Cyber 8 - An online learning experience for Year 8 students
Australian data indicates young people are at greater risk of harm from all forms of bullying, including cyber bullying during times of transition. In response to this, the CHPRC recently developed and tested classroom curriculum for Year 8 students through its’ Cyber Friendly Schools Project. The curriculum proved a success however teachers and young people indicated the learning would have been far more effective if the curriculum was delivered online. Given this valuable feedback the Centre secured funding to rewrite and develop online resources for the Year 9 curriculum content. Cyber9 incorporated ways of engaging young people which had previously been untested, with program developers including learning experiences such as guided ‘online status’ searches, drawing and designing applications, an online game focusing on thinking time, personalised profiles, recording devices, teacher led chat sessions and quizzes. Monitoring of the use of these sites by students in the twenty project schools has allowed for analysis of components to determine those most and least effective. The feedback sought through this process has also indicated ideas which require further development. Cyber8 aims to build on the successful components of Cyber9 and add in those elements young people have indicated require further development. By using the ideas generated by young people, and targeting areas where research indicated harm is occurring, Cyber8 aims to engage young people through innovative technologies to provide timely and fun learning experiences which result in positive outcomes.
Forty two percent of Western Australian teachers reported being poorly or not at all skilled to deal with cyber bullying, one of the distinct benefits of Cyber8 is the ability for teaching staff to either learn along with students or to access the websites from wherever they are, whenever they want, to improve their own knowledge and skills around the safe and positive use of technology. Included in all of the eight Cyber9 sites developed are academic articles which allow teaching staff access to accurate and relevant information should they wish to obtain a deeper understanding of any of the concepts being covered. Through delivering online content staff are given an opportunity to familiarise themselves with various technologies including web chats, social networks and how the functions on their mobile phones work.
Project duration
2012
Funding body
ECU / Avaya Development Grants
For further information about this project please contact Kate Hadwen at k.hadwen@ecu.edu.au.
Researchers
Ms Kate Hadwen
Associate Professor Stacey Waters
Staff
Ms Kate Hadwen
Ms Ashley Adair
