NOODLES TO GOOGLES: The Internet is soooo cool, yet so scary!

NOODLES TO GOOGLES: The Internet is soooo cool, yet so scary! 06/25/2008

Part I: Internet Safety and Ethics

Internet use has become a natural part of my everyday life. I have used the internet for at least 11 years to email, shop, and access information on everything from preschools to the scary rash on our new “stray” cat. I have also turned to the internet as a tool to find lesson ideas, as well as to conduct graduate and professional research. Furthermore, I have recently realized that the online social networks are not just for kids – there are excellent professional networks and tools available.

As I look for ways to integrate technology in my elementary art classroom, free online applications such as Zoho, EduBlogs, Wikis, CamStudio, and Toondoo have become my new best friends. Currently, I am a member of ArtEducation 2.O and I recently signed on to Twitter. These platforms provide an opportunity for me to meet other professionals, artists and graduate students from around the world. We share ideas, resources and the occasional funny story.

While I relish the possibility of such connectedness at my fingertips, I have begun to worry about personal information floating around on the Web. Haven’t many of us come to trust Web use enough to enter our email address on just about anything, our credit card number and address for purchases? Don’t we access our financial records, complete our taxes online and even post photos of ourselves and family? Just today, Gary Storts was sitting next to me at the Web2.0 seminar at the University of Memphis and he showed me the newest, most amazing little tool (just a tiny scary) from Google Maps called “Street View.” Watch the screen capture below:

Google's "Street View"

I clicked on a random city street... feel free to type in your own home address and see if there is video. Oh sure, this would be a great tool for finding a friend's house for the first time BUT what about stalkers???? What if I was checking the mail in my mismatched pj's and rumpled hair as the camera guy drove right past my house? Maybe I am making too big of a deal about this but it feels just a tad creepy.

Comments

Jim Harris

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:52:58

Wow, Angela, you really are getting into this blog thing. You're going full tech too.

I don't worry about Google Street that much. Google doesn't have the resources to street map the whole country, and will only be doing major cities. Nor do I think its much help to stalkers and criminals. Stalkers and criminals watch you in real time, not virtual. It's like the difference between all those kids acting out in Grand Theft Auto, and the people who live GTA for real.

And think about it the other way. Think how much Internet and video is helping to catch criminals and to stop crime. If every street had video cameras on it, wouldn't they film the criminals too? Sutton and I live on the same street and we often talk about the frequent petty crime. We've wondered if there were video cameras on the street if it would cut down on such activities?

Jim

Megan Lechler

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:55:22

Angela,

I followed the link from your email and am blown away by your photographic talent. I would love to decorate the walls of our new house with your images! Oh, and I'm procrastinating in studying for my PRAXIS by reading your blog...

Megan

Michael G.

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:21:55

Angela,
One of the areas I am also concerned about is the proliferation of tools and the numerous logins and passwords that exist. Some small companies for sure do not have the same level of security as larger, more sophisticated companies. But is there any real way to know just how much security there is?

Angela

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:22:56

I think you are right Jim, real criminals would need more than video of the outside of a house. My concern is similar to Dr. Grant's: is our information really that secure? What would the report look like if the CIA or FBI pulled all of the data from my internet activity? -Not that I've done anything to cause such research :-)

A real PI would find out quite a bit about me, no matter how much I try to maintain privacy. We already know that marketing companies use some of this information to collect research about our buying habits. Furthermore, all it takes is for someone to steal a computer from Life Blood or TJ Maxx to have my identity stolen. With one computer someone could access my address, social security number, credit card number, etc. Thank goodness for identity theft and fraud protection from the major credit bureaus. Ultimately, it is an individual's responsibility to have security measures in place in case he or she is in this type of unfortunate situation.

I recommend contacting the three credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion to place a fraud alert on your personal information. A fraud alert does create more work for individuals when applying for credit but it also prevents criminals from getting credit in your name. Identity theft protection is also available under some home owner's insurance.

These recommendations only help with financial fraud but what about intellectual and creative property?

AestheTECH

Google's "Street View"

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Angela V. Christopher

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