Thursday, November 5, 2009
It is just because they are miserable...
Who would have thought a social network and advances in technology has been a gateway for other to hurt people? Making up hurtful stories, posting inappropriate pictures and lies have become the new way to bully not only classmates but teachers and principals as well. It is appalling that a first grader committed suicide after being cyberbullied in Florida. This is just uncalled for. What can people do to stop this?
Of Course it is easier to send a text message to someone than to confront them face to face. Also bullying over email or even a text can be taken in many ways since everyone can interpret the tones and meanings behind words differently. People become more inclined to let out more hurtful words through this cyberbullying because they won’t see the hurt or care of the hurt that they are putting upon others. Bullying isn’t acceptable in any situation but I am sure teens feel as if it isn’t as hurtful or they possibly don’t even know or care that they are hurting someone else’s feelings.
I think sometimes there isn’t a way around hate group websites. With the internet being a source of freedom of speech, it is hard to put a cap on it. I know schools of course are making laws that can have students expelled, but the general public can make all kinds of websites. Schools can definitely block certain cites like Facebook and MySpace from being used on campus computers and I think the school absolutely should block them. I think there should also be a no tolerance act for these types of pages while on school grounds.
The website, cyberbullying.org explained the need for bullying very well, “Cyberbullying, like other forms of bullying, is about human relationships, power and control.” It is that need to feel empowered and to have others scared of you. It also called this type of bullying more of a cowardly way to bully a someone and I believe that is 100% true. They are behind the scenes not seeing the actual consequences of their actions. I think in general parents need to be more involved with their child’s life. Facebook and MySpace and other sites should be monitored for their safety. Any person can claim they are a 15 year old Male/Female that wants to be your friend. I think websites like these should have some type of setting that proof of parent permission is there. Anyone can check a box saying you are 18, or parents approve. There has to be a different way.
After reading about this topic, I am in shock. I would have never thought about bullying being over the internet. It is crazy how times have changed today from when I was a kid and from even when my parents were kids. Bullying is the most frequent threat young people face and that is scary that there is so much hatred at that level of childhood. I learned that bullying is never going away and there isn’t a real way to monitor it all. We as teachers need to stand guard for ourselves as well as other students to keep everyone safe from the harassment that can ensue.
Here is a list of websites with more information on Cyberbullying:
http://www.cyberbullying.org/
I liked this link because it gives signs of a child being bullied, things to look out for and resources to use. The information on this cite is very helpful can be used in a lesson plan with students.
http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/
This website is awesome because it gives tips for different age groups as well as professionals! It directs you into the right path on the next steps to follow when being cyberbullied and gives evaluations to see if you are a cyberbully.
http://www.online-bully.com/index.html
This website is useful because it gives videos and introduces a computer program that monitors internet use in the home. This site is very resourceful!
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2005-03-06-cover-cyberbullies_x.htm
This article gave quick facts on what to do if you are being bullied and also told real accounts of those that have been bullied. Nice article to read.
http://www.ask.com/bar?q=How+Serious+Is+Cyberbullying&page=1&qsrc=6&dm=all&ab=3&title=Cyberbullying+Basics&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aftab.com%2Fcyberbullyingpage.htm&sg=GXC6%2BjNvkWZ3b%2FH%2FIqTPQ48kIcRmrg9IpQSqz%2FRKkFg%3D&tsp=1257456419361
This legal site has a powerpoint on how to address the problem as well as FAQ’s on the idea of cyberbullying. This site gives great examples that opened my eyes to cyberbullying with the use of picture texts and picture mail.
http://www.ctia.org/blog/index.cfm/2008/6/4/Cyberbullying-A-Serious-Problem-Facing-Kids-Today
This is a great site to look at because it is CTIA is the International Association for the Wireless Telecommunications Industry. This site also gives helpful tips on cell phone usage.
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/07/drew_court/
This is an unbelievable story about a 50 year old woman partaking in cyberbulling activities that lead a 13 year old girl to suicide. This is a terrible story but worth reading.
http://www.jimwrightonline.com/pdfdocs/bully/bullyBooklet.pdf
This booklet is helpful and shows way of changing the negative behavior around to positive behavior. I like how it also gives tips for bystanders to stick up and stop the bullying.
http://www.ask.com/bar?q=%22+Bullying+in+the+classroom%22&page=1&qsrc=0&dm=all&ab=1&title=Bullying+Behavior+in+the+Classroom%3A+Tips+and+Techniques+On+How+To&u=http%3A%2F%2Fnewteachersupport.suite101.com%2Farticle.cfm%2Fbullying_behavior&sg=TO959l9NAomji3LLuhdEQ9h8QWb%2B7tdMUDeVfC9P090%3D&tsp=1257457556980
This site gives a lesson plan so that students can be aware of what bullying is and how it affects others. It is also nice because it is a teacher support site where you can find other helpful tips.
http://www.parentsconnect.com/articles/help_child_with_bully.jhtml?xid=paid-google-bullying
This is a nice page that gives parents tips on how to deal with and prevent their child from being bullied. I like that this article is directed towards the parent and the parent involvement and how they can stop their child from being harassed or to even prevent the harassment.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Reflective Blog #1
http://knockingdownthesewalls.blogspot.com/
“Knocking Down These Walls”
Successful and realistic integration of Web 2.0 Tools into the classroom setting
This blog is generally about the frustrations this teacher has with students and with the technology issues she is having. She also talks about great ideas that anyone can use in their classroom like a 50’s themes Valentines day party. I do have to say that this blog isn’t updated often since the last post was in March. Id o like her layout and color scheme she has. It is easy to read and is appeasing to the eye. I like this blog because it has a sense of realness to it. It is like one teacher talking to another. She doesn’t write over the heads of everyone, she is simple and to the point. I would recommend this blog as an easy read, although it isn’t up to date, it is interesting and gives helpful tips.
http://danitarussell.edublogs.org/
“Random Ramblings”
A middle school technology facilitator trying to find sanity in a middle school world
Well the title of the blog gives it away… This blog is a bunch of random websites and links to various things. I do like the layout because it has a picture of the ocean and her gadget is creatively tied to both the title of her blog and the picture. I like how she has on the right side of the blog has options to search and narrow down what you are looking for. She has so much information on her blog, the resource of the tables are very helpful. I would keep this site handy for future uses on planning lessons and getting ideas for projects. Her blog isn’t updated very often either but it is bursting with tons of information!
http://kdgroom102.blogspot.com/
Kindergarten Tales
A kindergarten blog...
This blog is the cutest thing I have ever seen! It was so creative! It is up to date, includes videos of the students and things they are learning. It is well executed where parents and people of the community can see and appreciate what is going on in the kindergarten classroom! The font is big and in bright colors that make it easy to read and it is updated regularly. IT gives great resources for other teachers as well as families to use. This is a great tool in her classroom! I would highly recommend people to look at her blog! I also like that this blogger is from Carol Stream! Very close to home.
http://math306-04.blogspot.com/
Math 306-04
A blog from the 306-04 math class. Post when it's your turn, or whenever you have something to say. Comment on other peoples' posts....it's a 2-way street.
This blog is very basic. It is very plain in color, and seems to be used for uploading projects and for students to get missed homework and worksheets. I think this is appropriate for high school math and serves its function. There isn’t anything that really stood out as being fantastic about this blog. It serves its purpose for the grade level and is again appropriate for a classroom blog. I would have liked to have seen a little more color to give it some jazz but I don’t think it is absolutely necessary.
http://cossondra.blogspot.com/
Middle School, day by day from a teacher's point of view
Ever wonder what school is like from a teacher's perspective? A look in from the "other" side :-)
This teacher’s blog is so accurate and true. She said, “wonder how seriously some of them are taking this. Granted, the group I have in here is fairly motivated to be successful, being one of my 2 pre-algebra sections. However, I see the glazed over looks on faces, the boredom setting in, on this Day Three of testing.” She is a very honest teacher that lays it down how she truly sees it. I like how she doesn’t worry about how others perceive her ideas. I like how this blog is set up with the colors being used. It is also nice to see that her blogs go back to 2003! She is a pro at this! I would definitely recommend other teachers and my fellow students to read some of her blogs. They are very interesting and down to earth.
one teacher’s journey
Blogging my way to better teaching…
I liked this blog because mainly is from a man’s point of view. The other blogs were all from women. I like how honest he is as well as realistic, “Perhaps it’s just the upcoming holiday craziness and the need for a break in general, but I feel like everything is getter the better of me right now. I can not make a dent on the pile of papers on my desk, and it’s been way too long since I collected them. My lesson planning is growing thin; I feel more often like I’m surviving than teaching. Add Forensics season starting, graduation details already being worked out, committees and curriculum work, and…well, we all know the drill.”
He is showing the realistic life of being a teacher. Always working and having a never ending pile of papers to grade. I would recommend once again this blog for others to read. It shows a man juggling his life with his family and his career choice. It is well written and fascinating.