[Yr7-10it] Cybersafety Outreach Professional Development for Educators

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

29 January 2009,  http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/109684/pc=PC_311602


ACMA rolls out cybersafety professional development program for educators 


The Australian Communications and Media Authority has started the 
national roll-out of 'Cybersafety Outreach – Professional Development for 
Educators' — its national cybersafety program designed for primary and 
secondary level educators. 

‘ACMA is at the forefront of developing and providing excellent 
cybersafety programs,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman. 

‘This interactive and cutting edge program is aimed at equipping 
educators to teach their students about cybersafety. It forms part of the 
Australian Government’s commitment to cybersafety education and is FREE
to participants.’ 

The program is the result of extensive consultation with key 
stakeholders, and is based on critical research from both Australia and 
overseas. In particular, the Department of Education, Employment and 
Workplace Relations will work with ACMA to promote Cybersafety Outreach – 
Professional Development for Educators through the Australian Government 
Quality Teaching Program (AGQTP) network. 

The program materials were tested and trialled during a very successful 
two-day pilot attended by more than 50 practising teachers and industry 
stakeholders. Feedback from the pilot was extremely positive and helped 
shape and inform the final program materials. 

‘There has been incredible interest in this very targeted program with 
the pilot oversubscribed, booking requests for workshops and 
presentations flooding in and additional trainers engaged to meet the 
demand,’ said Mr Chapman. 

The workshops provide practical experience, resources and strategies for 
educators to help students become responsible digital citizens. 

Media contact: Donald Robertson, ACMA Media Manager, on 02 9334 7980 


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Backgrounder 

ACMA continues to be a leader in the provision of comprehensive 
cybersafety initiatives and education programs as part of the Australian 
Government’s cybersafety policy. 

ACMA’s program includes undertaking targeted information and awareness-
raising campaigns, activities and programs, developing cybersafety 
education materials for use in schools and at home, and researching 
current trends in cybersafety. 

Cybersafety Outreach – Professional Development for Educators is a key 
ACMA program for 2009 and beyond. 

Over the next two years ACMA’s Cybersafety Outreach program will offer: 

 * a national program of professional development for school teachers and
   educators 

 * a national program for trainee teachers in consultation with education
   providers including universities 

 * presentations nationally to parents, students, library staff and other
   key stakeholders on cybersafety issues. 


Presentations are provided by experienced specialists in specific states. 

Greg Gebhart – Victoria/Tasmania. 

Greg is one of Australia’s leading education technologists and is the 
senior ACMA cybersafety trainer, a position he has held since 2007. With 
more than 20 years experience in ICT and education, Greg is recognised 
across Australia for his knowledge and passion for cybersafety education. 

Beverley Yardley – Western Australia/South Australia. 

With more than 30 years experience in education in schools and 
universities, Bev is an experienced presenter who is passionate about 
cybersafety and sharing information with teachers, parents and students. 

Kellie Britnell – New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory. 

Kellie has over 18 years experience in education teaching both primary 
and secondary students in Australia and overseas. She has extensive 
experience in curriculum development, pastoral care, ICT and cybersafety. 


Other aspects of ACMA’s cybersafety program include: 

A range of cybersafety education products for school aged children. These 
include Cybersmart Detectives, an interactive online activity for schools 
that encourages children to think for themselves about online safety. 

Over 5,500 primary school age students have engaged in the program with 
the number of schools using Cybersmart Detectives growing from 81 in 
2007/08 to around 300 in 2008/09. More information is available at 
http://cybersmart.engagelive.net/. 

Schools gateway. ACMA is currently working on a webportal for schools 
which will operate as an integrated resource to provide educators with 
access to educational media and lesson resources in addition to being 
able to make bookings for key ACMA activities and initiatives such as 
Cybersmart Detectives, Cybersafety Outreach presentations and teacher 
professional development workshops. ACMA has a suite of cybersafety 
education resources including Netty’s World, Cyberquoll, Cybernetrix and 
Wise Up To IT, all available free of charge. 

Cybersmart Guides. A range of resources, both print and electronic, for 
public libraries - The Cybersmart Guide for Library Staff and a guide for 
families – The Cybersmart Guide for Families. A Cyber Rules Poster and 
four online information videos are also available at 
www.acma.gov.au/libraries. More than 65,000 copies of The Cybersmart 
Guide for Families have been distributed since June 2008. 

Cybersafety website. In 2009, ACMA will launch a comprehensive 
cybersafety website offering integrated information for children, parents 
and schools. 

A cybersafety contact centre. This centre provides information about 
cybersafety concerns and issues and operates between 8:00am and 10:00 pm 
in all states with interpreting and TTY services available – phone 1800 
880 176. 

Complaints hotline. A complaints hotline for members of the public to 
report offensive internet material. Complaints can be made through 
www.acma.gov.au/hotline. Since the hotline began on 1 January 2000, ACMA 
has dealt with more than 6,000 complaints.  

International collaboration to combat illegal online material. ACMA is a 
member of INHOPE, an international network of hotlines that works 
collectively to expedite the handling of reports about illegal online 
content. 

Internet safety publications on social networking, mobile phone use and 
safe use of the internet. These brochures complement ACMA’s Cybersmart 
Kids online safety advice website at http://www.cybersmartkids.com.au/. 
Over two million Cybersmart online safety brochures have been distributed 
since 2002. 

A mobile phone guide. The guide provides parents with 12 questions to ask 
their mobile service providers to minimise risks to children from the use 
of mobile phones. 

Research into young people’s use of online media. ACMA is undertaking a 
study looking at current usage trends. This research builds on ACMA’s 
comprehensive 2007 report Media and Communications in Australian 
Families. 

More information about ACMA’s cybersafety program is available at 
www.acma.gov.au/cybersafety. 

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Cheers Tony
Stephen Loosley
Member, Victorian
Institute of Teaching
,


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