Resources and Activities for the Public

special initiatives : web awareness : for librarians : resources and activities for the public - introduction

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Resources and Activities for the Public - Introduction

To ensure the safe and responsible use of the Internet in libraries, it is necessary to understand the issues that arise in using the new technology.

Here you can find a number of resources and activities useful for educating the young and not so young about the Internet.

There is information on security, cybermarketing and privacy, research and evaluation, and citizenship - all issues relating to children’s use of the Internet.

Web Awareness for Parents provides access to Media Awareness Network activities designed to give adults in the community more knowledge about the new information arena. Specifically, it offers a portrait of children’s activities on the Internet and an evaluation of the advantages and risks that result from their explorations. One of the activities, Parenting the Net Generation, a public education workshop included in Web Awareness Workshop Series for Librarians, provides advice and suggestions on how to assist young people in their navigation and use of this new information arena.

Web Awareness for Young People suggests a number of activities that will help young people to adopt a safe, responsible, and savvy approach to the Internet.

To access the topics in this section, use the links below.

THE ISSUES

Internet Security

How do kids use the Internet? Learn about the advantages and the risks associated with this technology. Help kids develop critical thinking skills and an ability to recognize the issues, avoid the traps and exploit the Internet's potential, by using the various resources found in this section.

Cybermarketing and Personal Privacy on the Internet

The Internet is a powerful promotional tool, second to none, for marketing specialists. Teach kids how to recognize the marketing strategies aimed at them and help them protect their personal information on commercial sites.

Research and the Evaluation of Online Information

Many young surfers consider all information on the Internet to be true. Show them how to find accurate, reliable information and to evaluate the credibility of the source or the information they have found.

Internet Citizenship

With the Internet's widespread penetration, it has become much easier for young people to find images, texts, music and games to assist them with their homework or to fill their free time. Help them develop a safe and savvy behaviour on the Net that respects its particular rules for courteous and ethical behaviour.

BECOMING INVOLVED

Web Awareness for Parents

Here you will find suggestions for some activities that will help you make parents aware of what kids do on the Net and how to evaluate the advantages and risks associated with their activities. Some advice is also offered on how to introduce a safe, savvy and responsible approach to kids' use of the Net.

Web Awareness for Young People

Ideas for activities to help young people develop critical thinking skills and evaluate the information they find.