Access+to+information+online

=**Managing access to information online**=

Our worst fear as teacher is being up on the smart board and trying to find a video to show the class and you accidently click on something wildly inappropriate. Our job as teacher–librarians is to help teacher access information online in an effective and professional manner.

You should know your district policies on Wi-Fi use, devices at school, filters, YouTube access, student emails, etc.
 * __ Before you start: __**

Ask teachers how they use technology in the classroom. Students are the ‘end user’ of information in schools and their needs must be a priority.

If every class had Wi-Fi and devices (laptops, tablet, etc.) classroom could blog, post their homework and research inquiry questions. The question then becomes ”How can I create safe online learning environment in a classroom?” Cloud computing and software like Share point are changing the changing how information is accessed, used and stored. (Please see reference section if you need more information on Share point and Cloud)
 * __ Where is technology going in the classroom? __**


 * __ TL should focus on: __**
 * Having an ‘intranet’ for students to publish and collaborate online with in the school or classroom. Help teachers create class websites to host an on line forum.


 * Use pathfinders or stacks - What are you teaching in the computer lab? When using technology ask yourself “What are my learning outcomes?” For example, if you are doing a research project on raccoons what do you want the students to learn? Do you want then to know how to navigate the Internet or do you want students to make connections and learn about raccoons? Pathfinders assist teachers to centralize information through links so that meaningful learning can occur in the computer lab. It is a waste of time to type in URL’s. (Especially if they are k-4 students) Pathfinders navigate students directly to the appropriate websites.


 * The TL must educate students on the dangers of the Internet. Topics include: scamming, hacking, cyber bullying, website credibility, critical thinking with multi media sources and on-line predators so that all children are safe on the Web.