How do we relate to the dangerous and/or illegal activities (young) people publish on the Internet.
What can teachers do?
Is it being discussed in the classroom and/or with individual students?
Most of the time these activities take place without the teachers’ knowledge outside the classroom and the school. Often, even only a few of the friends know. In these cases it’s not discussed.
When the activity involves the use of a school computer or a school web-site, there are different measures according to the gravity of the posting. It can involve the student(s), teacher and head-teacher, the class or affected students, the principal, parents and the police.
Students use the school’s web-site PIMPONG to communicate and discuss issues that are mostly school- and subject related, and they are really eager waiting for some teachers to participate. In one case that I know of, teachers did not participate mainly because of lack of time. The present work load does not permit any additional activity that is not strictly related to teaching.
On the other hand, for example, if an issue comes up in class because it worries the students, or they have been discussing it in another class and are too involved in the discussion to be able to concentrate on the current lesson, it is taken up to the extent of the teacher’s knowledge about the issue, or his/her willingness to allow to take time from his/her subject.
The questions I ask myself is: When and how is source analysis introduced in the curriculum?
When and how are references analyzed and how is this tool practiced?
When and how are these types of ethic, moral and civic bahaviour topics dealt with?
We tend to think that our students know a lot about computers. They do, of course; but are not necessarily very good at using the tools that would help them with school work.
If a teacher has digital competence and uses the computers in school-work there are more possibilities to discuss these types of questions as well.
A follow up question: Do teachers talk about The Pirate Bay?
Yes, in Civics (Samhällkunskap), and where it follows naturally from the subject.
No, if it is not related to the given subject (e.g. languages –basic levels).
Hello Ilona!
SvaraRaderaYes I do think other teachers talk about Pirat Bay but not in the same way they talk in Civics. I teach in confectioner and bakery. During the long lesson of making bread and cookies the students talk a lot about everything and of course the ask you a lot about life. And young peoples life include The net and Pirat Bay. It is very interesting to listen to the thought they have. It was interesting thougts you brouht up.
/ Cecilia :)