Google Custom Search

Last week I was lucky to go to the MACUL (Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning) conference in Detroit. I learned many great things, but the one I end up using the most may be Google Custom Search. For class projects, I have always been nervous about doing an all out Google search. Instead I would put a list of links on a page or have a series of shortcuts for the students to follow. With Google Custom Search I won't have to do that. I can set up a search that will just look through the web sites I specify. Here is one I did for future 50 States projects. Students will still get practice searching, but the resources will be ones I pick.

Keep Safe, Keep Away, Keep Telling

In third and fourth grade students are allowed to browse school appropriate web sites on the Internet after turning in a signed Acceptable Use Policy. This doesn't mean that students don't go on the Internet until then. Instead of browsing, they get to go on sites chosen by teachers.

This week first and second grade went on the Internet. First grade used the educational sites found on K2 Links. Second grade students browsed the Charlevoix Public Schools web site. Both grades discussed safety on the Internet and to remember Keep Safe, Keep Away, and Keep Telling. Students should keep safe by not typing their name or any other information on the Internet. They should keep away from strangers on the Internet and never meet them anywhere. Finally, they should keep telling parents and teachers about anything strange on the Internet.

Teachers and Facebook

Facebook is an excellent tool for communicating with parents. Its biggest advantage is that the majority of parents already use it and check it daily. Another advantage is it has built in security and control.

Click here to see a slide show of ways an actual first grade classroom uses Facebook. That teacher signed up for an account. When you create an account it gives you more control over security and privacy through the setting. Also, you control who sees the information by deciding who can be a "Friend" of the account. The other option is to create a page. A page is easier for people to join and you can access it from your personal account. Just try to avoid using last names of students if you do a page and don't use any names with pictures. The red arrows on this picture show you where to click if you want to sign up for an account or create a page.

Acceptable Use Policy

Starting today in computer class, third grade students, along with new fourth graders, will receive a copy of the district's Acceptable Use Policy. Some would say that it is a permission slip for the Internet, but it is more than that. It is a contract between the district, parents, and especially students to do their best while using the Internet safely and school computer network properly. The school board has approved the document, which needs to be signed not just by a parent or guardian, but by the student as well. Parents, please take the time to read over the document with your child and talk about Internet safety. I will be going over it again in two weeks when we start our Internet unit.

Facebook and Kids

Just this past year I have had kids in class mention that they have a Facebook account. I am not sure if parents know the Facebook Privacy Policy states: "If you are under age 13, please do not attempt to register for Facebook or provide any personal information about yourself to us. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under age 13, we will delete that information as quickly as possible." If you would like your child's account taken off Facebook, click here for the form.

Charlevoix third and fourth grade students sign an Acceptable Use Policy before they can go on the Internet. Safety and appropriate behavior are emphasized throughout the year. In third grade students comment on blog posts and in fourth grade they get their own rayder.org email addresses and get to "chat" with each other. I hope to add more "Web 2.0" activities to the curriculum this year. The plan is that all of this will help them be ready someday for the social parts of the Internet, like Facebook.

Once your child reaches age 13 and if they join Facebook, I highly recommend becoming "Friends." It will let you see their profile and keep track of what they are sharing online. Facebook has more information in their Help Center.