Activity 8: Managing online communication and collaboration

To guide our discussions and thoughts on e-safety, or the use of social networks in the learning environment, were the following questions:

 

1. What should be included in a school e-safety policy?

 

What I found, for this first question, the aspect of the acceptable use of ICT by all parties involved was a major part that should be included in the policy.

 

2. What the most effective classroom procedure will be to ensure e-safety?

 

To actually ensure safety within the classroom, there were so many this that could be considered, however what really hit home was safety against cyber-bullying.

 

3. Which are the 5 most important considerations for a teacher requiring students to use social networks in the learning environment?

In my opinion they are:

Planning - The planning of activities – Student engagement: careful planning needs to be practiced to ensure that students are actively engaged in meaningful learning activities while networking, and using social media every day in their lessons

Environment - Build a relationship of trust – Learning environment: once students understand what is expected of them and they take ownership for their own learning, the environment will be one were communication and collaboration flows easily, and social media can be used anytime and anywhere. Include the use of e-safety practices.

Content - The development of ‘new literacies’: ICT literacy, media literacy, information literacy, etc.; to use research skills for information for different subject areas. What will students learn?

Ethics - Community building: Global Networking – Students are able to create and share appropriate information with others across the globe . As they respect each other.

Organization - Learning organization – Interactivity: students organize themselves in study groups and use social media appropriately to communicate and collaborate