Electronic Education
Gone are the days of hitting the books at the library to study for an exam or research a project. In the past decade, the Internet has exploded at a phenomenal rate and with it brought dangers as well as advantages. We explore how to protect your children from the Internet’s bad aspects while helping them use it as an educational tool.
Educational benefits of the Internet
The Internet is not only a powerful learning tool but also a great way to communicate. By using the Internet in education, it assists in developing students’ independent learning and research skills, allows them to use the technology to access resources far greater than the books in the school library, plus communicate with fellow students. But, unfortunately, there is a downside.
The Internet also provides its fair share of worries for today’s cautious parent. While you may think your kids are working hard at their homework on the computer, they may be looking at sites they shouldn’t be or communicating with people you wouldn’t want them associating with. And the dangers aren’t just on the home computer, but on computers at school, libraries and friends’ houses, plus at public access centres or even on mobile phones with Internet access.
It’s safe to say that many parents don’t have a clue about what their children are up to online. Many parents who wouldn’t dream of letting their kids get into a car with a stranger or go without seatbelts, bike helmets, or sunscreen are letting them explore cyberspace without restrictions. Whatever your child’s age, there is no longer any excuse to remain uninformed.
Keeping your kids safe
So how does a cautious parent go about protecting their child while still allowing them the freedom to use the computer for their schoolwork and a bit of harmless fun? Here are some products that may help parents relax, while protecting their children from the dangers that lurk on the Internet.
Stay Smart Online
Full of fun, interactive, self-learning cyber exercises for students in primary and secondary schools, Budd:e is an Australian government initiative and is available online or by calling 1800 753 178 to order the CD-ROM. The Budd:e package consists of two learning modules — one for Year 3 students and one for Year 9 students — and features cyber security tips, games and video content. The modules have been designed to provide an enjoyable yet informative experience that aims to highlight the simple steps young Internet users can take to stay smart online.
www.staysmartonline.gov.au
Cybersmart
Cybersmart provides activities, resources and practical advice to help young kids, kids, teens and parents safely enjoy the online world. The site also offers training and resources for schools and materials for library staff. Developed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, Cybersmart is part of the Australian government’s cybersafety program.
www.cybersmart.gov.au
NetAlert
NetAlert provides information about Internet content filters for PCs and is managed by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.
www.netalert.gov.au
Other useful websites
www.netsmartz.org
www.cybersmartcurriculum.org
www.isafe.org
www.kidsmart.org.uk
What the big names are doing for technology and education
The digital education revolution
When Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was campaigning in October/November 2007, technology and education were placed firmly in the spotlight. Labor pledged $1 billion to provide every senior (Years 9–12) secondary student with access to their own computer in what he dubbed an “education revolution”.
“We need nothing less than an education revolution and we need it now,” Mr Rudd said, before claiming victory in the Federal Election.
Now in progress, The Digital Education Revolution has total funding of $2.2 billion over six years (2008–2013). $2.1 billion of this investment will be delivered through the National Secondary School Computer Fund. $100 million has been allocated to the Fibre Connections to Schools initiative to contribute to the provision of high-speed fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) broadband connections to Australian schools.
VicSmart
VicSmart is an $89.3 million initiative that is providing a fibre-optic broadband network to all Victorian government schools. This project will dramatically increase the speed of Internet access and provide new capabilities for information sharing across the school system. Victoria is leading Australia in the introduction of this technology by ensuring all Victorian government schools have access to high-speed broadband services.
National Pilot to increase Cyber-Safety in Schools
In response to the concerns of the Australian government regarding the emergence of cyber-bullying in schools, the National Pilot to increase Cyber-Safety in Schools is being conducted by the Alannah and Madeline Foundation (AMF). It involves 164 government and non-government schools in urban, rural and remote regions.
The pilot aims to help confront safety issues in e-communications, including cyber-bullying, and examine the effectiveness of existing cyber-safety programs in schools.
Schools will be provided with web resources to help them create an approach to cyber-safety that meets their specific needs. The project will also help clarify the role schools play in ensuring responsible and safe use of technology.
