Objective:
To help teachers reflect on and discuss how to respond effectively and responsibly to online safety and cybersecurity issues that may arise in Tanzanian secondary schools.
Instructions for:
You are a teacher in a Tanzanian secondary school that has recently introduced digital learning using school tablets and access to online platforms.
Read the following scenario carefully, then post your response in the forum.
After posting, read at least two other teachers’ posts and reply with constructive feedback or alternative suggestions.
Scenario:
Last week, you noticed that several students in your class were distracted during lessons. When you investigated, you discovered that a few of them had joined a WhatsApp group where they were sharing memes and personal photos of classmates without permission. Some of the shared content has turned into hurtful jokes, and one student has now stopped attending school out of embarrassment.
At the same time, you receive a message on your email from an unknown sender, claiming to be from the Ministry of Education. The email asks you to click a link and “confirm your school login details for continued access to the e-learning platform.”
Your Task:
In your forum post (about 150–200 words), discuss how you would respond to these issues.
You may consider:
- Immediate actions you would take regarding the students’ WhatsApp group.
- Preventive or educational steps to raise awareness about online safety among students.
- How you would handle the suspicious email.
- Who you might report or consult (e.g., school ICT officer, headteacher, parents, or authorities).
Follow-up Discussion Prompts:
When replying to others, you might comment on:
- Whether their response balances discipline and education.
- Any additional actions or tools that could strengthen online safety.
- Ways teachers could collaborate to build a safer online environment.