Mike+C's+Safety+Lesson+Plan

Objective or goal of the lesson:
The focus of the lesson is online safety habits for 8th graders using our classroom wiki.

The technology which will be used will be wikispaces.
Brief explanation of how the technology will be used: In my career research unit, students will be expected to share information they find on a particular career in the class wiki. In the past, I have had some students find fantastic information while others struggle to find what they are looking for in regards to a particular career. The goal of this class wiki is that students will be able to share information that they find in a central, organized place.

Description of what behavior is expected of students
Standard classroom behavior and rules will apply. Students will work in individually to research the career of their choice. They are expected to keep talking to a minimum as they are using this time to research. No one should get out of their seat unless they ask first. As far as online work, the students have signed an Acceptable Use Policy generated by our school administration. They are expected to follow these guidelines as well.

Process or steps for teaching:
Ask the students what a wiki is? Wikipedia? Go over the aspects of a wiki. Explain that anyone can edit the page. Although our wiki will be protected, any student in 8th grade (including myself) will not only be able to see what you have done, but they will be able to edit what YOU have done. Therefore it is IMPERATIVE that you take great care to:

Students will be trained on accessing and using the wiki in a safe and responsible way.
 * 1) Only post things that are related to our project. All Acceptable Use Policies apply.
 * 2) Never edit someone else's work with out approval from me or the student. If you want to propose an edit to another student, you can use the discussion section.
 * 3) Know that all edits are logged in the history section.
 * 4) Anyone who commits electronic bullying or vandalism will be punished as in accordance with the school discipline policy.

What actions you will take and how you expect your students to respond if they find inappropriate content?
Students will report any inappropriate content to me immediately. I, then, will in turn contact our principal and district technology supervisor. Parents will also be contacted if deemed necessary by administration.

**Permission Letter**
Dear Parents,

This week we are beginning our careers research project. Your son or daughter will be taking time to research, in depth, the career of their choice. It is my goal that they will have a better understanding of the career and the requirements needed to obtain it. Another goal is that the class uses the latest research tools and technologies available to them. This year we are very pleased to announce that we will be using one of the newer internet technologies, a wiki. I am confident that you have heard of Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia that can be edited by anyone. We will be using a safe, educational wiki site called wikispaces (www.wikispaces.com.) It is similar to wikipedia in that the class will be able to collaborate and share information at any time. Other than that, I can assure you that what is posted on the site will be carefully moderated by myself and other teachers involved in this project. Another reason for this letter is to invite you to join our wiki project. Feel free to email me if you would like to participate in posting on the wiki. This would be appropriate if you have specific or helpful information about a certain that you would like to share. I am looking for links that I can pre-screen, and I would be glad to include them on our site. Also, you may request to join if you simply want to check it out and see what the students are posting in class. Since we are using a new technology, I am asking for you to sign this permission form and return it to school. I mostly want you to be informed of what we are doing in class. I also want to remind you that you and your son or daughter signed the Twin Valley School District Acceptable Use Policy and that students will be held to those standards when posting information and using the site. Please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns. Thanks! Mr. Culbert mculbert@tvsd.org

____________________________________________________________________ Parent Signature Date