Technology+Security+Report

 To: Dr. Jennsey From: Wanna Pierce Re: Technology Security Report Date: December 11, 2011

There are several internet security issues facing our schools and educators such as unwise emails, cyberbullying, student-teacher interactions via cell phones and social networking sites, pornography and child predators. It is imperative that we protect our students and system from these threats. In order to prevent technology related issues from occurring, the LEA must implement a strongly worded __and__ vigorously enforced policy on acceptable use of technology. Staff and students alike require regular and systemic training on Internet safety issues.  In order to be proactive about these issues, I highly recommend the following activities: Internet Safety Nights//,// to be conducted for parents and students, to teach how to conduct safe searches on the Internet, what are appropriate sites for students, proper Internet etiquette, and security issues facing students. (Butler, p 56) This activity could be held in conjunction with other parent activities required by NCLB, such as parent-teacher conferences. This would be a great opportunity for the district to promote program coordination, as well as an excellent public relations opportunity with business and community stakeholders.

Internet safety and ethics activities and trainings also must be embedded into the curriculum. Several organizations provide curriculum and online activities. While there are subscription services, there are various free sources also. Free sources include Stay Safe Online, hosted by the National Cyber Security Alliance. This site focuses on three areas of concern: cybersecurity, cyberethics, and cybersafety.

For elementary students only, iKeepSafe provides storybooks, worksheets, and games, as well as parent presentations. This site covers what constitutes inappropriate contact, inappropriate content, inappropriate conduct and the manner in which the student should handle these issues . (Eisele-Dyrili, p 56-57) Videos are also available to demonstrate how to use lessons.Teachers and other faculty members must understand that seemingly innocent phone calls, texts or social networking postings can be viewed as inappropriate communications or relationships, or even breaches of confidentiality. Teachers often do not realize that anything written about a student on school grounds can be used in court. They also must be informed that all e-mails are forensically accessible. (Fitzell, 2010) In other words, in our digital world today, //information// //never dies//. Staff members must have yearly updates on the legal ramifications of public statements and interactions via digital technology.

It is also necessary that the LEA invest in quality filtering software. In the past, filtering software was largely effective in keeping pornography and other prohibited sites blocked on school equipment, but the software also blocked valuable Web 2.0 tools.

In order to educate our students in 21st Century Learning topics and methods, these tools must be available to both teachers and students. New content filters can block the infected or inappropriate sections of the site so that the Web 2.0 tools can be accessed. This new form of security is called unified threat management (UMT). These products run antivirus, anti-spyware, and anti-intrusion applications simultaneously. Application Firewall from Sonic Wall is one such product. Sonic Wall allows the IT staff to set bandwidth restrictions, so in addition to the before mentioned applications, Sonic Wall limits streaming video sites such as YouTube. (Ramaswami, p 26)

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">We must continue to move forward in our quest for 21st Century Learning, but we must be practical about the safety issues involved. I look forward to working with the administration and IT staff in addressing our safety concerns.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">References: <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Butler, K., Eisele-Dyrli, K. (2010, June) Cybersafety in the Classroom. //District// //<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Administration //<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">, 53-57. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Fitzell, Susan. (2010, June) Loose Lips Sink Ships-Things That Can Get Educators in Legal Hot Water!, //Teacher’s Net Gazette//, 7(8).Retrieved from [|http://teachers.net/gazette/wordpress/susan-fitzell/things-that-can-get-educators-in legal- hot-water/] <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">[] <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">[]