Useful Sites

GetNetWise

http://www.getnetwise.org/

GetNetWise is a public service coalition that Awants Internet users to be only "one click away" from the resources they need to make informed decisions about their family's use of the Internet."

Web Awareness--Media Awareness Network

http://www.media-awareness.ca/
eng/webaware/home.htm

This Web site provides parents, teachers and librarians with practical information and hands-on activities to help give kids the "cyber smarts" they need to make wise and safe online decisions. The Web Awareness program has been developed with partners from the Ontario public library and education sector.

Illegal and Offensive Content on the InternetBThe Canadian Strategy to Promote Safe, Wise and Responsible Use of the Internet.

http://www.connect.gc.ca/
cyberwise/index.html
(Also available in .pdf format)

Internet tutorials for Elementary and Secondary students.

Http://www.kpr.edu.on.ca/
BoardInfo/Services/
Educ/Lrc/search.htm

These guides were designed to assist Internet educators in teaching secondary and elementary students how to effectively use the Internet . There is an elementary and a secondary version.

LRC Links

A subject classified list of resources including many good starting points for educators and students. More links on the topic of safety and search techniques may be found there.

LRC Links

Community Learning Network :Integrate the Internet into the Classroom

Most of the sites in this section of the CLN focus on providing background information on how teachers can use the Internet in their classroom. Resources include explanations, examples, suggestions, self-instructional tutorials (lessons), and discussion groups.

http://www.cln.org/
int_background.html

 

 

  

Part Two: Safe and Effective Searches on the Internet

by Johan Ragetli, Library Information Analyst
March, 2001

Synopsis: In Part One (Connected, Feb 2001), Shelley Merton explored Internet search tools. This second installment focuses on how to build information literacy through conducting safe and effective searches within the framework of delivering classroom Internet projects.

The Internet is a window to the world. The whole world. Sites can range from the sublime to the ridiculous, and from the outstandingly good to the truly horrible. Using the Internet gives students the opportunity to be self-directed learners, to connect to others, to explore and construct learning experiences. Using Internet-based projects in the classroom can inspire and motivate exceptional learners, and help students in developing critical thinking skills. Students become more excited about and engaged in learning when they feel connected to the real world through immersion in authentic research, and by accessing primary source documents, experts in the field, e-pals in other countries and more. The Internet offers kids many opportunities for learning, constructive entertainment, and personal growth. At the same time, parents and the educational community at large are concerned about the risks kids face online. The challenge for educators is to educate themselves and their students about how to use the Internet effectively and safely.

SAFETY
~Taking control of the learning environment~

Learn about the risks kids face online, based on age levels or types of activities.

Decide whether filtering is appropriate for your group of students. What filtering system does the school employ? Is it adequate? Does it filter too much out?

Know the KPR Safe and Acceptable Use Policy. Post and enforce online rules for students' Internet use. There are many groups that provide examples of online safety guides. (See http://www.media-awareness.ca/eng/webaware/
tipsheets/online.htm or http://www.ala.org/parentspage/greatsites/safe.html)

Learn how to identify online trouble and get law enforcement contact information. Find national child advocacy groups that can help you recognize and report online trouble.

Get them started right. There are many excellent starting points for kids. Identify the best starting points for your audience or project and begin your search process there consistently, thus avoiding poor or misdirected search strategies. Use the Internet together.

Effective Searching
~Establishing lifelong learning skills~

Evaluation

Not only should you as the educator know how to evaluate Web pages as viable learning tools, but your students need to know how to analyze resources on the WWW as well. Use a checklist to evaluate sites, based on currencyBis it up-to-date?; authorityBwho is responsible for the document?; relevancyBis the information relevant to the topic?; presentationBis the information presented in a user-friendly, enjoyable manner?; and, coverage-- is the topic covered fairly and comprehensively?

Critical thinking skills

Research on the web should be carried out with same preparation that is required for any school project. Teacher-librarians have found that students learn best when schools adopt a consistent inquiry and research model across all grades and disciplines within a consistent information studies curriculum from grade to grade. The OSLA has researched and identified four stages which are common to all models:

Preparing for Research (e.g., defining question)

Accessing Resources (e.g., locating information)

Processing Information (e.g., evaluating information)

Transferring Learning (e.g. presenting information)

(Information Studies:K-12. Ontario Library Association. 1999. Available at http://www.accessola.org/action/positions/info_studies/)

Successful Internet projects require good planning. Integrating your resource-based lessons with the effective and safe use of technology will enhance students' learning and help develop their information literacy skills.

Print version (.pdf format)

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