3.+Internet+Safety

====Computer control in the classroom can be a tough, but not impossible task. Students need to educated on Internet safety and other precautions can be put in place such as filtering, but in the end, it is the teachers responsibility to monitor the content that students are viewing. Teachers should follow these two rules: ====
 * 1) Students should be supervised at all times while using the computers.
 * 2) The supervising teacher should know what is going on at all times in the classroom.( Starr, L., 2003).

What is Filtering?
Filtering is the blocking of websites that contains inappropriate content such as information and graphics. According to Microsoft and Internet filters are software tools that help monitor a computer or a computer network. Internet filters help provide both parental and school control over what children see and are able to access on the internet. A positive effect of Internet filtering is that it provides some protection of children who are using the Internet as a tool. A negative effect of this tool is that it can block students from accessing valid educational information.

**Why do we filter?:**
=== The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) passed in 1999, requires schools qualifying for federal E-rate funding to use filtering technology to block access to materials that are "obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors.(Starr, L., 2003) There is some controversy about filtering because some of the blocked websites can be useful when used correctly. But schools still have the fear of predatory behavior found in social networking sites. (Ramaswami, R., 2010) ===

**Use of A Firewall**

====What is a firewall? A firewall according to Microsoft is a piece of software or hardware that helps block hackers, viruses and worms that try to take over your computer from the internet. A positive outcome from having a firewall is that it provides a first step you can take to protect your computer. A negative point about firewalls is that it is not a complete protection for your computer it is recommended that you also have anti-virus software programs.====

**What is Flaming?**
“Hostile intentions characterized by words of profanity, obscenity, and insults that inflict harm to a person or an organization resulting from uninhibited behavior “ (Alonzo, M., 2004)

**What is a computer virus?**
A computer virus is a program that can copy itself onto a computer and infect the computer and how it functions. There are a variety of types of viruses ranging in severity. Viruses can be obtained and spread through e-mail, and computer downloads. For this reason, virus scanning software is now available for computers. (See Computer Viruses and spyware section of handbook for more information)

**What is pornography?**
Pornography is any erotic behavior including photos and/or writing intended to cause sexual excitement.