Learning Objectives:
The Student will:
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Be able to identify the most common concerns relating to the use of technology
Be able to recognize the potential dangers of technology
Have an understanding of ways to avoid theses dangers
The way the communication world has changed
In today’s worlds students are able to venture through the world of information, entertainment
and their inevitable danger in a matter of seconds. Students and adults have taken communication to
levels that could not have been imagined a quarter of a century ago. Letters, numbers, and symbols
have taken on different meaning in communication.
Not only are messages and photos sent instantly, they can express or evoke emotions – anger, fear,
sadness, and happiness- via an array of seemingly random letters/numbers posing as words or
sentences. The consequences of these messages and images can be potentially dangerous.
You are NOT Anonymous:
The Perceived anonymity of posting messages and images to chat rooms, blogs, or text messages can
create a false sense of security to the user, prompting a student to think “It’s no big deal.” This
assumption is clearly wrong and potentially harmful. A quick scan of the daily news re-affirms the
dangers of cyber bullying, sexual predators, and identity theft, as well as the development of
inappropriate relationships between adults and minors.
Types of Electronic Media and Communication:
The Internet:
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Electronic Mail (E-mail)
Social Networking Sites
Cell Phones:
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Instant Messaging (IM)
Pictures/video
Voice Message
Social Networking Websites:
Social Networking sites are great for meeting people and new friends and bring a sense of
community to the internet. In a new interesting way, the social networking sites are making the world
truly seem small A good profile can include a real photo of yourself, a first name with last name initial,
and a state. It does not include your full last name, street address or the name of your school or where
you work. By listing the full last name of the school or work place, the undesirables of society can track
you down.
Social Networking Websites:
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MySpace
Facebook
You Tube
Xanga
Friendster
Twitter
What is the Problem with these websites?
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These sites can be appealing to sexual predators because they provide easy and immediate
access to information on potential victims
Students, in an attempt to appear cool or “grown up,” post suggestive and/or inappropriate
photos of themselves and their friends on the site
Inappropriate relationships between students and adults may develop using these websites.
These sites can be used to make threats and for cyber-bullying
Instant Messaging (IM):
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An IM-equipped student can communicate anywhere with anyone, at any time on the IM
network – all without parent’s knowledge.
When students sign up for an IM account, he or she is asked to fill out personal profile that asks
for key identifying information on the account holder. This personal profile is then placed in an
internet directory that can be viewed by all. The directory can be searched by name, date of
birth, gender, and interest.
Consequently, an unsuspecting student can effectively place himself or herself in a position to
receive unsolicited offers of sex, pornography, and other dubious material.
Bullying:
Strategies to Help Students:
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Remember, NOTHING is PRIVATE. Communication of information transferred electronically or
through wireless media can be recovered, stolen, traced, or intercepted
Never give and information to an unknown or unfamiliar source.
Any information that makes a student uncomfortable should be reported immediately, even if it
was meant to be a joke.
Messages sent or posted to a message board, blog or as an instant message service could have
unintended consequences. There is no taking the message back. Remember, information
communicated and the method of delivery does not absolve anyone from breaking the law.
Consequences: