It's All About Protecting Yourself!

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. 

References:

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