Journal #3 Navigate the Digital Rapids

Lindsay, J., & Davis, V. (2010). Navigate the digital rapids. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/MarchAprilNo6/Navigate_the_Digital_Rapids.htm

"Navigate the Digital Rapids" discusses the decisions teachers are faced with when introducing their students to the world of technology. The article stresses the importance of teaching proper digital citizenship; this basically means teaching students how to navigate the internet and technology. Some students may take advantage of using the internet by posting inappropriate posts or pictures. The article warns teachers to have a plan for their punishment and even suspend the internet for a period of time, since it is a privilege. I think that the dangers of the internet do need to be properly addressed, but not completely feared. For example, the blogs that we have created in this course would be perfect for middle or high school students. Blogs give students a chance to post their thoughts, pictures, and leave comments for friends. I think that by introducing blogs for educational purposes is a great idea since it may encourage students to create a personal blog. Blogs are more internet safe then networking sites like, myspace or facebook. Blogs require a URL in order to find an individual, rather than a basic search engine on myspace or facebook.

How can you involve parents in helping build students digital citizenship?

Like I said, you could have students create class blogs with assignments and have parents check their homework through this. You could also assign that students have their parent teach them one thing about computers or technology in general. You could also assign your students to teach a parent something they learned in class, this will re-enforce that they actually know how to do the specific task.

Does the internet take away from actually learning class materials?

I don't know specific statistics, but I would say that in some instances it does, in general the internet can enhance understanding. The excitement of the internet for students who do not have computers at home may be a little distracted. On the other hand, students who have experience with computers may be more engaged and eager to learn with using a computer.