With all this talk about technology I feel it is important to touch on digital citizenship--about how to be a safe and respectful users of the Internet. Because the Internet wasn't around when my generation was born, we have grown up as it has grown. But there are students being born who have never known a world without Internet, and aren't immediately aware of how to conduct themselves appropriately. Using the Internet incorrectly can result in everything from cyber bullying and online stalking to much worse. The very relevant situation of Amanda Todd is a large reminder of how important it is that kids know how to use the internet not just effectively, but safely as well.
Teaching kids moral and ethical implications in the real world will help overflow this mentality onto the Web. You can use books like "What's in Your Bucket?" to teach young kids that there are consequences for what you say or do, and this includes the Internet as well. As the kids use the Internet more you can teach them about the permanence of the Internet, and how pictures and comments, even if they have been deleted, can still be used against you.
As a teacher using a computer in your classroom, there are some things you can do to make it a better experience for your kids. You can install an Adblock on to your computer to prevent racy images from accidentally popping up. You can also be aware of using copyright images or encouraging students to use websites that are illegitimate or possible dangerous. As a teacher, teaching digital citizenship is just as important, if not more important, in this day and age as any other subject.
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