Module 4 Discussion Post

Anytime we have children using the internet there should always be an air of caution while doing so. The internet is a massive place and can produce things that are not appropriate for children of all ages. This is probably the number one concern when trying to include Online Content Construction into a lesson. However, as teachers, we have to keep including digital content into our classrooms because that is the skill that the new generation of children is best versed in. In other words, children of the new generation have the most “soft skills” in the world of technology and the internet. Because they grew up with this technology, this is the most common media they use. By excluding online content, we are going backwards in terms of skill acquisition and proficiency. Most children can find their way around a computer and the internet around the third grade. The question is, how do we balance a generation that uses the internet for everything and controlling where they go when constructing classroom materials? One way we can do this is by having a conversation with our students before letting the use the internet for class. By explaining the dangers that lie behind every corner of the internet and how they can change a kids life forever, we can shed a light on how it should be used. By having an open dialogue with our kids, we can express the concerns we have over safety and content. This way our students will know exactly what we expect from them and what they can and cannot do when building content online.