News & Updates

Brief overview of survey with response samples from Legislators, Parents School Board Members and Students.

• ORVSD Community Forum

• Comments portion of survey for questions 2-5
• Comments portion of Survey for questions 6-10
  
• Comments portion of survey for questions 11-15
• Comments portion of survey for questios 16-19
• Comments portion of the survey for questions 20-26

 

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We prepared surveys for the different interest groups. The surveys were all the same and were sent to the following groups for distribution to their constituencies.  This process was one way to gather input from the various interest groups.

 

Primary Stakeholders

OEA

OSBA

Parents, Online Charter Schools

Students, Online Charter Schools

Open Web Posting on ODE Website (url sent to charter school advocates)

Legislators

ESD Superintendents

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Below is the link to the 2008 Keeping Pace Report.  Keeping Pace surveys all the states on all types of virtual learning. 

 This year they were unsuccessful in representing how ODE performs oversight of the programs that provide instruction.  The authors collapsed all ODE functions under OVSD.  Also, they failed to  focus on any of our ESD and District programs that provide instruction. This was not for lack of effort.  Multiple people interfaced with the authors attempting to give an accurate representation of what ODE does and the mix of District Programs, ESD Programs and Charter schools Oregon currently has iproviding online learning instruction.

They did get the OVSD resources portion correct.

 2008 Keeping Pace

 

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The State Board of Education is conducting a survey of online education opinions, and your response would be appreciated.

Here is a link to the survey:

Click here to take the survey

You are also welcome to submit additional information directly to the State Board.  If you would like to submit information, please send it directly to Jan McComb at ODE (Jan.McComb@state.or.us)for Board Delivery.

This survey will be open for your response until October 30, 2008.  If you have requested a survey for your stakeholders it will be sent to you in a separate message.

Thanks for your participation!

 

Steve Nelson

 

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Please fill out this survey to give us feedback on Outdoor School and the training we provided.  We also want you to know how great you were at Outdoor School and how much we appreciate your time and commitment to our students. Please complete this survey by October 30, 2008.

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   http://www.kenton.k12.ky.us/internet_safety/default.htm
 Digital Citizenship and Internet Safety

Digital Citizenship is a concept which helps teachers and technology leaders understand what students should know to use technology appropriately. But Digital Citizenship is more that just a teaching tool, it is a way to prepare students for a society full of technology. Too often we are seeing students as well as adults misusing and abusing technology. The issue is more than what the users do not know but instead what is considered appropriate technology usage.

Nine Themes of Digital Citizenship

1. Digital Etiquette - electronic standards of conduct or procedure
2. Digital Communication - electronic exchange of information
3. Digital Literacy - process of teaching and learning about technology and the use of technology
4. Digital Access - full electronic participation in society
5. Digital Commerce - electronic buying and selling of goods
6. Digital Law - electronic responsibility for actions and deeds
7. Digital Rights & Responsibilities - those freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world
8. Digital Health & Wellness - physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world
9. Digital Security (self-protection) - electronic precautions to guarantee safety.

Understanding Digital Citizenship

citizen - "a native or naturalized person who owes allegiance to a larger state or collective and who shares in the rights and responsibilities afforded all members of that collective"

a citizen both works for and benefits from a larger society.

October is always Digital Citizenship month in the Kenton County School District.  Many of the resources on this page are used by staff and students as they learn to become responsible Digital Citizens.

Digital Citizenship Focused Resources (as researched and provided by the KCSD Media Specialists):
Staff Favorites:
  -NETS Smart Kids
  -Cyber Smart Curriculum
  -Onguard Online

Evaluating Web Sites
  -Evaluating Websites - PowerPoint
  -Information Detective Checklist
  -Web Site Evaluation

User Beware Program
  -Cyberbulling
  -Text Messaging
  -Personal Safety
  -Safe Profile for MySpace
  -Deleting Your MySpace Account
  -Everyone Knows My Name (Sara public service announcement 7th - 12th)

Internet Safety Curriculums Be a Safe Surfer
http://www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/MinorES/techsafety.htm
An Internet Safety WebQuest Cable in the Classroom Digital Ethics
http://www.ciconline.org/digitalethics
Curriculum that teaches ethical, courteous, and productive behavior while using digital media.  Included are resources on plagiarism, copyright, and using digital media productively. Center for Media Literacy
http://www.medialit.org/ 
Provides educational resources to develop skills needed to live fully in the 21st century media culture.  Chatdanger
http://www.chatdanger.com/
The Chatdanger website has been created to inform young people about the potential dangers and ways of keeping safe in interactive areas online, such as chatrooms, instant messenger, online games and email, and also via mobile phones. The aim of the site is very much to inform and empower users of these services, so they can use these services safely, and not at all to discourage people from using these services.  Cybercitizenship.org
http://www.cybercitizenship.org/index.html
Provides approaches for teaching children about "Cyber Ethics." This site also includes sets of links for adults and children to gain a better understanding of the Internet.  CyberSmart!
http://www.cybersmartcurriculum.org/home/
The CyberSmart! Curriculum is non-sequential and is easily integrated, in part or in full. Organized in five units, each teaching an important facet of Internet use, it consists of 65 original standards-based lesson plans with Activity Sheets. The number of lessons per grade increases as students' reading and critical thinking skills develop. GetNetWise
http://www.getnetwise.org/
GetNetWise is a user empowerment campaign and Web site designed to give Internet users a user-friendly, easy-to-find, online resource that can be found on the most popular entry points to the Internet, as well as on many of the most popular Web sites. GetNetWise offers tips, tutorials and other interactive tools.  Internet Safety (ppt)
PowerPoint created by Judy Spegal on Internet Safety.  Includes a pledge for kids. i-Safe
http://www.isafe.org/
i-SAFE provides age-appropriate K-12 curriculum to schools in all 50 states free of charge. The curriculum is a dynamic interactive program designed to educate and empower the student. Each lesson includes Activity Pages and Discussion for the class. The high school curriculum is a video Webcast hosted by teens on either VHS or DVD format. Some of the lessons taught by i-SAFE are: Cyber Citizenship, Personal Safety, Cyber Security, Intellectual Property, Cyber Bullying, and Predator Identification  Kidz Privacy
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/kidzprivacy/
Educates kids, parents, and businesses about the privacy rights of children online.  Site provided by the US Federal Trade Commission. Media Awareness Network on Chat Rooms
http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/teachers/wa_teachers/safe_passage_teachers/chatrooms_safety_t.cfm
discusses the chat room environment and related safety and privacy issues.  Play it Safe Online (ppt)
From i-Safe.  PowerPoint slideshow with dangers of giving personal information online. Sample Chat (doc)
Students look for mistakes chatters have made in revealing personal information online. Resources for Kids Cyberethics for Kids
http://www.cybercrime.gov/rules/kidinternet.htm 
Site by the U.S. Department of Justice's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. It provides adults, children and teens information on how to use the Internet safely and responsibly.  Internet Safety Tips for Kids
http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=208
From the Center for Missing and Exploited Children Just for Kidz
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/kidzprivacy/kidz.htm
Educates kids about their privacy rights of online.  Site provided by the US Federal Trade Commission. NetSmartz Kidz
http://www.netsmartzkids.org/indexFL.htm
Games and activities for kids to learn about Internet safety and have fun at the same time Resources for Teens Cyberethics for Kids
http://www.cybercrime.gov/rules/kidinternet.htm 
Site by the U.S. Department of Justice's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. It provides adults, children and teens information on how to use the Internet safely and responsibly.  Internet Safety Tips for Teens
http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=207
From the Center for Missing and Exploited Children Just for Kidz
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/kidzprivacy/kidz.htm
Educates kids about their privacy rights of online.  Site provided by the US Federal Trade Commission. NetSmartz Teens
http://www.netsmartz.org/netteens.htm
Watch teens share their own “Real-Life Stories” about issues affecting them on the Internet such as cyberbullying, online enticement, and giving out too much personal information.  X-Block
http://xblock.isafe.org/
Part of the i-Safe website, X-Block is a place for teens to hang out, share their online experiences and learn more about Internet safety. Resources for Educators Cable in the Classroom's Media Smart for Teachers
http://www.ciconline.org/mediasmartteachers
Explore these links to get an overview of the key concepts of media literacy, digital ethics, and online safety, along with ideas for using those concepts with your students. Cybercrime.gov
http://www.cybercrime.gov/ 
Site by the U.S. Department of Justice. It contains information, and up-to-date news about cyber crimes.  Cyberethics for Kids
http://www.cybercrime.gov/rules/kidinternet.htm 
Site by the U.S. Department of Justice's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. It provides adults, children and teens information on how to use the Internet safely and responsibly.  i-Safe for Educator
http://www.isafe.org/channels/?ch=ed
Resources and online training for teacher to implement the i-Safe curriculum Kidz Privacy for Teachers
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/kidzprivacy/teachers.htm
Educates teachers about the privacy rights of children online.  Site provided by the US Federal Trade Commission. Netsmartz for Educators
http://www.netsmartz.org/educators.htm
This page is designed to show educators and administrators how to use NetSmartz interactive materials in their classrooms, accumulate more information about Internet safety and technology, and take steps to bring their classrooms into the 21st century. Resources for Parents A Safety Net For The Internet: A Parent's Guide
http://www.nypl.org/legal/safety.cfm
Created by the New York Public Library, this site offers links and resources for helping parents protect their children online. Cable in the Classroom's Media Smarts for Parents
http://www.ciconline.org/mediasmartparents
Cable in the Classroom has developed a variety of resources for parents to use to educate themselves and teach their children how to evaluate media messages, practice digital ethics, and stay safe in the digital world. Cybercrime.gov
http://www.cybercrime.gov/ 
Site by the U.S. Department of Justice. It contains information, and up-to-date news about cyber crimes.  Cyberethics for Kids
http://www.cybercrime.gov/rules/kidinternet.htm 
Site by the U.S. Department of Justice's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. It provides adults, children and teens information on how to use the Internet safely and responsibly.  Get NetWise Tools for Families
http://kids.getnetwise.org/tools/ 
provides a database of tools that parents can employ on their home computers to guidetheir children to safe and rewarding online experiences. Internet Privacy and Safety Information for Parents
http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/alscresources/forlibrarians/internettech/internetprivacysafety.htm
From the Association for Library Service to Children Internet Safety for Parents (ppt)
Created by Oldham County Schools, this powerpoint contains valuable information for parents on helping keep their kids safe on the Internet. i-Safe for Parents
http://www.isafe.org/channels/?ch=op
Parents can be the key to safe and rewarding online experiences for the whole family. i-SAFE helps educate parents about hazards in cyberspace, and gives them opportunities to spread this valuable information within their communities.  Kidz Privacy for Parents
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/kidzprivacy/adults.htm
Educates parents about the privacy rights of children online.  Site provided by the US Federal Trade Commission. Netsmartz for Parents
http://www.netsmartz.org/netparents.htm
NetSmartz provides on- and offline learning activities for parents to facilitate discussions with their children and teens about Internet safety. Visit "Parent FAQ" to learn more about how and why parents should use NetSmartz. The Parents' Guide to Internet Safety (pdf)
Published by the Federal Bureau of Investigation The Parents' Guide to the Information Superhighway (pdf) 
Describes the advantages and risks of getting children online. This site is co-published by The Children's Partnership, National PTA, and National Urban League.  Other Internet Safety Activities Be a Safe Surfer
http://www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/MinorES/techsafety.htm
An Internet Safety WebQuest Educational Games
http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/games/index.cfm
From the Media Awareness Network, these games are grouped by age and teach students how to be safe Internet users and media consumers. Elmer the Safety Elephant
http://www.elmer.ca/splash_flash.html
This Canadian site uses Elmer the Elephant to teach kids about safety through activities and games. Interactive Safety Quizzes
http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=714
Child Safety quizzes from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children KidsCom Jr.
http://www.kidscomjr.com/games/safety/safety.html 
Games and Tips for Internet Safety and Good Manners Surf Swell Island
http://disney.go.com/surfswell/index.html
Help Mickey and the gang with their adventures in Internet safety. 

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I know this is a different approach but sometimes we need to change our perception so we can see the many possiblities! ORVSD offers so much for Oregon educators and students the question is what if you sought to seek possibilities and found inspired action?

"what if up" (verb) To ask "what if" questions in a way that expands possibilities and inspires innovation. Variations: "what if upping," "what if upper"

They are perhaps the two most powerful creative words in the English language: WHAT - IF! How we use the power of these words can be the difference between being a frustrated idealist and being someone that manifests miracles in the world.

How to What If Up:

STEP ONE: Identify a challenge or idea.

STEP TWO: Notice how you mentally approach the idea or challenge.

Do you "What if DOWN" considering all the "worst-case scenarios" for what would happen if you took action? What if it fails? What if it's too hard? What if it takes all your time, money and energy?

OR... Do you "What If UP" seeking possibilities and taking inspired action? What if this really works? What if all the resources I need show up exactly when I need them? What if it's fun, and meaningful, and rewarding?

STEP THREE: WHAT IF UP!

Challenge yourself to mentally expand possibilities beyond what you believe to be possible. Notice where you feel inspired to take action - and get into motion!

 

http://www.whatifup.com/home.htm

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U.S. schools must teach 21st-century skills for the nation to be globally competitive, it says

From eSchool News staff and wire service reports

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Astoria School District is in the beginning stages of adding online courses to our curriculum.  As an administrative team we have had numerous discussions concerning online policies for students and staff.  We know that there are many school districts throughout the state that have established online programs that must have policies in place and might be willing to share what they are doing.  Rather than having to reinvent the verbage that goes with what we trying to say, we would greatly appreciate any help or suggestions that we can get from other districts.  Is there a statewide acceptable use policy or is this something that needs to be discussed?  

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Astoria School District is in the beginning stages of offering online courses for our MS and HS students.  We are having discussions and trying to work out policies for our students and staff that pertain to expectations.  I know that there are many districts that have gone down this road before and have created policies that are working.  Unfortunately we are not one of them.  We would great appreaciate any help that we can get if you wouldn't mind sharing your online policies or know of a good resource.

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Greg has now loaded the 29 course templates purchased from SK online for everyone's use.  They can be found in the course creation drop down.

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Here are links to two articles in the August 11, 2008 issue of Forbes Magazine  I think that if you read through, you will see that the those people in the private sector of online education see primary and secondary education as a huge new area of privatization.  Can't happen here?  It already is. Comments?

Virtual Schools, Real Businesses
K12's Ron Packard is winning the fight against the school establishment.
By David K. Randall

http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2008/0811/084.html?partner=email

 

How to Change the Way Kids Learn
Computers have failed to improve education. That's because no one has gotten disruptive with technology.
By Clayton M. Christensen Michael B. Horn

http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2008/0811/081.html?partner=email
 

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Good morning all!

Hope you've had a good summer! I'm in the process of creating a workshop entitled, the Top Ten Technology Tools for Teachers. My concept is to showcase ten Web 2.0 tools that are the most useful for teachers. I'd welcome any suggestions ya'll have!

Thanks for your input!

Virginia Petitt, Southern Oregon ESD

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