Internet Safety and Classroom Expectations PowerPoint Reflection

I really enjoyed creating a PowerPoint presentation educating the students on internet safety and the classroom expectations. To begin with, the information that was contained within the presentation is information that the students need to be aware of. However, standing up in front of the classroom lecturing about "stranger danger" and the importance of arriving to class on time is not an effective means of getting through to the students. This PowerPoint offers a viable and high-tech solution to reach the students.

The downside to this presentation is that it is a PowerPoint about rules which is a teenager's kryptonite. So, I did my best to liven up the presentation with colorful graphics and text. In addition, I wanted to move beyond the "no chewing gum in class" and "raise your hand" classroom rules. My goal was to set forth classroom expectations that inspired rather than dictated. To illustrate this, I made each expectation tie in with an important quote. I even incorporated Yoda from Star Wars. It was my hope that these aspects of the presentation would help to not only keep the attention of the students, but to engage them.

In addition to engaging the students while in the classroom, I also wanted to engage them in our virtual classroom with the class website. By making this presentation interactive and available online, I am giving my students continued access to this presentation for future reference, but also as a way of owning these expectations. This will also give them practice with interacting with future presentations that are related to our course work and reading while helping each student to become an active participant in his or her own education.

Considering the amount of time I would like my students to be engaged with the online classroom setting I think it would be beneficial to have a PowerPoint presentation and classroom discussion dedicated to appropriate online behavior and safety. This information is so critical in ensuring each student's continued safety and future well being that I don't think that it would be "over kill". The YouTube video I have included in this initial presentation goes a long way in starting a discussion about the importance of being aware of what you post online. However, due to the potential future implications each poor posting choice holds, I feel it would be wise to have an in depth discussion that includes not only this topic, but the issue of "sexting" as well.

Through the utilization of this technological tool, as an educator, I think that I have not only accomplished my initial goal of engaging and teaching the students, but I have opened the door to important future discussions. Furthermore, by being able to demonstrate my professional proficiency with technology in the classroom, I am meeting the ISTE's Educational Technology Standards for Teachers.

1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity.
   
2. Design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments.
   
3. Model digital-age work and learning.
   
4. Promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility.
   
5. Engage in professional growth and leadership.