Using the Internet

Establishing An Internet Classroom: Safety

After a week or so of exploring the Internet and conducting your own searches, you'll have a good idea of the plethora of Web sites available. Unfortunately, not all sites were created equal, or for children.

Sites that are sexually explicit or promote alcohol, for example, are just as easy to access on the Internet as any others. Congress has upheld the rites of free speech on the Internet, allowing it as a forum for all. However, you also have the right and the ability to monitor Internet use and restrict it to what is appropriate in your class.

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Software Tools

There are a couple tools you can use to prevent your students from visiting inappropriate Web sites. Filtering software prevents access to sites predetermined to be inappropriate. "NetNanny" and "Surf Watch" provide software and periodic updates that you can load onto your computers to filter out these sites.

Your ISP may provide similar filtering services. Some ISPs still allow you to visit any site on the Internet, though only if you provide a certain password. America On-line allows kids to freely wander in its Kids Only section and denies access into other areas without a password.

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