Why we want students on Youtube

When we changed filtering policy, lots of people have been asking why we want to give students access to social networking site. They are worried that students will be off task, post dumb things on line or endanger themselves. What could possibly be worth these risks?

1. Students are already on social networking sites and they are already creating digital footprints. We need to teach them to create footprints that really show their strengths. If they can access Facebook, we can teach them how to protect their privacy. Teaching media literacy is critical responsibility for the modern teacher.

• Watch the common craft video on protecting your online reputation (the other technology videos are also worth a look)
  
• See the Youtube video channel on safety, including safety mode
  
• Read about Facebook privacy settings
• Have your students check out their digital footprints on pipl
• Read what experts say on how to use your digital footprint to help you
  

2. If students are bored and want to be using technology, the logical solution is to use the technology to promote learning not attempt to prevent them from accessing it. Technology is intimately connected with choice, which increases both motivation and potency.

3. Think about AFL classrooms. These are classrooms where students use products, conversations and observations as evidence of their learning. What holds evidence over time, shares it with authentic audience and provides opportunity for many iterations of feedback? Web 2.0 (no cape or tights or speeding bullets are needed).

• Learn tools for on-line AFL records. Try Etherpad, Wall-wisher
• Use interactive feedback elements, like comments in YouTube or VoiceThread
  
• Play with the tools you may already have, like OneNote portfolios or comments in Microsoft Word
  

4. There isn't much evidence that many students are lured or tracked more often virtually. Research says they are much more likely to be the targets of in person predators. The place where they are most often hurt online? Cyber-bullying. What does the research say can prevent it? Open dialogue in schools using social networking and cell phone examples.

• Look at this PBS site on Internet safety
  
• Access resources on Cyber-bullying

In the end, we need to think about what our goal is for our high school students. I think it is education - give them the tools to learn, make good choices and represent themselves well. That means they need access and we have to teach them to use it responsibly.