I am Safe, Respectful and Responsible

Knoles School has a motto for its character development program. It goes, "I am safe, respectful and responsible." It's not a bad reminder to be conscious of our actions and our impact on those around us. I think it would be a good motto for students dealing with technology as well. There are many legal and ethical issues to consider when dealing with digital information. Safety is the most important. Students need to learn how to protect themselves. They also need to be “respectful and responsible” by following copyright and use laws, and learning to both ask for permission and give credit.

The website isafe.org gives some clear, easy to remember tips to help children protect themselves while online.  They label them the four “R”s.  This might be a good place to start in teaching students about online safety.

Recognize techniques online predators use.

Refuse requests for personal information

Respond assertively if you are ever in an uncomfortable situation. Exit the program, turn off the computer, tell a trusted adult or call the police.

Report any suspicious or dangerous behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable to a trusted adult.

            In addition to safety concerns, teachers need to help students understand their legal and ethical responsibilities when using digital information.  Some material available online can be used without obtaining permission from the author, if its use is considered “fair.”  On the U.S. copyright website, fair use is determined by considering four points.  First, consider whether or not the use of the copyright material is for profit, or for other purposes such as education.  Second, the nature of the copyrighted work is important.  Third, the amount of the copyrighted work that is being used as compared to the whole work is a factor.  Fourth, if someone uses this copyrighted work, will it have a negative effect on the potential market for that work? 

            I found a great website for teachers to help students understand the complicated world of copyright law.  It’s called teachingcopyright.org and contains lesson plans that deal with the definition and history of copyright law, determining fair use, and peer to peer file sharing. 

            While following copyright and fair use laws fulfills the “responsible” part of the motto, to be “respectful”, it is important to teach students to ask permission to use information they find online whenever possible, and to cite their sources carefully.