CLASSROOMS are becoming an ever-increasing hub of technology as the education system evolves its practices, with increased internet use putting children’s cyber safety at the forefront of teaching.
Internet safety is in the spotlight globally today to mark Safer Internet Day which raises awareness about online behaviour and encourages users to make a “better internet”.
With many traditional whiteboards and books now switched to smart boards and tablets, Mount Gambier North R-7 School information technology support officer Steve Kastritis said technology had opened a whole new world for students.
“There are all these advantages which they may have not had a few years ago,” he said.
“There are ways they are able to have a bit of fun, but are still able to engage in their learning.”
Year 4/5 teacher Kym Hammond said the sky was the limit for online learning, but it was important for students to be monitored.
“It is pretty important they are safe because through the internet they can have access to everything,” he said.
“I think most of the students really do not look for it and majority do the right thing.
“Although, some do come across things by accident which they always tell us about and let us know straight away.”
As a parent, Mr Hammond encouraged adults to talk with their children, adding they often understood what was the right and wrong things to do.
“We cannot control what is on the internet and they are understanding quickly there could be anything on there,” he said.
“I would advise parents to make sure their kids are spending a lot less time all together on their devices.
“I know it is hard because I find it difficult when I go home, but sometimes even parental settings do not work.”
Through all classrooms, Mr Kastritis said the school worked hard to filter and monitor anything deemed inappropriate for students.
“We make sure the kids are not doing anything they should not be doing as best as we can,” he said.
“We record all activity so we can pick up anything which is wrong.
“I think all schools in a sense have something similar in place and work hard to keep an eye on children and keep them safe.”
Mr Hammond said the next generation had grown up with technology and devices at their fingertips.
“If you ask what kind of job they want, a lot of the time it is something to do with YouTube or gaming,” he said.
“There are probably a lot of parents out there which do need to learn a lot more about technology themselves.
“I think sometimes my oldest son knows more about it than I do.”
