Internet Safety Program at School in Enfield Features Special Q & A Session with Author

As students have more access to electronic devices and become increasingly savvy with social media, schools have been challenged with teaching appropriate use of the devices and programs. On October 24, 2013, the CREC Public Safety Academy in Enfield welcomed retired police officer and founder of “Internet Safety Concepts”, Mr. Scott Driscoll for a series of assemblies on the topic of internet safety and responsible student use of technology and social media. All students at the Academy had the opportunity to attend this important and timely event on appropriate use of technology.

CREC Public Safety Academy enrolls students in grades 6 through 12, with a theme-focus on training for careers that ensure the safety, security, and wellness of the community. CREC Public Safety Academy Principal, Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, strongly supported this initiative as a way to highlight student critical thinking skills and connections to the real world. "This topic is one that merits exploration,” explained Dr. Torres-Rodriguez. “Students always find internet safety meaningful, and they quickly engage in the learning as evident by their though-provoking questions.”

This is the second year that Mr. Driscoll visited the CREC Public Safety Academy community. After last year’s riveting presentations, the school counseling department collaborated with administration and the technology department to infuse Mr. Driscoll’s book,” www.RUinDanger.net” into the Technology I course curriculum.

Bill King, Technology Teacher, and Lauren Sondrini, School Counselor, saw this second visit as an opportunity to broaden student’s learning experience by requesting a special “Q&A Session with the Author” for the Technology I students who were engaged in reading Mr. Driscoll’s book. Students had prepared questions ahead of time and enthusiastically contributed to this special event. This was the first time Mr. Driscoll had implemented this type of meeting with students, and he was impressed with the students’ level of maturity and interest in the subject.

“The cooperative learning activities facilitated by Officer Driscoll encouraged students to engage in critical thinking and make connections to their world,” explained Dr. Torres-Rodriguez. “These are critical elements of every learning experience for our students."

Student and staff feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many students expressed a desire to see this program expanded. In response to feedback, the school scheduled follow-up sessions with Mr. Driscoll’s organization for a parent workshop and staff professional development later this winter.