Toolkit for Facilitators
How to plan, create and share digital hero books
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Safety
Digital hero booking involves creating personal digital stories on a computer, usually in a shared space, e.g. a school computer lab. Thereafter there might be interaction online with other youth and the sharing of learners' stories on a private and/or public website.
During this process learners are at risk from adult online predators and also their own peers. Someone could view their private story on a folder on a PC in the computer lab and tell all his classmates. He might be teased in the classroom or online, called cyberbullying. A hero story often contains very personal and sensitive content. It is thus very important that safety precautions are followed to respect all learners' privacy and protect their safety. Outside of the Digital Hero Book Project learners are exposed to the same dangers online, e.g. MySpace.com, and when using MXit on their cellphones. The key is not to disallow these activities, but rather to equip learners and educators to recognise and act appropriately when they see danger signs! As facilitators you can't always watch your learners. The best you can do is empower them to behave respectfully and safely online, and enjoy all of the educational benefits that online and mobile technologies offer.
Recommendations for addressing online safety
On the web there are many sources of information and curricula related to online safety (in the Resources section), or cybersafety for youth in schools.
Work through the California Technology Assistance Project's CyberSafety Poster (PDF, 2.2MB) with your learners.
Tips
Using computers in shared spaces:- Keep you password to yourself. Make sure no-one finds it out.
- Remember to log out when you are finished.
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