Southampton Road Elementary School Principal Kathleen O’Donnell introduces fourth graders at School Committee on Monday. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – Southampton Road fourth graders shared with School Committee members on Monday how they are learning to be ”Internet Awesome.” Principal Kathleen O’Donnell explained that they are teaching the students internet responsibility, which she said is important because “today, everyone is attached to a device in one way or another.”
The students from Tammy Ward’s fourth grade class held up signs, taking turns explaining one aspect of the teaching. One student began by saying as the future class of 2027, they are learning to be responsible digital citizens.
Another student said they are learning that just because something is online, doesn’t mean it’s true or reliable. Also, people may not be who they say they are, so the students are learning how to create strong passwords and to recognize hackers’ behavior.
Other teachings included being “Internet Kind,” recognizing that behind every user and avatar is a real person with real feelings; and being “Internet Brave,” to speak up when people are being treated poorly, or exhibiting inappropriate behavior.
The students then formed into small groups with a School Committee member to demonstrate the internet games created by Google that help to teach them how to be safe online.
