TEACHERS

Teachers play a vital role in continually educating students about their use of the Internet (educationally & personally). Teachers should take advantage of classroom opportunities to educate students about the power of the Internet and how to safely utilize the resources available to them. Classroom teachers should collaborate with library specialists to ensure that students can effectively evaluate the validity of the information they find. Teachers should enforce applicable Henrico and school policies as necessary.

Internet safety training has been divided into appropriate portions that are best taught by specific groups of people.  In addition to covering the guidelines from the state listed below, teachers should:

• Have an overall understanding of the Internet and how to maximize its potential while integrating it into instruction
• Set and enforce classroom expectations that are consistent with the code of conduct, the acceptable use policy, and individual school guidelines
• Know what course of action to take if students violate the code of conduct/AUP/school guidelines
• Communicate expectations to parents and follow up when necessary
• Know how to check a students' Internet history
• Consistently monitor students' use of the Internet by circulating the classroom on a regular basis
• Integrate technology regularly to enhance instruction— set expectations about the quality of sources students may use for their projects
• Verify the accuracy and validity of web sites prior to using them in the classroom

Listed below are the portions of the state-required Internet safety training that teachers are asked to teach all students in their classes. Click on the links below to access materials and resources that will support teachers in teaching their portions of the state requirements.

Guidelines and Resources for Internet Safety in the Schools

1. The Internet is a powerful tool that should be used wisely.
a. The Internet allows students access to a vast library of previously unavailable resources.
b. The Internet enables students to communicate with people around the world.
c. The Internet provides a creative outlet for students skilled in writing, art, music, science, mathematics, and other topics.

2. Students need to know that not all Internet information is valid or appropriate.
c. Internet information may promote negative attitudes, such as hate or intolerance, and dangerous or illegal activities, such as self-injuring behavior, gambling, and illegal drug use.

3. Students should be taught specifically how to maximize the Internet’s potential while protecting themselves from potential abuse.
a. The critical-thinking skills students learn in the classroom, library, and lab should be applied to Internet resources and Web searching.
b. Students need to know what to do and who to ask for help when they encounter a person or site on the Internet that is offensive or threatening to them.
c. Students and adults are required by law to report illegal Internet communications and activities to Internet Service Providers and local law enforcement authorities

4. Internet messages and the people who send them are not always what or who they seem.
c. E-mail can cause malicious code- infection problems for a computer or network. Students should not open e-mail or attachments from unknown sources.
d. Students need to know which information is safe to share with others online, which should never be shared, and why sharing it could put them at risk.
e. Students never should reveal online any information about where they live or attend school.

5. Predators and cyberbullies anonymously use the Internet to manipulate students. Students must learn how to avoid dangerous situations and get adult help.
b. Bullies use Internet tools, such as instant messaging and the Web, to harass or spread false rumors about students. Students need to know how to seek proper help in these potentially dangerous situations.
c. Students need to know that posting personal information and pictures can allow predators to contact and begin grooming them for illegal meetings and actions. Personal photos can be easily misused or altered when posted on the Internet.

6. Internet activities, such as playing games and downloading music or video files, can be enjoyable. Students need to know which activities are safe and legal.
c. Students need to know how to detect whether a specific file download is legal and/or free of malicious code.