TechieTeacher5280

Today I read an article that really bothered me on a topic that I know is very controversial in Education and tends to be a hot button issue. The state of Missouri is trying to pass the Amy Hestir Student Protection Act , which in section 162.069.4, would "prohibit teachers from establishing, maintaining or using a 'non-work-related Internet site which allows exclusive access with a current or former student'” (MediaShift, 2011). Although the purpose of this act is noble, to protect children from sexual predators, I take issue with this section, as does Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem. Judge Beetem issued an injunction order as this act may infringe on teacher's First Amendment rights to free speech. The act is worded somewhat vaguely and could be interpreted in such a way as to prohibit teachers from having any type of account that would allow for private communication with students. In other words, teachers could be prohibited from having a Facebook account, em...

Internet Safety and responsible use of technology will always be a hot topic in schools. Internet predators are not going away, and it seems that "stranger danger" is not the only dark side of technology. Kids are commonly the perpetrators of harm, against others as well as themselves, thanks to Cyberbullying and Sexting. One in five U.S. teenagers received unwanted sexual solicitations online ( Crimes Against Children Research Center ). Cyberbullying has touched three-fourths of American teenagers according to a 2008 UCLA survey. 20% of teenagers have sent or posted nude or semi-nude pictures or videos of themselves and 39% of teens had sent or posted sexually suggestive messages ( The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy ).  It's unfortunate, but as with so many things in life, we must take the good with the bad., but we don't have to take it lying down. So this week, as I kick off my Internet safety lessons with my students, I though...