21st Century Issues

At our school, we have an internet usage policy.  It states all the things that I feel is important for students and parents to understand.  Problem is?  I don't feel the students or parents fully appreciate the dangers that are out there.  Our students today feel more "bulletproff" than ever.  They have been so over-protected in their lives, they don't fully comprehend the dangers of our world or how the world is always out to get you.

The internet to our students is one giant sandbox where other "kids" come and play.  While this is a simplistic point of view, I believe it is completely accurate.  I have spent dozens and dozens of hours discussing this issue with others who work with young people and I have yet to be swayed from this perspective. 

Here's the other kicker to this who debate, there is virtually NOTHING we can do about it.  Controls or filters?  A virtual waste of money in my opinion.  Our students have gotten around every barrier put in front of them.  Generation "Google" will always be one step ahead of us.  Their means of communication compared to ours is light-years ahead of us.  We can't compete with the speed at which they find out things.

My solution?  Relationships.  I try to build the type of relationship with my students that allow me an opportunity to communicate with them on issues that are sensitive, such as "putting themselves on blast" on the internet.  We have done some worships at our school that have had this issue involved and it makes some impact, for a week or so.  I fear this issue is one in which we will continue to fight, but not have a chance of winning.  Sigh.

"Google"-izing my docs

This project is helping me eliminate my fear of Google docs.  I must admit, I have known about it, used it somewhat, but never "embraced" this like I should.  I am seeing more and more applications that can be readily used in my classroom, my professional development, and in my personal life.