This week we learned about internet safety and how that connects to education and our role as teachers. We had guest speaker Jesse Miller who spoke to us about how we can protect ourselves and our students from trouble involving online interactions. I found all that Jesse had to say very captivating but it gave me a lot to consider as well.
Considering that I want to teach middle school in the future I know that phone usage is a prominent in that age group. During the Q & A portion of Jesse’s presentation, I asked him to share some strategies he values in managing phones in classrooms. The two greatest points I took away from his response were that teachers taking phones creates a control narrative and he likes the “20, 2, 20, repeat” method. I would like to give the 20 minutes of work, and two minutes of school-time cycle a try in my future classroom. I am curious if it would gain the respect of students or if the novelty would wear off quickly. I appreciate the strategy as it encourages students to hold each other accountable in pursuit of personal reward. I would like to try this strategy of phone management in a classroom and observe the behavioural and contextual effects.
Along the lines of internet usage, after searching my name on Google the results were expected. I have googled myself before and I am comfortable with all the information that shows up. The content includes my LinkedIn profile, My (private) Instagram account, Track & Field records from high school, and an old (and embarrassing) headshot from my acting days. I am happy with the results of the search as I remember googling my teacher’s names in high school and being shocked by some of the results.
Today’s class reinforced my idea that I need to be careful and thoughtful before I post online, especially as a future educator. I feel as though the idea of Internet safety and protecting my internet image is a topic I will have to continue to consider throughout my career. I think that in the digital age, I will have to constantly adapt to changes in professional standards ad it is good. to be mindful, intentional, and aware of the areas to be cautious in.
Thanks for reading!
