FAQ Educators

Look over the Internet safety topics addressed in the activity cards of the appropriate age group(s) and decide which topics are most pertinent to the students. Some teachers prefer to plan an "Internet Safety Week" and spend a little time each day covering and reviewing the materials. Others spend a considerable amount of time one day discussing appropriate Internet behavior and safety. NetSmartz encourages teachers to spend a few minutes reinforcing the concepts throughout the year. The situation cards included in many of the activity cards provide an easy, quick way to review.

Computer Lab Teachers/Media Specialists:

Most computer lab teachers prefer to teach Internet safety early in the school year before having the students complete online assignments. Some schools have even required the students to complete all of the NetSmartz online activities before granting them Internet access. If students are accessing the materials online, a quiz or assignment can be given to check whether the students have completed the activities. Some activity cards include worksheets that the students can complete and turn in to their teachers. Downloadable versions of the online activities are available to states and organizations who partner with NetSmartz in an Internet safety initiative. The downloadable versions track completion and print out certificates when the students have finished all of the activities.

Health/Personal Development Teachers:

When covering topics such as suicide, depression, and responsible behavior, many of the "NetSmartz Teens" vignettes will complement the existing curriculum and add an Internet safety component. "Julie's Journey," for example, addresses the consequences of running away in addition to meeting someone offline.

English Teachers:

Some of the teen materials, such as "Map Your Route" address plagiarism and evaluating web content. These pieces may be helpful to review with the students before assigning a research project.

• Scan the overviews of the activity cards and look for ones that correspond to concepts that are already part of your core curriculum. Many of the teaching activities involve writing, roleplays, cooperative learning, and art projects could easily be adapted to fulfill more than one educational requirement.
• Use NetSmartz materials the first week of school when explaining the schools' acceptable use policy. Students will be more engaged and entertained amidst the monotony of back-to-school rules and paperwork.
• Invite school resource of
• ficers to address Internet safety during one of their scheduled visits.
• Show some of the online activities on days with shortened class periods, such as testing or assembly schedules.

The online activities require Flash. If Flash won't install on the computers, check with the school technology specialist who may be the only one with administrative rights to install programs on the computers.