SID Theme: Be the change: unite for a better internet.

‘Safer Internet Day’ (SID ‘17) is an opportunity for schools, and the organisations that support them, to reflect on how we can make the internet a safer place for students. But don’t be fooled, it’s not all reflection. This year’s theme ‘Be the change: unite for a better internet’ is a call to action; in order to ‘be the change’ we need to be proactive.

What is your school or organisation doing to ensure students are safer online?

Here at N4L, a safe and secure internet connection is fundamental to the service we provide. The managed network we offer is fast, reliable and has web security, filtering and firewall services which allow schools to create a safer online learning environment. We partner with schools to restrict access to inappropriate material and minimise risks facing schools (such as viruses, ransomware and DDoS attacks).

But technology will never BE the solution to a safer internet. While we can filter/block keyword searches, control applications and create policies (rules) aimed at protecting our users, the technology itself does little to address the unsafe behaviours that occur online.

We know that nothing is 100% safe. While creating a safer internet does require the right technology and supporting legislation, the true agent for change is education. Empowering users with the skills, knowledge and understanding to act responsibly online is a vital part of the solution and is everyone’s responsibility – not just schools’.

But we do also know that schools have a responsibility to provide a safe physical and emotional environment for their students – which extends to the online environment (I won’t NAG5 you about this here). Increased exposure to technology enhances our access to amazing resources, collaboration opportunities and learning possibilities previously unimagined. However, as is often the case, with increased reward comes increased risk.

I can see you nodding along as you read this; you know that making the internet safer is important (check) and that schools have an important part to play in this (check). But how do schools do this? It’s all very well to BE the change, but what do we actually DO?

The truth is it’s complicated, ongoing and it won’t happen overnight. Safer Internet Day is a timely reminder to act, so let’s keep the focus on doing. If you are struggling for ideas, here are some suggestions to help get you started:

School Leaders

• Digital Citizenship: Do you have an established Digital Citizenship programme for students? How about PLD for your teachers? (See here for information on TKI and how to get started).
• Harmful Communications Act: Are you aware of the Harmful Digital Communications Act? Not only the legislation but the additional support now available to schools. If not, check out and disseminate the digestible information covered on Netsafe’s website (see here).
• Consult your ICT Admin: Are your filtering policies up-to-date? What technical measures have you implemented to protect your community? Is your acceptable use policy up-to-date/implemented? Are password policies keeping users safe? Where are the gaps?

Teachers

• Pond: Check out the digital citizenship teaching resources available on Pond (see here).
• Review the updated white paper from Netsafe: ‘From literacy to fluency to citizenship: Digital Citizenship in Education’ (available here).
• Join the conversation, sign up for Netsafe’s Google Hangout to celebrate Safer Internet Day, Tuesday 7th February (3.45pm) – see details here.
  

If you are running a digital citizenship programme already or have other safety initiatives established in your school or organisation why not share your resources in Pond, with your CoL – or both!

Need Help?

You are not alone – each school is unique and while they may share common problems, often the ‘solution’ (for lack of a better word) requires a customised approach. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, there are services designed to support you, so be sure to reach out. Contact:

• N4L: Speak to your Client Manager or contact our Help Desk on 0800 LEARNING 
• Netsafe: call toll-free on 0508 NETSAFE (0508638 723) or email  through to [email protected]
• Connected Learning Advisory:  Speak to the adviser’s on 0800 700 400 

Partnerships are important. Do you have ideas about how N4L can support your school or organisation to  unite for a better internet? If so, let us know.

Let’s unite and be safer out there!

Greg Duff joined the N4L team as the School Training Lead in November last year (2016).

As a secondary school teacher, Greg is passionate about learning and teaching and the role technology plays in supporting education. He began his teaching career at Northcote College before moving to Rosehill College as the Head of Media Studies and the Director of eLearning. Most recently he was the Digital Learning Manager at Manukau Institute of Technology.

Keep an eye out for more from Greg coming soon!