https://padlet.com/cheeseandsmile2/cyberwellness Made with whimsy en-us 2017-09-11 14:07:33 UTC 2018-02-11 14:29:52 UTC hello@padlet.com cheeseandsmile2 https://padlet.com/cheeseandsmile2/cyberwellness/wish/186378895 5 common issues in Cyber-Wellness include:
Balanced Use of ICT - having a balanced time spent between virtual and reality and balance between online interactions and real-life interactions. It also refers to whether one can self-regulate in virtual and reality.

Some students may display over-dependency on these virtual platforms(e.g. addiction to video games, social media, pornography) and may cause a decline in students' results or cause them to be restless, tired etc. It may also cause them to be distracted as they constantly think about returning to playing their games, watching videos etc. 

Online identify and expression-In trying to express their own unique identity, they may inevitably compromise important personal information, compromising photos or express their own thoughts and feelings indirectly, which may come across as being insensitive or may include the use of vulgarities etc. These may give rise to cases such as scams, gang solicitations. 

Netiquette - requires responsible usership and respect when communicating online. While online communication is a tool that helps a mass group to communicate, however, sometimes messages may get misunderstood due to tonality used. Interpretation of messages can be widely interpreted as one is not able to see the others' body language, facial expressions etc. 

Cyber Bullying - refers to any form of behaviour performed through electronics and communicates intentional messages intended to cause harm or distress to certain victims or to defame the reputation of someone. These negative comments are 'repeatable' (not just repeated) and can still go on even after a few years. It is something that should not be belittled and much help should be given to help the cyber-bullied victims.

Online Relationships - When we engage in conversations online or even through friend requests through social media like Facebook, sometimes we expose ourselves to risks due to perceived anonymity online which easily allows online perpetrators to carry out scams, crimes etc. 

These are common issues that are largely prevalent amongst the younger generation, even primary school students. Thus as educators, we need to be aware of such issues that may happen to our students and look out for signs that may indicate that they may be a victim of cyber bullying or may display over-dependency on video games etc. Hence, it is important for us as educators to guide students on responsible use of the internet and virtual platforms and create awareness on these issues amongst students]]> 2017-09-11 14:08:06 UTC https://padlet.com/cheeseandsmile2/cyberwellness/wish/186378895 goh_lay_san https://padlet.com/cheeseandsmile2/cyberwellness/wish/187020594 1) Stay abreast of latest youth trends
Keep in touch in order to empathize.
For younger educators, this might be easier as they are just out of their youth years. For the more senior educators, the key is to stay curious in order to stay in touch with the youth trends.

2) Teach objectively on the effects of media  on users
What may appear natural to us might be different for the students. Therefore it is important to take away any existing bias or thoughts which we have in order to stay objective.
It is important to let the students understand the impact of media on them so that they are open to share their thoughts.

3) Continuous and relevant education
Go beyond teaching knowledge and impart practical skills like how to protect yourself. Fundamental basis of education is good values. We have to engage and teach our students on critical thinking skills.
Teachers can use any latest case on cyber wellness to do a case-study and train the students on their critical thinking skills. By talking more to students, teachers can understand the students better and have a common ground for interaction.

3) Teachers have to constantly engage themselves with technologies
Teachers can try out some of the  new devices and apps so that you can understand what the students are going through when they are using them. You can also explore and share information like how to set privacy setting and reporting of abuse with students.

]]> 2017-09-13 02:31:53 UTC https://padlet.com/cheeseandsmile2/cyberwellness/wish/187020594 goh_lay_san https://padlet.com/cheeseandsmile2/cyberwellness/wish/187020692 Correcting erroneous thinking
E.g. getting returns from entertainment such as investing in an account for a long period to sell it for profit

Offer viable options to replace online activity time: real life activities that meet their interests e.g. spending time on CCA

Understand child's strength and address intrinsic motivation: find options that meet the needs and interest of the student. e.g. competition in games might show that they are trying to achieve self worth

Teach the child to self regulation: takes trust and relationship to help them. Child has to admit a problem such as addiction before strategies such as counselling can be used to correct thinking and behaviour.

Create a strong and holistic social support system: include educators, family, friends. Teachers can take intervening roles to correct behaviours shown in class. Everybody in the system should work together to help the child.

]]> 2017-09-13 02:32:29 UTC https://padlet.com/cheeseandsmile2/cyberwellness/wish/187020692 goh_lay_san https://padlet.com/cheeseandsmile2/cyberwellness/wish/187020787 Other advice for teachers

- Work with stakeholders

Have a holistic picture of the child's behaviour.

- Keep students' confidentiality

Teachers have to strike a balance between how much to share to get a fuller picture and how much to withhold due to issues of confidentiality. Teachers must not betray the students' trust.

- Show empathy and understanding

Parents are very anxious when it comes to dealing with their children and sometimes even aggressive.
The main aim is to help the child, to be aware of cyber wellness and its issues.
Help students attain the correct and healthy attitude towards cyber wellness.

- Teachers have to be true to themselves

Teachers have to walk the talk, self examined your own values and attitudes. 
You have to teach from passion and compassion. 

]]> 2017-09-13 02:32:53 UTC https://padlet.com/cheeseandsmile2/cyberwellness/wish/187020787 goh_lay_san https://padlet.com/cheeseandsmile2/cyberwellness/wish/187020854 3 main trends

1) Online radicalisation
Teachers and parents ought to be aware of the risk of radicalisation that online platforms have. Educate the young how to be resilient. Teach them to be wary of bad influence.

2) Attention span shorten from 12 seconds to 8 seconds, impact on how we learn, change the way we connect with students
Teachers and parents will face learners who are constantly seeking new, creative, interesting exposure in their learning. Implications for teachers are to always think of innovative ways to engage the students.

3) Use of anonymous messaging platforms
Teachers and parents ought to keep up to date with the cyber trends. Be aware of the technological development. Identify and anticipate key concerns on the cyber wellness issues. Address the concerns with the learners and focus on values education. 
Similar to the first point, have to train learners to be resilient and sift out potential threats. ]]> 2017-09-13 02:33:17 UTC https://padlet.com/cheeseandsmile2/cyberwellness/wish/187020854