PLE 14- Internet Safety Reflection

"Internet Safety Reflection"

What article did you choose to read for your article of choice?
Gordon B. Hinckley, “An Ensign to the Nations, a Light to the World,” Ensign, Nov 2003, 82

Describe the video resources you watched:
Frontline PBS Documentary

A Revolution in Classrooms and Social Life, and
Living Their Lives Essentially Online.
(source: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/view/main.html)
Most important "take-aways" were from the readings and video:

Article
- Hold to the faith

- Stand firmly for what i know to be right.
- Perspective: You must take the long look ahead rather than succumbing to the present

seductive temptation.

Videos
- Tons of youth hangout using social networks: myspace, facebook, bebo etc.
- Computer parties. Kids have a party by setting up their laptops and playing videos.

I recognized how difficult it must be for parents and teachers to know what’s happening with the youth. Youth share personal information more explicitly than former generations because they can simply type something or record a video online without having to worry about other’s initial reactions. Arguments and relationships can be completely online. Seemingly invisible to someone not connected with technology. Youth are constantly connected with technology. As a result, one teacher claimed her students focus ability has declined from prior decades. Another teacher asserts instructors must be an entertainer d=to compete with students constant bombardment of media.

Technology Discussion

The person I spoke with already knew how much youth are "connected" through technology daily. She knew the danger of online chat rooms and posting videos . She reacted concerned for the dangers internet can have, but hopeful for its rich learning opportunities from the information that I shared. I was surprised that my friend reacted receptive to my realistic and hopeful message because she lives technology. After this discussion I feel she will be careful towards exactly what information she shares online. For example, she shared how earlier in the week she was going to post some pictures of a classroom she taught. After our discussion, she realized the potential dangers posting pictures of her students could incite.