"Should Students Use Their Real Name on the Web?"

In this article, David Wees and Dan Maas argue their opinion about if students should use their real names on internet websites. On one hand, Wees believes that it is okay  for students to reveal their identity on the internet. Some forms of cyber-bullying tend to be more likely when the option of being anonymous is present. He thinks by allowing students to reveal their identity, the amount of hateful comments or remarks could lessen. Wees also implies that a student should never have to hide on the internet, but instead build communication skills necessary to deal with other issues that might come up in the future. Overall, Wees says students should use their real names on the internet because it could encourage them to post their work, or ideas, freely and people all over the world could admire them for it. On the other hand, Dan Maas thinks students shouldn't post their real names due to mostly safety issues. Although withholding a name from the internet doesn't automatically mean they are free from the hands of online predators, it definitely lessens the odds of crossing paths with one. He believes that between students and teachers there should be some form of naming, that way teachers can know exactly who posted something so they can be accountable for it. But students are not mini-adults and should not be treated that way until they claim to be ready for it, Maas explains.

I feel this pertains to teaching because nowadays students are using the internet a lot more for homework assignments, and discussion posts, etc. Back when I was a young student this didn't pertain so much to me because internet use for school was very very rare. I believe that students should have the option to display their full names online, but if not, just use first name and a last initial. Depending on which grade level you would like to dive into, internet assignments for students might be scarce. I hope to teach younger kids between kindergarten and second grade, so when I start teaching, I don't plan to be requiring my students to use the internet for personal assignments or reflections. If I assign something that needs the use of the internet, it would be something for the child to do with their parents like a quick learning game or something along those lines.

The ISTE NETS standard I find this article pertains most to is standard five: Digital Citizenship. This gives the students the opportunity to use the internet in a safe and legal manner because their names are tacked on to whatever they may be posting on the internet. Students will also demonstrate leadership in lifelong learning because this makes the student responsible for their words and actions and by being responsible with what you do and say on the internet can have a positive effect for students in the future.

Haas, D. & Wees, D. (2011). Should Student Use Their Real Names on the Web? Learning & Leading with Technology, 38(8), 6-7. Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/20110607/?pg=8&pm=2&ul=friend