The Dark Side
Caring Poster
Internet Police
Right now there is no such thing as "Internet Police", but should there be? Pick a side, and defend your position.
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What should we use the Internet for?
After completing several activities involving our opinions about the Internet as a class, share your opinion about what you think the Internet should be used for.
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Description
Technology has changed how we describe community and, in some cases, how community works. Instead of choosing only from others in your school or church, you can make friends with people all over the world. Technology makes many things easier to do. Researching ideas for a paper involves a mere click of the mouse instead of a pilgrimage-length trek to the library. Friends in other states are a phone call (or video chat) away. Online you can order groceries and clothing, pay bills, or download movies and music without leaving your home. Technology itself is not bad; the misuse of technology is bad, and sometimes when using technology it’s difficult to see what the consequence of a particular behavior might be.
Connections to Virginia SOLs
English 6.2
As students learn to express opinions with convincing arguments, emotions likely will become heated. Students should be apprised of the dangers of cyberbullying.
History/Social Science USII.8, CE.3, CE.8, CE.10, CE.11, CE.12
Students exploring the impact of new technologies on our culture should examine safety issues related to the Internet and other electronic communication devices.
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to...
- Conduct interviews in a professional manner
- Make connections between the internet and their community
Suggested Activities
1. Interviews. Interview people in the community (family, teachers, if anyone else go will an adult) and, as a whole class, discuss what was found about "why is there so much fuss about the internet?"
2. The Internet is open to everyone and not "policed." Using this concept, provide the following question to your students: What would your community be like if there were no police officers? Following this discussion, compare and contrast situations students encounter on the Internet and in their community.
3. Students know of the classic battles between good evil from Robin Hood to Luke Skywalker. Have your students create a dialogue similar to their favorite characters or even with them battling over the Internet and how it could be used for the the good or dark side.
4. Tests that universally matter. Have student make 30-60 second movies based on making the right choices and the tests that can guide you to them i.e. The Golden Rule Test, The Mom or dad Test, The Front Page Test, The "If Everybody Did It?" Test, and The Check Inside Test. (See The Dark Side) Click Here to see our example (Construction in Progressssssssssssssss)
2. The Internet is open to everyone and not "policed." Using this concept, provide the following question to your students: What would your community be like if there were no police officers? Following this discussion, compare and contrast situations students encounter on the Internet and in their community.
3. Students know of the classic battles between good evil from Robin Hood to Luke Skywalker. Have your students create a dialogue similar to their favorite characters or even with them battling over the Internet and how it could be used for the the good or dark side.
4. Tests that universally matter. Have student make 30-60 second movies based on making the right choices and the tests that can guide you to them i.e. The Golden Rule Test, The Mom or dad Test, The Front Page Test, The "If Everybody Did It?" Test, and The Check Inside Test. (See The Dark Side) Click Here to see our example (Construction in Progressssssssssssssss)
Related Resources & Links
Pages 18-19 in Educator's Edition
The Dark Side Quiz
For more information about this exam, click the link below.
Exam: The Dark Side Quiz
Now open with no set end date.