Can I use this App or Website for My Class?

Miller, B. (2016). Can I Use This App or Website for My Class?. Knowledge Quest, 44(4), 22-29.

This question is frequently asked by educators all across the country. According to this article, this question is indeed a difficult question to answer. The article suggest to take into consider the grade level, students ages, and the website/app restrictions when deciding if you can use an app or website in the classroom. Additional considerations should include the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

The article suggests a good resource for teachers when faced with this question is your school’s librarian. According to the article, school librarians should be in the know on rules on CIPA and COPPA and know where to find the age limitations for any website and associated app. School Librarians should also help keep students safe online through educating students about digital citizenship, their digital footprints, cyberbullying, cybersafety, and general caution when using the Internet. A great resource mentioned in the article is Common Sense Media. Oh this webpage, parents and educators can review ratings of Apps, websites, and other digital forms of media. The ratings are given by Common Sense Media as well as teacher’s reviews. The webpage also provides free, online lesson plans on teaching students about digital citizenship.

While this article provides great information to consider, I also believe that it is an educator’s responsibility to research websites and Apps they would like to use in their classrooms. If I was considering using a website in my classroom I would consult with our school’s librarian and our IT assistant on what content the website would be collecting and the age requirement. I believe that it is also my responsibility to read the Privacy settings as stated on webpages and Apps prior to downloading. I am responsible for keeping my students safe online when they are in my classroom. I will also be looking into using Common Sense Media’s digital citizenship lesson plans to introduce internet safety in my classroom. I currently use Common Sense Media when considering which video to play as a classroom reward. The webpage gives a detailed rating on movies and states what audience they would be appropriate for.  In conclusion, I believe with all of us working together as a team: parents, librarians, educators, IT directors, our students are better protected and educated about Internet safety.