Safety First
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All school have guidelines and acceptable use policies (AUP) regarding the use of school and division-wide computer networks and the Internet. These terms and conditions identify acceptable online behavior and access privileges.
Policies regarding the displaying of any student work must be adhered to strictly. Take the necessary steps to secure parental permission before using the blog in a participatory manner.
Depending on the blogging tool you choose, blogs may be viewed publicly, as any other Web site. Students must be trained on issues regarding access, privacy, security, and free expression. As blogs have no publisher, producer, or editor, students must carefully consider the content of postings to avoid anything defamatory, libelous, or an infringement upon the rights of others.
Blogs are created by individuals for various and assorted purposes. Content should be recognised as the opinion of the blogger, and, therefore, may not necessarily be factual. In addition to this, some blogging tools will allow student to access other blogs that may contain posts of an adult nature. Care must be taken when choosing the right blogging tool for younger students to use. Gated blogs are always the best option when ensuring the safety of students as the teacher can control and monitor posts and comments.
Policies regarding the displaying of any student work must be adhered to strictly. Take the necessary steps to secure parental permission before using the blog in a participatory manner.
Depending on the blogging tool you choose, blogs may be viewed publicly, as any other Web site. Students must be trained on issues regarding access, privacy, security, and free expression. As blogs have no publisher, producer, or editor, students must carefully consider the content of postings to avoid anything defamatory, libelous, or an infringement upon the rights of others.
Blogs are created by individuals for various and assorted purposes. Content should be recognised as the opinion of the blogger, and, therefore, may not necessarily be factual. In addition to this, some blogging tools will allow student to access other blogs that may contain posts of an adult nature. Care must be taken when choosing the right blogging tool for younger students to use. Gated blogs are always the best option when ensuring the safety of students as the teacher can control and monitor posts and comments.
Preparing Students for Blogging
For more information on how to ensure the safety of student bloggers and excellent downloadable resources follow the link: http://www.teachersfirst.com/content/blog/rules.cfm
- Determine that all students' AUPs are in place and up to date.
- Inform parents of procedures and secure parental permission.
- Teach students safe, acceptable, and sensible behavior as online authors and readers.
- Review policies and guidelines pertaining to student access.
- Teach the non-posting rules of no complete names, e-mail accounts, or references to reveal location.
- Set clear expectations regarding tone, respect, and consequences.
For more information on how to ensure the safety of student bloggers and excellent downloadable resources follow the link: http://www.teachersfirst.com/content/blog/rules.cfm