Smart In Cyberspace Evaluation

Our first unit in technology this year was called Computer Safety and Ethics. We learned about issues in cyberspace and also about cyberbullying. I made a blog post of what I learned.

Investigate

In class we watched some video clips about cyberbullying. We also read a booklet which taught to be smart and safe online. We also made cyberbullying skits in groups and evaluated them.

Design

I had to make a decision of what I would do for my final project. I decided to make an informing blog post which also included tips for healthy internet use. I designed my project on paper and started writing a rough draft.

Plan

I didn't really make any strict plan of how I would use my time or what I would use. Although I planned when I would do some work on the project and when I would write the final draft. Sometimes I didn't use my time wisely but I still did finish about five days before the due date.

Create

I made a blog post called Teresa's Smart In Cyberspace. The question for this unit was "What is safe and proper to do online?" The AOI focus was Environments because the internet is a public place where you should care for your safety. The Learner Profile was Balanced because you should balance internet use in your life.

Evaluate

I think I did a good job on my project. I wrote lots of relevant details and my project includes everything that was in the handout. My project answers the unit question and also the AOI Environments and the Learner Profile Balanced was used correctly. I spent time on this project and everything was done thoroughly. Next time I could plan my time precisely and use it more wisely.

Test

My project was tested by Vanessa and Tiffany. They read it and gave feedback. Vanessa said that the idea of using my blog to post my project was very creative. It was long and I had lots of information. She thought the title was creative and there was lots of colour. Tiffany said that it was long, easy to understand and you could see that I spent lots of time with it. She also mentioned that the "Tips Corner" was very creative.

Smart In Cyberspace

Have you ever wondered if downloading free software or entertainment is safe? Have you thought where all that trash mail and chainletters come from? Have you been cyberbullied? You've come to the right place! Here in this blogpost I will be discussing some of the issues of being online and giving tips for a balanced life in the public environment of the internet.

Spam

- Commercial messages or any other email you have been sent without permission.
- Spammers collect email addresses from chatrooms, people's network profiles, or sometimes they just guess right.
- Spammers send the messages to everybody and they are usually tricky or way too good to be true.

Malicious Software - Malware

- Spam can include malware which is software made to destroy your files or steal private info.
- Free animations, movies, or screensavers, etc. may hide malware!

Chainletters

- Messages that may contain jokes, sad stories, etc.
- They tell you to send the message forward to everyone on your list and if you don't they threaten you and say something bad will happen to you.
- Some chainletters have gone through the internet for years.

Phishing Private Information

- Phishing is people trying to get your private information.
- They are messages that ask you to update your data on a bank account, email address, etc.
- On the message there's a link that takes you to a site that looks exactly like the original and asks you to give your private info.

Not so tasty Cookies

- Computer files from sites you've visited.
- By one number they identify your computer, browser, operating system, internet service provider, and any private identity info you have given to the site.
- When you visit a site, a cookie records the day, time, and how long you stayed.
- The next time you visit the cookie reads your chosen settings.

Aggregate Data

- Information usually got by cookies.
- Owners of a website use this info to see how they can improve the site to get more people to visit, sell more, or how moch to charge advertising.
- This data can't reveal individuals.

Third Party

- Party means a person or a company.
- The visitor of a site is the first party, the site owner the second party, and any other person or company involved is the third party.
- A sites privacy notice should tell the visitor if the site contains a third party.

Anonymity

- People think they are anonymous online which means they cannot be identified.
- Some people do stupid things in the internet because they think they're anonymous so they won't get caught.

Cyberbullying

- Bullying or being mean to one another through cell phones or the internet.
- Some kids can get over cyberbullying but sometimes cyberbullying makes teenagers feel angry, sad, or afraid.
- When mean things are being said through the internet it's hard to know if it's serious or not.
-Cyberbullies are usually people who feel stronger when they're putting someone else down but they are'nt still strong enough to do it face to face.

• In order not to get spam, don't share your personal email address on sites that anyone can see it.
• Don't reply and don't even read spam so the spammer won't know your address is live.
• Simply delete spam and any other email you don't want.
• Think twice before downloading free software or entertainment because it might hide malware.
• Only download from sites you trust.
• Don't open files attached to chainletters because they might be harmful to your computer.
• Break the chain!
• Don't fall for phishing!
• When a site asks you to save your password, don't accept! It's a cookie!
• Think before accepting cookies. Remember, they collect aggregate data.
• Read a site's privacy note to make sure if there is a third party involved.
• Don't do/say things in the net you wouldn't do or say face to face. You are never completely anonymous online.
• If you're ever cyberbullied or feel uncomfortable chatting with someone recognize it and act:

Don't reply to a bully.
Block their messages.
If you want to, save the bully's emails for evidence.
Leave the website and sign off the computer.
Talk with a supportive friend.
Talk with a parent, teacher, or any other trusted adult.

• Remember, the Internet is a public environment. Anyone can see what your doing.
• Don't upload pictures of you or info you wouldn't show to a stranger.
• Balance the internet in your life. Don't be online too much.
  
• Discuss with your parents what would be an appropriate time in the internet each day.
  
• Be responsible yourself. If being online starts to bother your school or social life limit the time.