As with many things, technology has its pros and cons. But technology is an aspect of the world that will not going away, it is of the present and of the future. Our students have grown up in a world of technology and most likely as adults need to effectively work with technology. In order to do so, students need to be digitally literate especially in regards to the web.
Social networking websites are among the most popular trends with students. They are also often areas in which cyber bullying occurs.
I believe that one of the major contributing factors for cyber bullying is due to lack of web literacy. Individuals post comments and pictures without thinking about the number of people who can access those posts and pictures, who those people are, or understand that once they post to the web they most likely will never be able to erase it.
Web literacy should be part of a student’s education. By having this education students can gain a better understanding of what the web is, the amount of people using it and have access to websites, how to protect themselves including their information, and how to utilize the web in productive and creative ways.
Despite some of the cons of social networking, I believe that it has its place and that it opens up a person’s world view to include an insight into a more global understanding. It allows students to connect to others that they relate to.
The following video I believe shows the beauty of the web and how it can connect young adults. It shows a way that young adults can use the web in a positive and compassionate way.
This is a great website to learn more about digital literacy: http://www.digitalliteracy.gov/
Lauren Nixon 