|
STM Computer/Internet Acceptable Use Policy
Student Web Lockers
Technology Issues: Social Networking Sites
Technology Issues: Sexting
Archdiocesan Technology Curriculum
Technology at
St. Thomas More goes beyond the computer lab. Not only do we maintain
a 31-station computer lab equipped with an LCD projector and Webster
"smart board," all our buildings are networked so that
each classroom, equipped with at least 2 computers, can share network
and Internet resources through our two T1 connections.
STM also has two 15 station wireless mobile laptop
labs available for all students to enable them to use their technology
skills not only in the Computer Lab, but also in the classroom.
Our Middle School and Primary Schools have wireless Internet access
and our goal is to provide the entire school with wireless access.
STM uses Windows XP and students have access to the Office 2007
suite of programs as well as a variety of productivity and educational
programs.
The lab is open
after school on Mondays and Tuesdays from dismissal until 3:45
for students to work on school projects. Students must sign
up on the signup sheet outside the lab 24 hours in advance. This
is to insure that parents and carpool drivers are informed of the
student's plan to stay late. Aftercare students must get a note
from Mrs. Kloer to show when they sign in to aftercare. They should
have a snack and then return to the lab.
Students will be able to save and access work at home and at school through an Edline service called web Lockers. To use this service, students who have not set up an Edline account should do so using the access code provide on the inside cover of the School Handbook and Directory. The Edline Account Setup Guide, found on our homepage in the upper left corner under the Edlline Login link provides the instructions on how to set up the account.
- When students login, they can click on the My File Locker link in the upper left in the My Content section.
- Next click on the Add File button
- Finally, click on the Browse button and navigate to your file and then click on the Add button
- Next time the student clicks on My File Locker, the file will be available to open and download.
Parents should be aware of the current phenomenon of "social networking." sites. Simply stated, social networking sites allow students to quickly and easily create web pages that contain information about themselves. Although not inherently evil, these sites can make students vulnerable in a number of ways, depending the amount and type of information students share. Parents and students need to carefully review the rules of the site, the restrictions on others viewing the site, and the kind of information and/or pictures your student would put on the site.
Problems which can occur from students creating these sites include vulnerability to Internet predators and cyberbullies, as well exposure to other high risk activities. Read more about these and other problems by accessing the links below.
Here at STM, social networking sites are blocked for students. In addition Middle School students are instructed in the realities of Internet safety through a curriculum available at Cybersmart and an interactive game (8th grade only) available at Web Wise Kids. The dangers of social networking are often addressed during technology current events discussions in computer class.
Some social networking sites which are currently popular include My Space, Xanga, Facebook, and Tagged.
Please read the information on the links below and discuss the issues with your student. If they have a site, look at it and make sure that it is safe. Finally, if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please contact Mrs. Kloer. You can also contact Matt Roberts, our area School Safety Coordinator with GEMA, who spoke at the Middle School Parents Coffee in 2006. The website he recommended for more information is the first one in the list below.
GBI Internet Crimes Against Children and CyberSafety Site This site is a portal for information for parents, teachers, and kids about how to stay safe on the Internet.
"The "My Space;" Phenomenon" by Nancy Willard This article provides a good overview of why parents and teachers should be concerned about social networking sites with some guidelines for keeping students safe on the Internet.
My Space Safety Tips for Teens These tips are offered by the My Space website for teens who use the service and includes links to other safety oriented websites
My Space Tips for Parents These tips are offered by the My Space website for parents and include links to monitoring software and a way to remove your child's profile from the website.
Dangers Children Face Online: Dateline NBC This article describes Dateline's ongoing project to reveal the dangers children can face online.
Why Parents Must Mind My Space This article describes the dangers of MySpace and has links to tips for kids of different ages as well as online safety contracts for parents and kids.
US Computer Emergency Readiness Team Cyber Tip on Social Networking Sites
List of Notable Social Networking Sites This list from Wikipedia, while not exhaustive, gives most of the social networking sites that your kids might want to join.
Parents should be aware of a disturbing trend among young people that involves use of the cell phone, often in coordination with social networking sites, called sexting. Students send nude or nearly nude pictures of themselves to one another. This is a troubling trend from a moral as well as a legal standpoint and students need to know that the foolish mistake of a moment can affect their lives adversely for years after they make one bad decision.
Read more about this problem and what parents can do to protect their children.
What is sexting? This article defines sexting and suggests some strategies for keeping young people safe from some of the awful consequences
Connect With Kids, a respected website dealing with kids, parents, and technology and other issues, provides this video and article about the problem with tips for parents.
Netsmartz, whose Internet safety curriculum and resources are used in the STM computer lab, provides this tip sheet for parents on how to prevent sexting.
|
