Online safety is one of those topics which is always high on the agenda. I suppose there are many reasons for this which are probably best left for another blog.
For me technology has always been a very important part of my adult life professionally and personally. I don’t really know why; when I left school they had only just purchased their first computer and I dread to think how much it cost, but one thing is for certain – it’s no longer a “nice to have”, it’s a “must have.”
A study in Jan 2012 from NFER ( Aston, H. and Brzyska, B. (2012) Protecting Children Online: Teachers’ perspectives on eSafety. Milton Keynes: Vital.) has some interesting questions, answers and results. I’ll talk more about that study in my next newsletter (Mon 21st May 12) if you’re interested in another perspective, but there was one result that caught my attention: most teachers felt that access to social network sites in schools should be banned.
To be fair to the study, I think they are probably alluding to social networking in a personal perspective rather than a curriculum perspective and I would have to agree with that. But I want to look at this from a different angle. Many schools I have visited do not embrace innovative use of ICT as they are wary, unsure, or scared of the e-safety implications.
I have seen an example of this first-hand where a local PCSO was invited into the school to talk about e-safety. At the end of the session the teachers and parents all left with the horror that everyone was going to be groomed, cyberbullied and have their bank accounts emptied! Digressing a little, it is important to remember that the same “Powerpoint lecture” is not appropriate for all audiences: the brief to the Headteacher, the awareness session with staff and parents, and the lifeskill empowering lessons with the students all have very significant differences.
There are many brilliant examples of innovative ICT use in schools, you really don’t need to look very far (Twitter is your friend). There are plenty of success stories where the children are really engaging and the school is seeing measurable improvements. What’s more there is no need to be spending lots of money; many of the services are free to use. As with anything, you start off small and grow as your confidence and understanding increase. Importantly in this context they are learning an appropriate life skill which includes safe use (e-safety) instead of relying on an A4 page of do’s and don’ts.
The same NFER study mentioned above also mentions that children are addicted to social networking, that mobile phones are disruptive at school and the schools are struggling to understand ways around this. Perhaps I’m over-simplifying things, but the old saying “if you can’t beat em, join em” is relevant here. Instead of trying to battle against the issue, use it to your advantage. The point is the kids want to use social networking and will continue to use it whether you like it or not. Embrace that and turn it around into something positive.
For teaching staff there are many good reasons for using social networking; CPD should be high on the agenda. There are may people who will help you, guide you and share some brilliant knowledge with you.
But one thing is for certain: e-Safety should never ever be the barrier to using ICT innovatively in the classroom.
If you need some help in this area drop me an email (alan@esafety-adviser.com) or join me on Twitter (@esafetyadviser).
Excellent Article. As an Internet Safety Advocate I am constantly speaking with parents and educators who are truly afraid of “Social Media” and concerned about their child’s safety.
I agree with you that the power point lecture is not for every audience. E-safety is a concern for parents and educators, however the message to each should be tailored to the audience. I believe that if implemented correctly ICT can be beneficial and might even assist with the goal of keeping our children safe on the Internet through communication and education. Technology is here to stay and education is a space where we can truly embrace it.
Well said Marlin