How
safe are you on the computer? Have you
ever thought about the undermining consequences of technology? If not, it would
be very purposeful to know about digital safety practices. "Digital Safety Practice" is a
subject in which people are not very familiar with. Although information in reference to digital
safety is bountiful and can be found online, in books and in the media; the
subject is still quite vague. The five
topics of digital safety practices introduced in class consist of the
following: phishing and pharming, cyber bullying, texting and sexual
harassment, and fair user practices and copyright issues. These five topics definitely fit into a
cohesive, educational unit considering the importance of being knowledgeable
and aware.
According
to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, "the Internet
offers a wealth of resources and material for education. Accessed through a variety of electronic
devices, it also allows for rich and diverse opportunities for 21st century
communications. These devices are becoming ever more diverse and ubiquitous.
They raise issues of digital / Internet safety and digital citizenship"
(OSPI). In a nutshell, the OSPI provides an abundance of
useful information to the public audience in an effort to protect young people
from the detrimental effects of technology.
Furthermore, it provides a few useful tips on how to communicate over
the Internet and at the same time, being mindful and conscientious. Moreover, iKeepSafe, a website on digital
citizenship, defines cyber safety as "the ability to act in a safe and
responsible manner while using connected technology" (iKeepSafe,
2011-2012). By practicing cyber safety,
you have a better chance at protecting yourself from digital safety issues such
as those discussed in class.
In
today's society, many people are introduced to technology every day. In fact, with the growing exposure to the
different types of technological advances, it is a good idea to be
knowledgeable about these five topics; more so, for educators and
students. Like almost anything, there
are advantages and disadvantages.
Therefore, we must consider not only the advantages of using technology,
but we must take into careful consideration the disadvantages, too. As most people are aware, there are risk when
using the Internet; therefore, we must be mindful in terms of the websites we
visit and etc.
In
preparation for this presentation, my group and I conducted an extensive
research on "phishing and pharming".
To effectively execute this assignment, we attempted to use our Wiggio
accounts; however, because of unfortunate circumstances involving a website
connection, we were unsuccessful but the show must go on. Our next step was to communicate through
e-mail which was very convenient for everyone.
In addition, we met face-to-face to produce a short skit for the
presentation. The goal of our project
was to educate students about phishing and pharming. Through executing this presentation, we
provided the audience with a definition of both phishing and pharming,
examples, different types, solutions, and resources.
This
project was both insightful and educational.
Although I was somewhat familiar with phishing and pharming, the
information generated by my group members and I was mind-blowing. In fact, we were amazed by the ways in which
an individual can be attacked through the Internet, often being unaware of the
issue. Personally, I am thankful for
having completed this assignment. In the
future, I would like to create a lesson revolving around these five digital
safety practices, devoting an entire week to educating my students about the undermining effects of technology use.
As
an aspiring educator, I am now able to
take the information I have absorbed based on these five topics and share it
with others. More importantly, I am able
to incorporate such assignments into my lesson plans in order to educate my
students about the advantages and disadvantages of technology. As an educator, it is our responsibility to
mold the young minds into diversified, divergent thinkers and skilled decision
makers.
iKeepSafe (2011-2012). Retrieved May 04, 2012 from website: http://www.ikeepsafe.org/articles/cybersafety-digital-citizenship-101/
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Internet & Digital Safety. Retrieved May 04, 2012 from website: http://www.k12.wa.us/SafetyCenter/InternetSafety/default.aspx
