Internet Safety Tips for Teachers

It can be a daunting task being in a classroom or computer lab with a group of students surfing the web. Are they on task? Is their time being spent effectively or are they just wasting time?

Try the following:

• Understand the issues various issues to do with Internet safety before you enter the classroom.  Download the teaching resources from the NetAlert CyberSafe Schools project.
• Make sure you are as prepared as possible in knowing what the computers are capable of doing.
• Understand what filter and child protection software is installed the school computer systems.
• Once the class has started, but before the computers are turned on, discuss what is expected when the students are online.
• Remind the students of any Acceptable Usage Policies they have agreed to.
• Avoid letting students search and wander - they could end up entering areas that are unsafe. Select a few sites of interest and stay focused.
• Look out for students turning off monitors quickly, laughing at something on the screen, grouping around someone else's computer or looking embarrassed. These are all warning signs for potential trouble.
• Reward students who are acting responsibly in the class when on the Internet.  Make them a positive role model for the rest of the class.
• Display positive messages around the classroom to reinforce the importance of Internet safety. The Internet Safety Wall Chart from the NetAlert CyberSafe Schools project can help.

Instead of banning everything that the students enjoy (chat rooms and email for example), investigate ways in which you can use these technologies to enhance the teaching and learning experience.