Addendum Written by Yvette Kelsey, Haines Middle School, St. Charles, Illinois
Original Written by David M. Stone, University Laboratory High School, Urbana, IL

Unfortunately, most students think of email and chat rooms as a way to talk to friends and play games. Many do not see the value it has an educational tool or the danger it can hold as an avenue for cyberstalkers. 

Why is their such a variety of philosophies? The answer is as multi-faceted as the question. It is quandary for schools to consider the potential for teacher liability or negligence while trying to balance the students' educational needs. Schools and districts that shy away from the use of these tools do so with student safety in mind. Email and chatting does open students up to potential contact from individuals outside the educational environment that may not have the best intentions. The flip side of this argument comes from those that believe that students are going to learn about Internet communications from somewhere, potentially a cyberstalking situation. The safest environment might be the classroom where a teacher can explain to students the dangers of predators and prepare them for harmful interactions that could occur. If the Internet is going to be used as an educational tool in the classroom, all of these issues should be appropriately considered and addressed by teachers as well as administrators.

The next issue tackles whose responsibility it is to educate students on the presence of cyberstalkers, child predators and online annoyances. So many young Internet users lack awareness of the threats that may stand before them while interacting. For instance, many predators misrepresent themselves as similar in age and profile to lure students. They may also sniff out weaknesses in a child by watching what they chat about (i.e.. broken heart, loneliness, divorce, etc) and portray themselves as a trusting pal to confide in or an outside voice to safely vent emotions too, all the while convincing them of their trustworthiness as an individual. Is this a parent's issue or teacher's? If someone does not step up to the plate, the child could learn the hard way.  

The next issue is how much freedom students should have with this medium of communication. Should schools monitor email correspondence to potentially block contact from predators? Do students have a right to privacy? Teachers should note that they do have the right to limit the scope of curricular and co-curricular online learning to maintain an appropriate learning environment. This issue will be explained more in the Legal Implications section. 

Protecting students from Internet predators can be as easy as educating them. Resources like Cyber Street Smarts realistically explains to users how accessibly they are to dangerous individuals reminding them that the secret to being "cyber street smart" is by knowing how to spot and handle a situation with a potential predator. 

Helpful tips for you to pass on to students who will be using chatting, emailing and instant messaging are:

• Never give out your password to anyone.
• Use a screen name that does not suggest gender or age.
• Block all Instant Messenger users not in their contact list.
• Never give out any information about name, age, address, or school.

Also, using a contract like the one described in the FAQ section can structure expectations and put students, parents and teachers at ease. 

Start by checking your district's Acceptable Use Policy for students and staff. There should be clear references to the extent of use of these two mediums of communications. If your district does not have an AUP or questions persist in your mind, also follow up with your school student handbook and perhaps an administrator in your building that is familiar with the policies of the district on such matters. 

What role should parents play in this decision to use email or chatting technologies?

Parent communication can definitely help you to define your goals for Internet communication tools. Many parent advocacy groups welcome teachers who will teach their children about proper use of email and chat rooms. Why? Many parents find themselves lacking in knowledge on the subject despite their yearning to learn more. Their children use the Internet in different ways than they might and therefore, are aware of tools that they are not. Explaining to parents why this tool will enhance their student's awareness of content-area knowledge as well as, improve their savvy at detecting inappropriate uses of it will most likely be encouraging to parents. It also gives parents the opportunity to decline their child access if they prefer so that you are not clashing with family beliefs. Parents will appreciate the opportunity to be a part of their child's learning process. Do you want to really excite parents? Ask them to participate in a practice chat or email with their student, or ask the student to email parents as to what they did in class today. The circle of communication is completed by including teacher, parent and student. 

How do I make my expectations clear to students?

Prior to use, try a contract that incorporates the rules they are expected to follow while using the tools like this one. You would be best to include rules from your AUP or school use guidelines, as well as, your own strategies for safe use. Both student and teacher should keep a copy of this at all times throughout the project. Give them the chance to ask questions about it, too.

Computer Crime and Cyberstalking Laws by State will allow you to look up your state laws. What are your rights?
http://www.ncsl.org/programs/lis/cip/stalk99.htm

State of Illinois Computer Harassment and Cyberstalking Laws
Illinois Harassing and Obscene Communications Act (720 ILCS 135/)
and Public Act 92-0199

WHO@ - Working to Halt Online Abuse is an organization whose goal is to educate community members as to the risks of online harassment. They specialize in helping users create harassment-free environments. 
http://www.haltabuse.org/resources/index.shtml