Course: MCPS Technology - "Internet Safety for Educators"

Montgomery County Public Schools
200 Junkin Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: (540) 382-5100 Fax: (540) 381-6127

Internet Safety for Educators

The Internet is a valuable learning and communication tool. It is the goal of MCPS to ensure that our students can use the Internet in a safe and effective way. To achieve this goal MCPS staff has compiled resources, including this course, that will allow teachers, and parents to teach students how to avoid the dangers of cyberspace while effectively harnessing its power.

In December 2006, the Virginia General Assembly passed a bill requring that Internet safety be included in the instructional program throughout the curriculum at all grade levels.

This means that we as educators will integrate relevant components of Internet safety into our curricula. This course will provide resources and information relating to the components of Internet safety. In addition, it will assist you in determining which components are relevant to your grade level/subject area assignment and supply you with strategies on the integration of these components.

We hope that at the completion of this course you will have obtained a basic understanding of Internet safety and how it relates to your children. This site will be maintained, thus creating a valuable resource for up-to-date information and instructional materials. Check out the resources on the left side of this page.

If you need additional assistance with the identification and/or integration of relevant components of Internet safety, please feel free to contact a TRT.

Instructions

This course is divided into topics; each containing information, resources, and a short quiz. For each topic, browse through the resources and then complete the quiz. Completion of all quizzes serves as documentation of your participation in this state mandate. Upon completion of the final quiz, select the MCPS Internet Safety Course Certificate of Completion and print a certificate for your records. If you have any difficulties with this site, please consult a TRT.

Take a look at the Pretest below. It will give a detailed look at what is included in the Course:

Internet Safety Pretest Quiz

Topic 1

The Teacher's Role in Internet Safety

The Department of Education says that teachers should use "teachable moments" to integrate Internet Safety into their classroom curriculum. MCPS has compiled many activities and resources to help teachers include Internet Safety into their classes. The resources are organized in our Internet Safety web pages. Complete the Scavenger Hunt activity listed below.

Topic 2

Internet Access in Montgomery County Public Schools

Montgomery County Schools provides Internet access to employees and students. However, it is important that all faculty, staff and students are aware of, and comply with, the computer use policy set forth by the school system.

Did you know? - Even though MCPS uses a web filter some objectionable materials may still get through. Be alert!

Topic 3

Safe Searching

Teachers need to teach their students to search safely, especially when using a search engine like Google. For younger students, teachers should use search/information sites designed especially for kids.

Topic 4

Cyber Ethics

We live in an exciting time in history. The widespread availability of computers and Internet connections provides unprecedented opportunities to communicate and learn. Unfortunately, although most people use the Internet as a powerful and beneficial tool for communication and education, some individuals exploit the power of the Internet for criminal or terrorist purposes.

We can minimize the harm that such individuals do by learning ourselves, and teaching young people, how to use the Internet safely and responsibly. The term "cyberethics" refers to a code of safe and responsible behavior for the Internet community. Practicing good cyberethics involves understanding the risks of harmful and illegal behavior online and learning how to protect ourselves, and other Internet users, from such behavior. It also involves teaching young people, who may not realize the potential for harm to themselves and others, how to use the Internet safely and responsibly.

-U.S. Department Of Justice

Topic 5

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying occurs when a child, preteen or teenager is bullied, harassed, humiliated, threatened, embarrassed, or targeted in some way by another child, preteen or teenager through the use of the Internet, cell phones, and other forms of digital technology.

-www.stopcyberbullying.org

Topic 6

Social Interaction

Email, social networking sites like MySpace, chat rooms, and instant messaging are all ways students can interact socially on the Internet. Since many students enjoy interacting this way, it is important for teachers to have conversations with their students about ways to be safe when using these resources.

Topic 7

Other Electronic Devices

Cell Phones
Gaming Systems Wii, PS3, X-Box, etc...

Topic 8

Identity Theft, Spams, Scams & Viruses

Spam - Unsolicited junk email - generally advertising for some product sent wide-scale to a mailing list or newsgroup.

Scam/Phishing - Fraudulent emails claiming to be from reputable companies are designed to entice recipients into divulging sensitive credit card and bank account details.

Virus/Spyware/Hoax -

In computer technology, viruses are malicious software programs, a form of malware. By definition, viruses exist on local disk drives and spread from one computer to another through sharing of "infected" files.
Spyware is any technology that aids in gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge.
Hoax warnings are typically "scare alerts" started by malicious people and passed on by users who think they are helping the community by spreading the warning.

Topic 9

Final Exam and Graduation Certificate

Thank you for your participation. If you have any questions please contact your school's TRT, or call us here at the Technology Office. 381-7784

Final Quiz

Topic 10

Free Online Classes and Tutorials - Above and Beyond the Basics

MCPS Technology - "Internet Safety for Educators" - TRT

Topic outline