Internet Safety for Grades 4 and 5

The Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act mandates safe online behavior training for teachers and students with enforcement tied to federal funding. Schools recognize that strategies are needed for students to learn and practice online ethical and responsible behavior while acknowledging that teachers and parents need support to integrate these approaches into existing policies and practices. Education researchers have also highlighted the importance for adults to become more aware of their specific roles and responsibilities when putting devices in the hands of students (Koehler & Mishra, 2009; Mueller & Wood, 2012; Shapley et al., 2010; Weston & Bain, 2010).

Through a series of computer-based stories and activities, children will be asked to help our main character, Hoku through ethical dilemmas and challenges that real children and teens have faced when using the Internet.

Teachers can incorporate the online curriculum and supplemental activities into existing class routines, as the curriculum has been aligned with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) technology standards for students and teachers, and the English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects K–5 Common Core Standards.