In the reading when Zack told his neighbor that he had learned that the Holocaust never happened from an on-line source, the neighbor went to the school demanding that the Internet connection be terminated.
What really stands out to me about reading the Internet is that it is similar to reading anything. From the Enquirer to Mother Jones, from junk mail to a letter from a friend, we must always consider the source. I definitely want to make that connection when I present this information to my students.
How interesting that the world wide web gives everyone a chance to publish one's thoughts and images. Myspace is a prime example of the exhibitionism of the Internet. A white supremacist "professor" has the same access to the Internet that I do. Freedom of speech.
Even though our school has blocked many sites because they are inappropriate, they are not able to block everything. One of my students found a pornographic image off of an unblocked site. However, the important issue here is that my colleague and I have been challenging ourselves on how we can bring up the issue of the objectification of women in our class. I think that just as in the case of Zack, we as teachers must strive to find those teachable moments.
I appreciate the guide on how to establish a reputable source from a not-so-reputable source. I feel that these are things that I tend to look for but it was helpful to have it written out in a guide.
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It is what we make of those uncomfortable events in our lives. The path we choose when deciding how to handle difficult situations with our youth. You said it well "Teachable moments"
Freedom of speech and the Internet. I always taught my students to "Question everything" including authority! Critical thinking skills are key to survival in this world.
I enjoyed reading your blog.
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