Mobile communications have now outnumbered both desktop and laptop computers as the number one way that our kids are connecting online. As the internet continues to grow in popularity, we are depending upon it at an increasing rate to conduct everyday life, which also includes the sharing of private and at times very sensitive information about ourselves with others online knowingly, and at times unknowingly. Many who are now online use the internet for communication, education, entertainment, research, business, socializing, and commerce. There is no doubt that the internet and social media have facilitated important positive connections and amazing accomplishments amongst students and educators.  It is a reality, however, that the internet (just like away from keyboard) has also created an online virtual environment where thieves, vandals, con artists, and in rare cases sexual predators, existing. Unfortunately, many educators who are using technology are not always taking the appropriate safety precautions to help mitigate the risks from those who might want to victimize our students, or even themselves, for online personal gain. It is also amazing to see how many educators are unaware that their online behaviour, outside of school hours, can lead to discipline and even termination. This internet safety and digital literacy 101 presentation for educators will provide the needed information that will help to keep teachers and students safer, increase their privacy, decrease educator criminal, civil and internal liability challenges that comes with online use, and learn effective ways to protect their online digital footprint. Topics discussed in this presentation, fall within many school curriculum compliant such as  “BC’s Digital Literacy Framework” for schools

Topics Covered

• What is the Internet and Social Networking
• Internet stats and fact
• Emerging Online student trends
• What are students doing online
• Online Media Literacy, Ethics and Critical Thinking
• Educator online risk management
• How to ensure you are Freedom Of Information And Privacy Act compliant before storing or sharing class projects online
• The threat of Internet pornography
• How technology use has changed teen socializing, dating, schoolwork and sleep patterns (“Vamping”)
• Why are students making undesirable decisions online
• Plagarism, DIgital Cheating and Copyright Challenges In The Classroom
• The reality of students “Cyberbaiting” teachers
• Internet Chat abbreviations and acronyms all teachers should be aware of
• “Mobile” the new frontier for students when it comes to Social Networking
• The increasing popularity of Geo-Social Apps like, “Whisper”, “Parlor” and “Jott”
• How teens are using broadcasting Apps such as “Periscope” and “Facebook Live”
• How students are using Bluetooth to create school chat networks
• Real-life case examples of Internet/Social Media/technology misuse by educators
• Should teachers be “friending” students
• The Good and Bad Of Mobile Apps
• What is your “digital dossier” and how students and teachers are placing their reputation and privacy at risk when online
• Why future employers, colleges and universities are checking a student’s/teachers digital dossier or online branding
• How educators can use Social Networks to their advantage
• Why schools need to have clear policy on Social Media and tech device use on school property, & communicate same to staff, students & parents