1. Computers and Online Education have become more
prominent in the past 5 years than ever before. It’s
important to give students the tools they need to learn;
while at the same time keeping them safe, evaluating
the pros/cons, and monitoring the effects of
technology in the classroom. These added tools
provided today’s students and teachers with more
opportunity for growth and bigger responsibilities.

2. Main Menu: Computers in the Classroom
 Promoting Safety with Computer Access
 Pros & Cons of Online Learning
 Effects of Technology in the Classroom
Click on any of the links above to see information on the specific
subject matter.

3. Promoting Safety with Computer
Access
 i-Safe America is a nonprofit organization out of Carlsbad, California whose
mission is to “educate and empower America’s youth to safely and responsibly
use the Internet.”
 $3.5 million dollars has been approved by congressional leaders to implement
this safety tool in schools nation wide.
 i-Safe lesson plans will be delivered by teachers and are offered as a five part program
 In a pilot program one student reported suspicious behavior by their own
teacher, who was then removed.
McKinley,Shay K. Campaign Promotes Safe, Responsible
Internet Use for Students. 12/01/2002 from The Journal
http://thejournal.com/articles/2002/12/01/campaign-
promotes-safe-responsible-internet-use-for-
students.aspx?sc_lang=en

4. Promoting Safety with Computer
Access
 Proactive measures are needed as FBI statistics show that child pornography
and the sexual exploitation of children online is the most significant problem it
faces!
 “If you consider how many kids use the Internet, it has far surpassed the use of
the telephone,” Schr’eder says. “It’s the only place where adults and children
mix in the same place unsupervised.”
 For more information on i-Safe America, contact (760)754-5600 or visit: i-Safe
Inc
McKinley,Shay K. Campaign Promotes Safe, Responsible
Internet Use for Students. 12/01/2002 from The Journal
http://thejournal.com/articles/2002/12/01/campaign-
promotes-safe-responsible-internet-use-for-
students.aspx?sc_lang=en

5. Promoting Safety with Computer
Access
Personal Reflection A-ha Moment
 I think that there is a place in the classroom  In the very first pilot of this i-Safe America
for computers. It’s our responsibility to make course a teacher was removed from the
sure we are preparing students for the real classroom. I think that says a lot for how often
world. However, it’s very important to ensure we are unaware of the predators around us.
we are also providing a safe learning  I was shocked to read that one in five children
environment. receive sexual solicitations, materials, or are
 Being proactive is the best policy when dealing approached by sexual predators online and
with our students and possible predators. This that it’s one of the FBI’s biggest problems. This
is the biggest reason I would support a tool is definitely an eye-opener on why a proactive
such as i-Safe America in my classroom. education program would be needed in the
schools.
 Being an adult you forget the simple fears you
had when you were younger. Some kids may
fear computer privileges would be taken away
if they told their parents about being
approached online. I like that i-Safe America
provides an additional outlet.

6. Pros & Cons of Online Learning
Pros:
 Online learning is a wondering tool for students in distant locations.
 Promotes open and interactive environment.
Cons:
 There has been little research conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of
student comprehension with online-only learning.
 Teachers are unable to learn the individual learning differences and help to
facilitate growth.
Online VS Classroom Education Retrieved 12/13/2009
http://www.technical-vocational-
schools.com/online_classroom_learning.aspx

7. Pros & Cons of Online Learning
Summary:
 There are always going to be advantages and disadvantages to every type of
teaching and learning environment. Students understand material in all
different ways and as educators we should offer many methods to reach all
students.

8. Pros & Cons of Online Learning
Personal Reflection A-ha Moment
 I agree with the summary page that most all  A good point was made about how teachers
learning methods have advantages and cannot recognize the differences between
disadvantages. Personally, I like a classroom students online. Point well made for a con to
environment…but I do see and appreciate the online teaching!
online possibilities.

9. Effects of Technology in the
Classroom
 This article states that technology use allows many more students to be actively
thinking about information, making choice, and executing skills than is typical
in teacher-led lessons.
 Teachers are becoming more like ‘facilitators’ and guiding students through their own
personal online-journey.
 Students that are shy or do not excel in general topics may find great success at an
online-option and lesson plans.
 Per this article some teachers are seeing more motivation from kids that are excited to be
on a computer and doing something that maybe their parents don’t know how to do.
Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students
Retrieved 12/13/2009
http://www.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effects
students.html

10. Effects of Technology in the
Classroom
 Studies show that even elementary students are gaining computer skills that
build confidence about being able to learn new tools and how to take initiative
to figure out a problem on their own.
 “More complex assignments” are being handed down to students and they are
having success because of the technology in the classroom.
 Technology in the classroom is helping to get students out of the classroom for
resources. In the past, the books in a library have been the main source of
resources…now students have quicker, simplistic methods of finding data for
projects.
Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students
Retrieved 12/13/2009
http://www.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effects
students.html

11. Effects of Technology in the
Classroom
Personal Reflection A-ha Moment
 In the real world I see so many example of  I am not a huge supporter of technology being
‘management’ just telling ‘employees’ to figure a main focus in the classroom. I feel that a
things out. I know that teaching yourself can teacher that is relying on the computer too
lead to a great understanding of what it is you much could easily lead to a bigger gap in racial
are doing…but with young children I still think and gender educational issues.
personal, face-to-face, teacher-led lesson plans  However, I think back to my days in
of traditional studies is the best method. elementary school when I first played with the
 I do believe we should be integrating Oregon Trail and I loved it. I was learning
computers and technology into the classroom some basic computer skills…but I had such a
little by little. However, having students since of acomplishment. I really felt good
communicate and learn mostly with about school during those days, it’s crazy that I
technology is ignorant in my eyes. can remember so much about that one online
 Students need to have social interaction, yearn experience.
to be outside/learn in nature, and be led down  Maybe I am just ‘old school’ and need to see a
an educational path. Once they are older (past students face light up when they complete an
elementary level) they can have certain assignment online. I think getting hands on
freedoms associated with online education. experience will make me appreciate the
technology in the classroom more!

12. Computers and technology can be a great addition to the
classroom. I believe that you must first keep the students safe,
keep traditional lessons the main focal point, and keep an open-
mind about new technologies coming into the classroom.