Internet Resources for Ministers Who Work and Pray with Children (Part I)
Susan Brooks-Young
There’s no doubt that today’s youngsters take communication technologies for granted. Not only are 93% of American 12–17 year olds regularly online (Pew Research Center, “Teen Content Creators”), but even our youngest elementary students are in on the action. Seventy-three percent of children in grades K–3 report regular computer use away from school, including a variety of online activities. And it should come as no surprise that nearly all students state a preference for learning activities that are technology-supported whether at home or in a more formal class setting.
Online Resources
As is the case with academic subjects, religion teachers and catechists have access to a growing number of online resources they can use to enhance student activities, improve home/school communication, and even provide immediate feedback on certain kinds of student work. In parts 2 and 3 of this series, we’ll review some of these web resources. But before taking your students online, it’s important to spend some time thinking about your expectations for their online behavior and planning activities that will give them the information they need to keep safe and set the tone for appropriate online behaviors. This article provides resources you can use for this purpose.
Adult Supervision
Frequent online use does not necessarily imply sensible use. Children and young people need direct instruction from trusted adults if they are going to work appropriately while online. One or two lessons on these topics won’t suffice; these skills must be taught and reinforced through review and ongoing discussions. In addition, adults need to regularly model the behaviors they expect from students.
Religion teachers and catechists can and should play an important role in teaching proper netiquette (i.e., network etiquette). Not only does this lay the groundwork for teaching technology-supported lessons, but it also provides opportunities to engage in discussions of social and ethical issues surrounding online use. But where do you find resources for these activities? Here are several sites you can use to find information, lessons, and tips for working online with students in grades K–12.
Online Safety and Netiquette
The sites listed above are maintained by respected national authorities, and they confront these issues frankly. Before using any of these sites with students, review them carefully to select those that are appropriate for use in your community.
Important Note
Some TLC articles provide links to other websites solely for the user’s convenience and reference. By providing these links, OCP assumes no responsibility for, nor does it necessarily endorse these websites, their content, or their sponsoring organizations.
Susan Brooks-Young is a former Catholic schoolteacher who regularly writes “Technology in the Classroom” for Today’s Catholic Teacher. She contributes frequently to other professional journals and has authored several books on technology use in K–12 education.
Online Resources
As is the case with academic subjects, religion teachers and catechists have access to a growing number of online resources they can use to enhance student activities, improve home/school communication, and even provide immediate feedback on certain kinds of student work. In parts 2 and 3 of this series, we’ll review some of these web resources. But before taking your students online, it’s important to spend some time thinking about your expectations for their online behavior and planning activities that will give them the information they need to keep safe and set the tone for appropriate online behaviors. This article provides resources you can use for this purpose.
Adult Supervision
Frequent online use does not necessarily imply sensible use. Children and young people need direct instruction from trusted adults if they are going to work appropriately while online. One or two lessons on these topics won’t suffice; these skills must be taught and reinforced through review and ongoing discussions. In addition, adults need to regularly model the behaviors they expect from students.
Religion teachers and catechists can and should play an important role in teaching proper netiquette (i.e., network etiquette). Not only does this lay the groundwork for teaching technology-supported lessons, but it also provides opportunities to engage in discussions of social and ethical issues surrounding online use. But where do you find resources for these activities? Here are several sites you can use to find information, lessons, and tips for working online with students in grades K–12.
Online Safety and Netiquette
- Incredible Internet–Online Safety
Visit the Online Safety page on this site to access links, guides, and other resources related to safety and appropriate online behavior - CyberSmart!
Online safety, security, and manners are just a few of the topics covered in the free curriculum offered on this site - NetSmartz.org
Areas for parents, educators, kids, and teens provide common sense advice for dealing with tough issues related to online behavior - The Onguard Online Social Networking Site
This resource offers a wealth of information for all ages relative to safe behavior on social networking sites. - Media Awareness Network Educational Games
A variety of educational games related to online safety and netiquette for students grades 4–8
The sites listed above are maintained by respected national authorities, and they confront these issues frankly. Before using any of these sites with students, review them carefully to select those that are appropriate for use in your community.
Important Note
Some TLC articles provide links to other websites solely for the user’s convenience and reference. By providing these links, OCP assumes no responsibility for, nor does it necessarily endorse these websites, their content, or their sponsoring organizations.
Susan Brooks-Young is a former Catholic schoolteacher who regularly writes “Technology in the Classroom” for Today’s Catholic Teacher. She contributes frequently to other professional journals and has authored several books on technology use in K–12 education.
| Title | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Book Softcover | |||
| 20731 | Never Too Young: Leader's Resource | $25.00 | Add to Cart |
This comprehensive guide helps teachers, catechists and music directors make the most of Never Too Young, the first Catholic music resource for children in grades 4-8.