Interview of Jace Galloway
JaceGalloway is a freelance writer, a newspaper columnist, guest blogger and is the Featured Writer for Suite101’s Internet section. Jace has devoted and dedicated the past three years of her life to Internet Safety education, by spear-heading online safety awareness not only in her local elementary school, but the entire region.
In 2006, she was named Regional Office of Education #26 Internet Safety Coordinator, a position created specifically for her. In 2007, the position was expanded to cover two regions. She has various computer certificates and continues pursing her education; all online of course.
Jace Galloway spared some of her valuable time answering questions posted by Vidya K.
Vidya works in the capacity of Specialist, Internet Safety for www.8falcons.com Listen to experts on online safety speak !
Vidya: Could you please tell us as to what inspired you to take up “Internet Safety Education for Children” as a career?
Jace: Three years ago, I was asked to sit on a committee for my school district. During that time, I began researching online safety issues. It became abundantly clear, our school district (and many others) did not have an Internet Safety curriculum. Three years ago, Internet Safety was not the “hot” topic it is today.
With the approval from my elementary school principal, I began creating unique online safety curriculums for 2nd and 3rd grade students.
Today, I have taught over 750 second and third graders, this unique program. What began as an “interest” or “hobby”, has become my full-time passion and job.
Vidya: What according to you are the Top 5 online safety threats for children?
Jace: Electronic bullying
Social networking sites—the information shared (photos, videos, too much personal information, etc)
Pornography
Sexual predators
Lack of knowledge
Vidya: From your vast experience, what are the main factors that have contributed to the growth of these threats?
Jace: Due in part to the tremendous amount of media coverage and the Dateline television series, To Catch a Predator, most people are now aware of online predators. But with technology rapidly changing, it is quite difficult for parents and educators to keep up with the potential online risks our children face today.
With every new facet of technology, there seems to be a negative aspect of it as well. We must stay informed and educated about these threats in order to keep our children safer online.
Vidya: New internet components such as Social Networks have contributed to the growth of Cyber Bullying as threat? What do you think is the solution?
Jace: Some people believe cyberbullying either does not exist or it is not a real problem. The tragic Megan Meier case has finally brought worldwide attention to this disturbing and growing trend and are now taking cyberbullying seriously.
Cyberbullying is an issue that I am extremely concerned and passionate about. I wrote an anti-cyberbullying policy for my school district last year, and it is yet to be approved. Schools everywhere should have zero-tolerance for electronic bullying. Period.
Some American school districts and states are dealing with cyberbullying, but this is “new” territory. The policy I wrote included electronic bullying that occurs off- campus, since most cyberbullying does not happen at school. The legal grounds of this, is a bit murky.
This year, I wanted to focus solely on the issue of electronic bullying. My students just completed their seven-week online safety program, which included a cyberbullying poster contest.
Our 2nd annual Macomb Internet Safety Day, which will take place April 1st, 2008 in Macomb, IL, will also focus on cyberbullying. Our keynote speaker is Tina Meier, Megan Meier’s mother. I am deeply honored she will be sharing her powerful story with our entire community.
As with the other aspects of online safety, education and awareness is critical. Children, parents, educators and law enforcement all need to be aware of the potential risks and be educated as to how to deal with them if it occurs.
Other countries are taking cyberbullying very seriously, with zero tolerance. I am hoping our country will also take this issue seriously; the sooner the better.
Vidya: How do you effectively convey online safety messages to children and make them practice it? For example - A Teenagers may not be as willing a listener to online safety advices as a 7 year old kid
Jace: Good question. Personally, I teach 250 second and third grade students each year. They are excellent listeners and are very interested in technology. Children need to be taught online safety at younger and younger ages. We should not be waiting until children are in high school to teach online safety.
Vidya: Has being a teacher helped you in conveying online safety messages more effectively to children? Can you elaborate your experience in this field?
Jace: I am not a teacher. I have worked for my school district for the past six years. I am part of the technology department and work in the computer labs. I write and implement technology curriculums and assist teachers and staff with technology problems. I have done extensive research over these past three and a half years, devoting all free time to this issue. Because of my hard work, determination and unending passion, the Internet Safety Coordinator position was created specifically for me by our Regional Office of Education. It has now expanded to cover 2 entire Regions. And I have run with it! I educate children and educate educators.
Vidya: What led you to organize a team for the safety issues and concerns online? What are your goals in this project?
Jace: When this new position was offered to me, the very first item on my “to do” list was to create a team of community leaders to brain-storm and educate the community. Our team is called the Macomb Online Safety Team (M.O.S.T.). This wonderful team is comprised of teachers, librarians, counselors, police officers, a city councilman, a former prosecutor, technology director, internet service provider owner, and a college student. We put together our annual Internet Safety event for the community.
Vidya: What did you enjoy the most in this project?
Jace: Everything! It has been a wonderful journey! I just wish I had more time in the day! If I had to pick one certain thing, I would say I am most proud of the children. Last year, I held an assembly on our Internet Safety Day, with all 250 second and third graders. Our poster winners were announced at that time. It was obvious to everyone in attendance, these children soaked up the message of online safety! Knowing I could have, in some small way, had a part in keeping one or two children safer online. I was extremely proud and it was a very touching moment.
Vidya: Which was the most difficult part while running this project?
Jace: Things move too slowly. As mentioned previously, it has been nearly a year since I wrote my anti-cyberbullying policy and nothing has happened. That is extremely discouraging. I was hoping to push this policy to the entire Region and then to the State of Illinois. Teachers are overworked and overwhelmed. I have done the legwork; I just want to get it to all the schools, to the children and to parents.
We need to be proactive, not reactive. What is it we are waiting for?
Vidya: The educational resource blog for parents and teachers written by you has got the “BEST EDUCATIONAL BLOG FOR 2007″.Can you share your views as to what led to this achievement?
Jace: This is something I am very proud of. The site was voted on by people supporting this issue and those just passing by. My number one goal is to educate others, either one at a time through my presentations I provide to parents and educators, through my regular newspaper columns, my various freelance writing projects and my website.
Vidya: Do you have any message for our viewers online?
Jace: Many parents simply feel overwhelmed by technology and some children are more computer savvy then their parents. Talk to your children, in an open and honest fashion, about these issues. Listen to them. Learn from each other. Remember, the best parental control is YOU.
This is not just a job for me, it is my life. Educating and informing others, is why I do this. Technology is changing so very fast, what will be the issues our children face online 10 years from now? People simply do not have the time or energy to spend hundreds and thousands of hours researching issues. Please visit my site, and other online safety websites, to keep up-to-date on online safety issues and concerns.