Heather Latter
District students in Grades K-12 will learn how to use technology appropriately through presentations called “Respect.Technology” offered by local OPP Cst. Anne McCoy.
These presentations will replace the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, which wrapped up here this past spring.
“We’re changing the program to reflect the changing times,” OPP detachment commander Insp. John Kendrick had said back in June, citing students today now are facing different challenges.
“Internet safety has been identified as the number-one concern,” noted Cst. McCoy, who spent the summer months preparing the presentations, with lesson plans from Common Sense Media.
“We want to teach the kids safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology,” she explained.
Cst. McCoy said the new approach will better align her position with what the communities want—community cohesiveness—as they work together with various initiatives, such as the Safe Schools initiatives, Threat Assessment Community Protocols, character education, lockdown procedures, alternative dispute resolution training, the “Respect Campaign,” and “Rachel’s Challenge.”
She has designed the “Respect.Technology” presentations using multi-media in order to teach the students, as well as keep them interested in the topics.
“Through the training, we’re celebrating and giving positive ways to use the Internet, but in a safe way,” she remarked.
Each classroom will have a lesson plan, as well as parent resources and resources for the students, such as videos, activities, and hand-outs.
In the kindergarten classes, Cst. McCoy will teach the youngsters about how the Internet can take them to all sorts of places—even if they are far away.
But she also will show them how to do it safely, such as going online only with an adult, not to go wandering off, and not to talk to people you don’t know.
“There is stranger danger in real life and stranger danger online—it’s very similar,” she warned.
In Grades 4-5, which is when students are beginning to get more involved in online technology, Cst. McCoy will compare and contrast the difference between real and online friends.
“We will talk about what private information is, and they will learn skills on how to respond if someone online asks them to give out private information,” she said.
At the high school level, Cst. McCoy will talk with students about online ethics, respectful behaviour, and vocabulary words.
“We’ll discuss how things that are private today can become public tomorrow through the use of the Internet,” she indicated, adding she’ll also promote positive digital citizenship.
“I’ll talk to them about their digital footprints, but what they can do to promote their image online,” she explained.
Some of the other topics high school students will cover will be Diversity—Breaking Down Hate Speech, Sexting and Relationships, the Role of Digital Technology in Romantic Relationships, and Cyber Bullying and Online Cruelty.
There also will be presentations for parents, which Cst. McCoy will offer at parent/teacher information nights. And in the new year, she will provide “Respect.Technology” presentations to the public.
To measure the success of the programs, Cst. McCoy will conduct surveys with the students and parents.
“The Internet safety and anti-bullying programs will be a reflection of what is taught in D.A.R.E., and that’s about making the right choices and self-esteem,” noted Insp. Kendrick.
Cst. McCoy noted that also includes critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving.
“We’re supporting learning and skill building when it comes to risk reduction to keep the kids safe,” she stressed.
The “Respect.Technology” presentations, like the former D.A.R.E. program, are being supported by Gord McQuarrie and the local Tim Hortons, which will be selling its “Smile” cookies from Sept. 18-24.
Money raised will be used to help Cst. McCoy continue to develop the presentations using e-learning templates, which allow for fun, interactive learning on the “SmartBoards” in the schools.
Funds also will be used for professional development so Cst. McCoy can stay ahead of the latest trends, software, and technology.
“I’m excited,” she enthused. “I think this is important information for the students to know.
“And it just ties into so many other initiatives going on in the community.”
For instance, the Celebrating Diversity Committee here soon will be introducing the “Respect Campaign” in many local businesses and organizations to raise awareness of how people should treat one another.
And “Rachel’s Challenge,” a program that aims to inspire, equip, and empower every person to create a permanent positive culture change, will be presented to area students and the public on Sept. 28-30.
