Internet Search & Research

Great information obtained through my summer online professional development class today.  Topic was Internet Search and Research.

Common concern with parents - not feeling comfortable having young students explore and use the Internet.

Students need to be taught how to take care of themselves while visiting the digital neighborhood called the Internet.  Just as parents teach their children not to cross the street without looking both ways, don't leave the yard or neighborhood while playing outside, don't talk to strangers etc. the same concepts need to be taught and modeled in the digital neighborhood.

You can't teach Internet searching and researching without tying in what it means to be a digital citizen.

With all the digital devices available, students of all ages are experiencing the digital world.

Starting as early as kindergarten with topics such as How to Keep Safe on the Internet, and How to Use the Internet are very appropriate at this age.

Then just build on skills and concepts as students advance grade levels.

The webinar on Internet Search and Research did a great job giving age appropriate examples of what topics should be introduced and reinforced at the elementary level.