Curing Your Student Headaches Presented by: Michael Kessler

Topics of Discussion Student Realities Teacher/Student Dynamics Benefits of Online Communication Projects/Curriculum Ideas School Liability Issues Standards and Compliancy Communication Beyond

Understanding our Students Self Motivated – The students that teachers dream about having. They do all the work you assign, and more. (9%) Going Through the Motions – The students that, although in their hearts they feel that what is being taught has little relevance, they are farsighted enough to realize that their future may very well depend on their grades. (68%) Tune Us Out – They are convinced that school is totally devoid of interest and totally irrelevant to their life. School is much less interesting than the myriad devices they carry in their pockets. (23%)

Student Realities According to the National NetDay Survey of over 210,000 K-12 students in 2004: 29% of K-3 students have accounts 79% of 7-12 th grade students have accounts 70% have at least one IM account Of those, over 73% say /IM is essential to their day to day lives

Student Realities Our Vision is that students get an account in elementary school, and that account will follow them until graduation. A student’s account is going to be as important to their educational records as their student ID number.

Teacher/Student Dynamics Breaking down the barriers of communication and the walls that dictate where and when learning takes place Utilizing both inside and outside of class

Benefits of Communication Social Aspects – All issues of race, appearance, dress, and physical limitations melt away. – What becomes important is not who you are, but what you have to say. Literacy Skills Safety Issues Going Virtual (Paperless?) – Eliminate the paper chase and save time and printer cartridges.

Project and Curriculum Ideas Literacy tool – Reading, Writing, Typing – Teaches students to convey thoughts in writing – Helps link schoolwork to real life Adult Mentors – Adopt a Grandparent – Big Brother/Sister Student Mentors Peer Review Character Impersonations Student Key Pals

School Liability Issues Inability to identify problems before they occur Lack of monitoring Access to students from outsiders is too easy The three “W’s” – Who are they ing? – What is being ed? – Why are they ing?

School Liability Solutions Inability to identify problems before they occur – Blocked Word Lists / Weighted Words – Cyber Bully Blocker – APS System Lack of monitoring – Teachers can review messages at any time Access to students from outsiders is too easy – Restrict to Class, School, District, or World Wide – Address Blocking

Standards and Compliancy CIPA (The Children’s Internet Protection Act ) – School must “adopt a policy addressing the safety and security of minors using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct online communication.” – “Must have technology measures in place to protect against visual depictions that are obscene or pornographic.” State Standards for in NC, TX, MD, AZ, MO, VA, and many more. ISTE’s NETS – 3 rd Grade

Steps to Prepare Change Board Policy Determine Instructional Needs and Goals Create/Modify an Acceptable Use Policy Determine how will you enforce these policies Address Network Security

District Integration with Other Systems Single user sign-on with user name and password for cross authentication – SharePoint, Edline, SchoolWires, SchoolFusion, FinalSite, etc. Student Information System / Active Directory Data Integration for Account Creation, Deletion, and mobility within the district.

Make the Safe Choice The same teacher that allows students to use Gmail or HotMail at school, is planning these fieldtrips…. …and thinks this student is safe by wearing a helmet.

Thank You! Now for a demo!