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I Believe… Don't. Do. (Internet Safety, Part 2)

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I believe students have something important to say.

I believe they speak and make an impact on the world.

I believe they create work that endures.

I believe they make meaningful connections online.

I believe they need ownership of their digital footprint.

I believe that using a pseudonym online negates these statements.

Therefore, I believe that students should use their name when building an online presence.

photo credit: Tallent Show

Shocking, I know. School is starting back up here in the US, along with a host of posts from teachers warning children not to ever share personal information in their blogs. Don’t use your name. Don’t say your school name. Don’t talk about where you live. Don’t say what books you read. Don’t say what kind of toothpaste you use. Don’t. Don’t. Don’t.

No.

Do. Do share your name. Do own every single thing you say online. Do edit those words so you can be proud of them. Do be aware that people around the world- and down the street- know you are a kid. Do be safe around strangers- even if they know your favorite book or pet or your name- they are still strangers and you should treat them as such. Do build connections with friends.  Do understand that people around the world can find you- you are not invisible. Do talk about the wonderful things in your geographic area so others can learn from you. Do remember that your grandparents and future employers can see your work. Do, do, do.

(Freaking out yet? Take a look at my previous foray into this topic for some background…. Nameless, Faceless Children.)

I know this mentality presents some challenges and causes some discomfort. I’m sure teachers around the globe will be pointing out how ‘dangerous’ my students are online because they are using their full names (with parental permission). And posting photos. And recording audio. And video. They will be held up as an example of what not to do when blogging, especially in a format like the Student Blogging Challenge held by Edublogs several times a year. Teachers will shake their heads at how irresponsible I am as a teacher. Tsk, tsk, tsk.

Meanwhile, we will build a digital portfolio we are proud to own. We will make global connections that will last for years and change our lives. We will understand that there is no such thing as anonymity online, and that we are traceable. We will prepare for colleges and employers to search for us online… and when they do? Oh, what a presence they’ll find!

I believe that students should use their name when building an online presence.

I believe students have something important to say.

I believe.

What do you believe?


Tagged: digital citizenship, internet safety

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