellent videos

Children Online Free Newsletter
Consider signing up for their free, printable newsletters -- excellent topics.

Children Online:  Resources for Parents and Schools

Common Sense Media
This is a review site, but they have insightful articles on Internet safety.  And, you can get a free newsletter for updates.

Confront Bullying to Help Students Learn
Bullying links

Connect Safely
A forum for teachers and parents

CyberSmart! Student Curriculum

Kids.gov Computers and Technology

Kidsnetsoft.com  Internet Safety
This general link site has an excellent compilation of good sites.

Media Awareness Network
The game section is a good place to start; it stresses Internet safety.

OnGuard Online
From the Federal Trade Commission comes this must-visit site with a quiz on safety and more.

NetFamilyNews.org
More on cyberbullying

NetSmartz Workshop

Protect Yourself -- On and Off the Net
A great many links, including ID theft

SafeKids.com Internet Safety & Civility
This sophisticated site for older students and parents has lots of good insights.

SafeTeens.com
Also for older students, but this site has more specifics on dealing with teens.

Teacher Survival Sites
A selection of valuable resources in a variety of areas, including Internet safety