With the increasing presence of technology in our classrooms and in our daily lives, it is more important than ever for teachers to be aware of the risks associated with using technology with students. We need to understand the potential dangers, as well as the safeguards and what to do if there is a security breach.
These essential topics can open up opportunities to support critical thinkers and problem solvers. Fortunately, there are tremendous resources available to you online.
One of the best sites for educators is common sense education, which offers many free resources to support us as teachers, students, and the community. Before diving into any other site, it might be worth checking out their investigation, lessonsand Another resources.
There are many aspects of cybersecurity to consider, however there are three important areas worth focusing on for your classroom.
Cybersecurity in the classroom: password protection
One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from cybersecurity threats is to create strong passwords that are at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Also, you should create unique passwords for each account you have. To keep your passwords safe, you can use a password manager or write them down in a safe place.
There are excellent resources to support teaching about password security:
- pen lessons teach the fundamentals of creating passwords while using Sphero BOLT. Minimal knowledge of coding is needed to create strong opportunities for students to explore password security and other aspects of cybersecurity.
- cyber.org it has ways to test our password strength and many lessons to enrich our understanding of cybersecurity.
- Nearpod 21st Century Skills Program has additional content that a district can purchase to highlight all aspects of digital literacy, including password protection.
Think before you click
Phishing scams are a common way hackers steal personal information. Phishing emails often appear to come from legitimate companies. Still, these are designed to trick you into clicking a malicious link or downloading a virus. A simple pause and examination before clicking can help keep us safe.
There are so many fun ways to help our students practice these skills, including:
- Be awesome online offers great activities, slides, and games for its upper elementary students. The games are fun and engaging enough that students are excited to share what they learn with each other.
- EverFi has a complete unit on digital wellbeing that will take your students through all aspects of their digital wellbeing. Lesson 4 explores identifying threats and helps them learn more about passwords.
- INC uses CyBear characters and card games to teach all about cybersecurity. Order your free classroom flashcard pack and print out these great offline activities to teach about cyber attacks and security.
Using technology for good
Students need strong support when interacting with others online. As we teach character education, SEL, and DEI, we must support students’ use of social media.
Students should know essential terms such as spectator, defender, and ally. While much of the teaching in the past has focused on what not to do online, we have an opportunity to help students see the potential our online presence can have for social good.
Exploring our online world in the classroom can seem overwhelming, but there are so many amazing resources available, including:
- StopBullying.gov is a great place to help us understand the warning signs and give us a set of tools to share with students to help protect them.
- DigCit Institute offers month-long celebrations during which students and teachers share all the great ways they are using technology for good. Check out their #GlobalStudentShowcase recordings from April 2023 and follow them on social media for more opportunities to learn and engage.
- Butter is a movie your students will be on the edge of their seats watching. Tackles mental health, suicide, and bullying in one captivating film. Then take a look for free Curriculum created by Lisa Highfillone of the hyperdocs creators, to engage their students in these complex issues.
