The good news is that the Internet now provides you with quick and easy access to information and resources for the majority of American citizens. The bad news is that while many of these opportunities are legitimate and sincere, online anonymity and easy access set the stage for serious safety and legal issues.

The Internet has brought us rapidly growing ecommerce opportunities as well as rampant plagiarism and copyright infringement. It has brought us at-your-fingertips information as well as identity theft, viruses, spam and online predators. Effective parenting skills today include knowing how to teach children safe and legal Internet practices. Doris Settles, Clearinghouse Coordinator for the Kentucky Center for School Safety Clearinghouse housed in UK’s College of Education, says “KY is way ahead of the game in terms of technology implementation, which means we need to be doubly diligent in teaching students not only about technology, but its appropriate use and misuse.”

This year’s Lexington Educational Technology Showcase, hosted by the Fayette County Student Technology Leadership Program, has brought together many organizations in the Central Kentucky community that are interested in helping YOU learn how to navigate this new, and sometimes frightening and confusing, virtual world. Fayette County students from elementary to high school will demonstrate their projects and guide you throughout the day as they work with our community to reinforce the importance of knowing how to protect yourself and your family on the Web. “As the internet progressively seems to be invaded by people trying to steal information, people really need to be more careful about what information they choose to give out on the internet,” explains 9th grader Brett Meadors from P. L. Dunbar High School.

On March 20, 2004 at Henry Clay High School, technology users of all ages and skill levels will have the opportunity to learn more about the how-tos of Internet use and misuse. From 9am through 12:30pm, participants can:

• Workshops addressing safety and legal Issues for students K-5, 6-12 and adults.
• Booths from UK, Ky Center for School Safety, Lexington Public Library, LFUCG Police, Newspaper in Education, et al.
• Hands-on activities for children through adults
• Information about online learning opportunities
• Lots of take-home handouts to use together
• Technology Awards program
• Door prizes

In an Internet culture where our children exchange information freely with adults, there is considerable risk of exposure to harmful, inappropriate material. Learning to be a responsible citizen in today’s world means living responsibly not only in the physical community where you reside, but in the virtual community as well. Joining your community to raise awareness not only of what’s new and nifty in technology but to use these new means effectively and safely helps everyone.