Free Program Teaches Cyber-Ethics and Safety
The CyberSmart School Program and McGraw-Hill are offering CyberSmart!, a curriculum that teaches students how to use the Internet safely, responsibly and effectively, for free to schools nationwide. The curriculum is available online at www.cybersmartcurriculum.org. The curriculum was developed by professional educators, curriculum experts and Internet-industry innovators.
CyberSmart! offers K-8 teachers and students a comprehensive approach to Internet education. Correlated with the National Educational Technology Standards, the curriculum consists of 65 standards-based lesson plans organized in five units: Safety, Manners, Advertising, Research and Technology (S.M.A.R.T.). In addition to technical skills, the program addresses character building and decision making, teaching students what online behaviors are acceptable, appropriate and effective.
Students learn how to evaluate and compare informational Web sites, how to recognize commercial messages, and how to protect their identities and privacy. CyberSmart! teaches students guidelines for good manners in cyberspace, including tips for e-mail, instant messages, chat rooms and message boards. Students also learn how to respond to unsolicited e-mail and handle uncomfortable situations online. Cybersmart!, www.cybersmart.org.
This article originally appeared in the 04/01/2002 issue of THE Journal.