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Bentley Students Educate Local Teachers on Internet's Psychological Impact

Posted on: Tuesday, 24 October 2006, 12:00 CDT

WALTHAM, Mass., Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid growing concern about the pitfalls of social networking, cyber bullying and the overall impact internet technologies can have on a child's development, students at Bentley College will conduct a professional development seminar for Milton Public School teachers that addresses internet safety issues on Friday, October 27.

More than 300 teachers will attend the one-day, interactive seminar being held at Milton High School. Sixteen honors students from Bentley will present a morning session designed for middle and high school teachers and an afternoon session designed for elementary school teachers.

"This seminar is necessary because new technology is coming fast and furious and teachers need to be aware of what kids are doing online. They need to know what sites they're using and the potential dangers they face," says Greg Hall, Associate Professor of Psychology.

Professor Hall worked with the Assistant Superintendent of Milton Public Schools to arrange the seminar, which is part of a Cyber Psychology honors course he teaches at Bentley. "Our students are in the perfect position to educate others on this topic. They have become experts on these Internet technologies. Through the cyber psychology course they've learned about the developmental issues that come along with the new technology."

The seminar will be divided into 4 modules addressing different topics: * Internet Safety: Issues to be discussed include what students should do if they come across inappropriate material; cyber bullying; what to do if contacted by a stranger online * Social Networking -- Text: Focuses on sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Tweenland; teachers will set up their own MySpace account to become familiar with the site; exposure to chat rooms and internet language * Social Networking -- Media: Focuses on fastest growing sites such as YouTube and Photobucket * Curriculum Resources: Introduces teachers to curriculum resources available regarding integrating technology into the curriculum

Bentley is a national leader in business education. Centered on education and research in business and related professions, Bentley blends the breadth and technological strength of a university with the values and student focus of a small college. Enrolling approximately 4,000 full-time undergraduate and 1,270 graduate students, Bentley is located in Waltham, Mass., minutes west of Boston.

Media Contact: Helen Henrichs 781-891-2277 hhenrichs@bentley.edu

Bentley College

CONTACT: Helen Henrichs of Bentley College, +1-781-891-2277,hhenrichs@bentley.edu

Web site: http://www.bentley.edu/

Source: PRNewswire

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