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OnGuard Online - U.S. Government
Grades
4 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Onguard Online has compiled resources for computer users to help keep their computers safe and internet transactions worry free. Topics range from e-mail scams to Identity Theft, Internet...more
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Onguard Online has compiled resources for computer users to help keep their computers safe and internet transactions worry free. Topics range from e-mail scams to Identity Theft, Internet Auctions, Spyware, Wireless Security, Phishing, Social Networking Sites, Online Shopping, Peer-to-Peer File-Sharing (P2P), VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), Laptop Security, and Investing Online. There are games for Elementary students (they use Flash) as well as videos and useful tools and tips for more sophisticated users including adults. The latter don't require Flash and make this site worth a visit. Spanish speakers can switch the site to Spanish for their convenience. The Federal Trade Commission maintains the site, but the information comes from an impressive collection of agencies including The Office of Homeland Security and i-Safe.
tag(s): internet safety (113), safety (69), social networking (64)
In the Classroom
Survey students about their online usage and behaviors. This can be done informally as a class discussion or as an online survey that is filled out by students. Create a quick poll using SurveyPlanet, reviewed here. Use a projector and or a whiteboard to display the results and discuss the results of the survey with the class. Emphasize the importance of online safety and introduce the OnGuard Online website as an important resource for accurate and current information. Why not have cooperative learning groups investigate one of the topic areas provided (such as identity theft). Then have the groups make a multimedia presentation to present their findings to the class. Use one of the many TeachersFirst Edge tools reviewed here. Younger students can be introduced to the online games that teach appropriate and ethical online behavior. A scavenger hunt or questionnaire can be created for older students to explore the many issues that arise while online. As an extension activity students can role play different scenarios that they are confronted with when they are online and how they can respond in a safe ethical manner.
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ConnectSafely - Tech Parenting Group
Grades
K to 12
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This site is a discussion-opener on safe use of the "social web." Some of the tools included are social networking sites, virtual worlds, chat, cell phones, video-sharing, and more....more
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This site is a discussion-opener on safe use of the "social web." Some of the tools included are social networking sites, virtual worlds, chat, cell phones, video-sharing, and more. There are tips and advice for just about any medium kids and adults use today, as well as discussion forums where parents can ask questions and share information. Each article and advice section can be emailed at the click of a mouse. You can also download and share printable version (site creators do ask that you not modify them and that you simply tell them if you do download and share). While some posts may not represent your point of view, the important thing is to open dialog.
tag(s): internet safety (113), safety (69), social networking (64)
In the Classroom
Include this link on your teacher or school web page for parents to access as part of a plan to work together. Consider using it as a hub for an evening discussion session with parents and students in a "round table" to air concerns and work together. Simply blocking or ignoring these tools is not educating or helping our kids. We want our students to grow into safe and responsible citizens both online and in person. If your school can involve and inform parents and students, you will have a better likelihood of using the new tools of the web in productive classroom settings, as well.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Common Craft - Common Craft Productions
Grades
K to 12
8 Favorites
0 Comments
This is a TeachersFirst Edge Entry for ANYONE who wants to know more about new technologies. No special skills needed. Watch and learn. If you are embarrassed to say that ...more
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This is a TeachersFirst Edge Entry for ANYONE who wants to know more about new technologies. No special skills needed. Watch and learn. If you are embarrassed to say that you don't know what all the "new web 2.0" terms are all about, this one is for you (and probably for your students' parents, as well). Common Craft uses a very simple, visual method of explaining all the latest technologies so that anyone can understand, using short video clips narrated by a positive and respectful voice. The next time you hear someone talking about RSS feeds or some other new doo-dad, stop here first so you will know what they are talking about. Did you think you were the only one who did not know? Fear not. This site has incredible popularity because there are LOADS of people quietly questioning -- just like you. To view the video clips FREE, click on "Video Library" and the topic that you wish to view. Despite a paid membership model, Common Craft still offers the videos for free, but it does have a watermark saying, "For evaluation only." If you wish to share this with a group, they will need to view it on individual/partner computers (or IOS devices) or on a projector that has a zoom function to enlarge a selected area of the screen.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): blogs (65), bookmarks (47), social networking (64), video (262), wikis (14)
In the Classroom
Start by looking at "Most Viewed" and "Most Popular Right Now," but don't be afraid to search for other topics that have you wondering. You will definitely want to make this site a Favorite and tag is as "professional" information to keep you informed. Share it on your teacher web page to help out your parents, too!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Tiny URL - Gilby Productions
Grades
K to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
This very simple little tool allows you to copy a LONG URL (web address), paste it into this web page, and get back a very short URL that fits far ...more
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This very simple little tool allows you to copy a LONG URL (web address), paste it into this web page, and get back a very short URL that fits far more easily on your teacher web page, in your handouts, or on your blackboard for students to enter.
In the Classroom
If you make a map in Google Maps, an online graphic organizer, a set of online flash cards, to anything else that allows you to share my emailing or copying a URL, this tools will save you from endless errors or emails full of ten-line URLs. Be sure to show your middle and high school students how to use it, as well. This will solve the problem of URLs that get split and no longer work when the text wraps around to another line.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OneWebDay
Grades
K to 12
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"The mission of OneWebDay is to create, maintain, advance, and promote a global day to celebrate online life." Started in 2006, One Web Day is a day for awareness of ...more
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"The mission of OneWebDay is to create, maintain, advance, and promote a global day to celebrate online life." Started in 2006, One Web Day is a day for awareness of the power of the Internet and activities to highlight its use in positive ways. While part of the mission of OneWebDay is a sort of "Earth Day for the web," a chance to highlight and preserve the things that make the web a healthy place to learn, work, and share -- all in an ethical way. Schools may want to take the day (or the closest school day)to highlight how much we benefit from the web and how students and families can use it safely and positively.
tag(s): internet safety (113), safety (69)
In the Classroom
Some ideas to celebrate the day: Send class emails to the web sites you find most useful to thank them for their contributions to your class' learning. Find a school web site in another town or country and email the webmaster to relay a "hello" to a classroom there. Make a class wiki to share all the positive things you gain from the web---and invite parents to join in, too. Have students keep a web "diary" for 24 hours, noting every time they use or benefit from someone else using the web (even the weather man on TV gets his/her information from the web!). Predict how many "web contacts" your class will have, then add them up to see how close you came. Plan a OneWebDay event for your school and share it on the OneWebDay site or with the local press. With primary grade students, take the time to point out which activities you do in class come from the web (these children see "the computer" as the genie of all things and do not distinguish between the web and a CD game). Make a giant "web" out of yarn and "connect" everyone on the playground. Send an email from your class to the principal, telling him/her about OneWebDay. What else can you think of?Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Safe Kids - safekids.com
Grades
1 to 12
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This site offers information to children, teens, and parents about how to stay safe online and keep your computer safe. It contains information sheets for various levels, downloadable...more
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This site offers information to children, teens, and parents about how to stay safe online and keep your computer safe. It contains information sheets for various levels, downloadable parent and child online safety pledges, and slide shows about Internet safety. The slide shows do require the user to register at myspace.com, so this requirement may preclude usage at school. There is even a SafeKids song, but it downloads slowly, even on a fast connection (opt for the dial-up version). Younger children will also enjoy the online safety quiz. This site requires Flash. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..
tag(s): internet safety (113), resources (87), safety (69)
In the Classroom
Include this site on your teacher web page for students and parents to access as a reference. Share the printables with parents at open house or conferences. As you introduce web-based activities in your classroom, pause to rmind students of these safety rules, even if someone else is supposed to "cover" them in their classroom. Parts of this site require the use of myspace, so be sure to preview it and match the requirements to your school's regulations.
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Free Typing Games - TypingMaster
Grades
2 to 8
1 Favorites
1 Comments
Build keyboarding skills with these free online games. The bubble game with lower case letters is simple enough for very young ones, since they need only recognize single letters. As...more
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Build keyboarding skills with these free online games. The bubble game with lower case letters is simple enough for very young ones, since they need only recognize single letters. As students progress, they can move on to more elaborate games involving words (free downloads) or try the online typing test (also free).
tag(s): keyboarding (28)
In the Classroom
Share this link on your classroom computer, teacher web page, or in a class newsletter so students can practice keyboarding outside of class or at home. If you have some students who have computers at home and some who do not, give the less experienced students time during recesses or after work is done to improve their skills using these engaging games.Comments
Love this service, recommended.Adam, , Grades: 0 - 12
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Scoring PowerPoints - Jamie McKenzie
Grades
4 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
This website provides teachers with methods of evaluating PowerPoint presentations. Although the material is lengthy, there is some good information included. At this website, you...more
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This website provides teachers with methods of evaluating PowerPoint presentations. Although the material is lengthy, there is some good information included. At this website, you will find rubrics, diagrams, examples, explanations and other information.
tag(s): assessment (148)
In the Classroom
If your students are creating PowerPoint presentations, use this tool to create a useful and practical assessment. Avoid the pitfalls of being "charmed by glitz" when your students use technology. This site will help you and your students look for appropriate substance. Be sure to include this link on your teacher web page all year long for students to use as a reference when doing multimedia projects.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Quintura: See and Find - Quintura
Grades
4 to 12
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This new approach to search engine uses "clouds" of words related to your search topic to prompt you in narrowing your search. Quintura was launched as a beta test in ...more
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This new approach to search engine uses "clouds" of words related to your search topic to prompt you in narrowing your search. Quintura was launched as a beta test in late 2006 by a team of Russian and American developers. If you enter a search term and hit Enter (or click the magnifying glass), the left side of the screen displays a visual map of words related to your search. Click a word for a more precise view. You can also adjust settings and search images, video, and Amazon.com from the same search box. Another advantage: you can SAVE your search and share it with friends.
Realize that this search engine does not apparently have a reputability ranking system as Google does, but for students trying to narrow a topic or find out what else is related, this is a great tool. Visual and global students (and adults) will find it far easier to navigate than outline-type approaches. More linear, detail-oriented thinkers may find it annoying. See the Help explanations for some great information.
Realize that this search engine does not apparently have a reputability ranking system as Google does, but for students trying to narrow a topic or find out what else is related, this is a great tool. Visual and global students (and adults) will find it far easier to navigate than outline-type approaches. More linear, detail-oriented thinkers may find it annoying. See the Help explanations for some great information.
tag(s): search strategies (22)
In the Classroom
Display this search engine as an option as you start a research project. It would work extremely well on an interactive whiteboard for demo. If you teach younger studen ts, try the kids version.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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International Technology Education Association (ITEA)
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
The International Technology Education Association (ITEA) is the professional organization for technology, innovation, design, and engineering educators. Their mission is to promote...more
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The International Technology Education Association (ITEA) is the professional organization for technology, innovation, design, and engineering educators. Their mission is to promote technological literacy for all by supporting the teaching of technology and promoting the professionalism of those engaged in this pursuit. ITEA strengthens the profession through state and national legislative efforts, professional development, membership services, publications, and classroom activities.
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NetSmartz Workshop - National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Use this website to help students of all ages learn to be safe online and in the real world. Included are short video clips that are sure to catch ...more
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Use this website to help students of all ages learn to be safe online and in the real world. Included are short video clips that are sure to catch the student's interest along with plans for class discussions and activities. See the various topics under "choose an Issue" lower on the page. Activity cards and safety pledges are available in Spanish. There is a very rich collection of information here.
tag(s): internet safety (113), safety (69)
In the Classroom
If you know you will be using the Internet during class or assigning it for outside work, consider sharing some of the safety lessons ahead of time using a projector, especially with elementary and middle school students. Secondary English, information literacy, or computer teachers should consider requiring teens to report on an Internet safety topic as a research project as you are trying to both teach and USE research skills. This site could be a good topic-finder and starting point.Provide a link on your teacher web page to give parents a resource for talking about Internet safety with their children at home. Bookmark this site on a classroom computer for students to visit when they have free time.
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Blog Basics for the Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
10 Favorites
0 Comments
This comprehensive tutorial gives all the details on using gated blogs safely in the classroom, including explanations of blogging basics, a TeachersFirst Step-by-Step on how to start...more
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This comprehensive tutorial gives all the details on using gated blogs safely in the classroom, including explanations of blogging basics, a TeachersFirst Step-by-Step on how to start one, complete charts of the features of several free blogging tools for teachers, and over two dozen ideas for how to use a blog with your students. Make "writing to learn" approachable and exciting. You will even find a customizable Blogger's Agreement to download and use with students and parents so everyone knows the expectations and consequences for your class blogs.
tag(s): blogs (65)
In the Classroom
You could use this step by step as the framework for a self-directed or "buddy" professional development project. Share it with your principal or professional development coordinator. USe the strategies and ideas here to start a blog for your class or for each student. Don't miss suggestions for a Teacher as Blogger so you can model blogging, too.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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A Fun Alternative Way to Teach Children The Keyboard - Georgina Farmer, Nail it Now
Grades
K to 2
1 Favorites
0 Comments
These simple lesson plans provide a developmentally appropriate way to introduce the computer keyboard to young children using manipulatives and mnemonics to help them remember key...more
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These simple lesson plans provide a developmentally appropriate way to introduce the computer keyboard to young children using manipulatives and mnemonics to help them remember key locations. the web page itself is very simple and straightforward, but the ideas are the important part. Note: this teacher is selling the final two lessons in the series, and TeachersFirst does not endorse any product for sale. You can, however, read and try the first two lessons, then decide for yourself whether you wish to go further.
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Kids Search Engines - Search Engine Watch
Grades
2 to 6
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This resource provides a concise overview of special search engines aimed specifically at kids. Also includes helpful tips for enabling filters on major search engines. Note: search...more
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This resource provides a concise overview of special search engines aimed specifically at kids. Also includes helpful tips for enabling filters on major search engines. Note: search engines are continually being devoured by other search engine companies, so even the reputable folks at Search Engine Watch occasionally have links to sites that have suddenly changed names!
tag(s): search engines (49)
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Dr. Watson
Grades
1 to 12
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Avoid the frustration of sending students to a site populated by dead links. Just enter a URL into this handy online and let it check to see if there are ...more
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Avoid the frustration of sending students to a site populated by dead links. Just enter a URL into this handy online and let it check to see if there are any broken text or image links on the page. Dr. Watson will also spell check a site, generate Word counts, and compute download speeds.
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Smarter Surfing - Sree Sreenivasan
Grades
1 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Improve your students' online research skills with this helpful guide to using Google. Features of the search engines are explained (did you know that the search box can be used ...more
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Improve your students' online research skills with this helpful guide to using Google. Features of the search engines are explained (did you know that the search box can be used as a calculator or that you can receive email Google news alerts when a phrase you wish to track shows up in the news?), and searching tips are provided. You'll have fun with this one.
tag(s): search strategies (22)
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The Internet and Children - What Works? - NTIA
Grades
1 to 12
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This report on the Children's Internet Privacy Act from the National Telecommunications Information Agency focuses on practical ideas that can have a meaningful impact in managing children's...more
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This report on the Children's Internet Privacy Act from the National Telecommunications Information Agency focuses on practical ideas that can have a meaningful impact in managing children's access to the web while avoiding unnecessary restrictions on others. School technology staffs will find its "lessons learned" and "best practices" sections particularly interesting. Text based info but current.
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Microsoft Security and Privacy - Microsoft
Grades
1 to 12
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The recent rashes of e-mail borne viruses and worms make a visit to this Microsoft page almost a necessity. Surprisingly usable, the site offers tips, patches, and suggestions for maintaining...more
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The recent rashes of e-mail borne viruses and worms make a visit to this Microsoft page almost a necessity. Surprisingly usable, the site offers tips, patches, and suggestions for maintaining computer security in home, office, and school environments. This is a useful resource whether you're already infected or simply want to avoid becoming infected.
tag(s): internet safety (113), Microsoft (80), worms (5)
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Internet Blocking in Public Schools- A Study on Internet Access - Electronic Freedom Foundation
Grades
1 to 12
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This study has helpful information for educators and other professionals concerned with the quality of internet accessibility in out public schools. The study examines the educational...more
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This study has helpful information for educators and other professionals concerned with the quality of internet accessibility in out public schools. The study examines the educational and societal implications of placing internet filtering software on school computers. The study is specifically aimed at determining whether such software actually impedes the pursuit of curriculum goals by inappropriately blocking educational resources. The study's use of state mandated curriculum standards as a basis for internet searches places the study in a context that continues the current dialogue over the most effective way to filter internet use in schools.
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Welcome to the Web - Teaching Ideas
Grades
1 to 12
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This British introduction to the Web was designed for young children, and that makes it perfect for most adults' first venture into cyberspace. The site offers a step-by-step introduction,...more
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This British introduction to the Web was designed for young children, and that makes it perfect for most adults' first venture into cyberspace. The site offers a step-by-step introduction, taking very small steps indeed. Technology teachers may find this one useful, and the site would also work well for a parent-and-student introduction to the Web.
tag(s): tutorials (54)
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