Sunday, January 31, 2010

Jekyll and Hyde

Ah, dangers in cyberspace. Guess the same old problems exist no matter where you are, online or otherwise.




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7 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2010 at 9:00 PM

    :<!!
    The virtual world is as dangerous as the real world, or even more dangerous.

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  2. GibbleJanuary 31, 2010 at 10:08 PM

    This was a very good example of the downsides to the Internet. Anybody can be anybody out there. There are pitfalls for the unwary and the vulnerable.

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  3. hotriceJanuary 31, 2010 at 10:14 PM

    Indeed, guys, indeed.

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  4. ChristophFebruary 1, 2010 at 1:06 AM

    This is why many schools in the US install firewalls and filters that prevent students from gaining access to social networking sites, blogs and so forth. However some people think that banning such web sites from school classrooms is precisely the wrong approach to take. They believe that students should learn appropriate online behaviour in the company of adults who are aware of the possible pitfalls, so that they can be given appropriate counsel by these trained education professionals. They say that educators have a duty and responsibility to prepare children to partake in online commuities in safe and healthy ways. What do you think the role of schools/educators is in all of this?

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  5. hotriceFebruary 1, 2010 at 4:56 AM

    Honestly, Christoph, I'm torn between letting kids browse freely and safeguarding them. I think there is only so much educators can do as like sex education, just because you don't show it doesn't mean they don't know it. That being said, schools should devote at least a couple of lessons on web safety and ethics to fulfill their duty as (moral) educators. The more you restrict access, the more curious kids become. So bottom line, let the kids surf freely once you've done your part.

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  6. ChristophFebruary 1, 2010 at 6:08 PM

    I think the analogy to sex education is an interesting one. I also agree that some sessions which focus explicitly on netiquette are important. Subsequently, I think you need to provide environments where you can continue to monitor interactions, and intervene whenever necessary (e.g. to prevent flame wars breaking out among your students). It's also important to involve parents and let them know what you are doing to create a safe space for their children.

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  7. hotriceFebruary 1, 2010 at 8:19 PM

    Ah, true, very true. Flaming is definitely an issue. Parents, especially working ones, should have something in place so that their kids won't run wild like animals. Then again, it's more than just cutting the cable and limiting web access. Counseling, perhaps?

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