Online Safety

In today’s digital age, the internet has transformed the way we teach and learn languages. 

As an ESL teacher with CELTA certification, I’ve witnessed firsthand how online platforms have opened up new avenues for learning, making language education more accessible, interactive, and engaging. 

Most of the teachers of our generation have experienced this major shift from face-to-face teaching to online one. 

It is important to remember that with these opportunities come significant responsibilities, particularly concerning online safety.

As educators, our primary responsibility is to provide a safe learning environment for our students, whether in a physical classroom or an online setting. 

These risks are especially concerning when teaching younger learners or students from vulnerable backgrounds.

Incorporating online safety into our teaching practice is essential for several reasons:

As ESL teachers, we often collect personal information from our students, such as names, email addresses, and even photos or videos of their participation in class. 

It is important to receive either parents’ or students' consent for using such videos and/or photo content. 

Ensuring this data is handled securely and responsibly is crucial to maintaining trust and safeguarding student privacy.

The anonymity of the internet can sometimes lead to negative behaviors, including cyberbullying. 

It’s essential to create a classroom culture where respect and kindness are emphasized and to be vigilant in monitoring interactions between students.

The internet is vast and unregulated, meaning students could easily encounter inappropriate content. 

As educators, we must carefully select and vet the materials and platforms we use, ensuring they are age-appropriate, align with our educational goals, and do not disturb our students. 

That is why, personally I find myself adapting a lot of materials from course books by eliminating any country-aggressor mentions.

Here are some strategies that have proven effective in promoting online safety, which I tend to implement:

Not only when working with young learners may you start by raising awareness among your students about the potential risks associated with using the internet but also adults. 

Discussing topics like phishing, scams, and the importance of protecting personal information may be new even for the most profound users of the Internet. 

One time I had a full lesson dedicated to this topic. 

Not only did my students learn about cyber security but also studied new collocations in the context.

Just as you would set ground rules in a physical classroom, it’s essential to establish guidelines for online behavior. 

These might include rules about respectful communication, not sharing personal information publicly, and reporting any suspicious behavior. 

The best time to do it — the first lesson. 

When selecting online tools and platforms for your classes, prioritize those with strong security features. 

For example, opt for platforms that offer encrypted communication, require passwords for entry, and have settings to control who can access the content. 

Among them Google Workspace, Attlassian, etc.

While fostering a sense of independence in your students is important, it’s equally vital to monitor their online interactions, particularly in group activities or workshops.

This helps to quickly identify and address any inappropriate behavior or potential risks. 

Monitoring breakout rooms is an important responsibility of each teacher.

When teaching younger learners, involve their parents in discussions about online safety. 

Provide them with resources and guidelines to help them reinforce these lessons at home. 

This may be done during parent-teacher meetings or in private sessions.

If you are like me, an ESL teacher living in Ukraine, it is important to remember not to neglect the air raid alerts. 

Always make sure that it is safe to continue the lesson if the siren is on for you as well as for your students. 

While individual teachers play a crucial role in promoting online safety, institutions also have a responsibility to support these efforts. 

Moreover, institutions should foster a culture of safety and responsibility, encouraging teachers to share best practices and collaborate on strategies for keeping students safe online. 

You can always address this matter to your superiors and feel free to ask for guidance from your mentor or senior colleagues. 

Online safety is an integral aspect of modern ESL teaching. 

By prioritizing the protection of our students, we not only fulfill our ethical responsibilities but also create a more positive and secure learning environment. 

As educators, we are uniquely positioned to lead by example, integrating online safety into our teaching practice and empowering our students to navigate the digital world with confidence and caution.