| Whether
you're pitching a NetDay event to parents, educators, businesses,
or the media, you're likely to hear certain questions. Here
are our answers to the toughest ones. |
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Why should schools have access
to the Internet? |
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Networking computers
in schools and classrooms means that students and teachers
have access to vast resources and exciting opportunities for
communicating and working together. Teachers around the world
can share curricula on the Internet, and students from New
Orleans to New Delhi can use it to see and understand people
and things they never knew existed. In the 21st Century, more
than 60% of all jobs will require employees to be computer
literate, therefore it is essential all students are equipped
with the technical skills necessary to succeed in the job market. |
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Why should we install cable when we don't have
computers, software, or funds to buy either? |
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NetDay works on
the principle of taking one step at a time. By setting achievable
goals, it promotes success and encourages communities to discover
that technology is within their reach. NetDay helps communities
establish a base of volunteers and partners that can help schools
take the next steps sooner. NetDay even gets businesses competing
to help schools! By focusing attention on the lack of funds
for education in general, and technology in schools specifically,
NetDay attracts school support. |
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Why should we spend any money on cable or computers
when we can't even afford pencils?. |
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With people volunteering
time and companies buying kits, a NetDay event doesn't have
to cost schools anything. NetDay doesn't divert money from
other school needs - on the contrary, it creates value, at
no cost to schools. In fact, a NetDay event gives schools
a new community of willing volunteers who can take care of
any needs - from buying pencils to painting classrooms.
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Doesn't all this focus on technology divide
communities?
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NetDay is working
to eliminate any technical divide between communities. Since
the first event in March 1996, NetDay has been working to
help schools collaborate with businesses and communities
so that they can gain access to modern technology. Our experience
is that technology doesn't divide communities, it unites
them.
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How can we keep our kids safe when they
are using the Internet?
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Parents and teachers
should supervise young children's time on the Internet just
as they supervise their children's television viewing or
reading. It's in the classroom that properly trained teachers
can teach children to be critical thinkers and users of the
Internet. Parents may also want to consider establishing "online
guidelines" for their families to help protect kids from
inappropriate materials. Additionally, filtering software
is available to help keep your kids from harm when you are
not there.
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What about liability issues? What if a volunteer
gets injured?
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In some states, schools have liability insurance
that covers volunteers working on school grounds. However,
every school needs to look into the particulars of its insurance
coverage.
See
Risk Management, Insurance, and Safety.
For
answers to more questions, see the NetDay FAQs. |
