EGUSD announces Internet Safety Video Contest

[Matthew]

The Elk Grove Unified School District, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is now accepting entries for the 2008 Internet Safety Video Contest. Students in grades 4-12 are invited to produce a video that promotes the safe and ethical use of the Internet.

The video contest is one component of Elk Grove Unified’s Internet Safety Initiative. The Internet Safety Initiative includes a three-pronged approach to educate staff, parents and students about cyberbullying, online predators and other safety tips.

The 2008 Internet Safety Video Contest presents an opportunity to reinforce Internet safety while allowing students to express their creativity. Students can choose from four categories – PSA (public service announcement), School News & Events, Instructional/How To and Documentary. PSAs are limited to one minute. All other categories may not exceed three minutes. Video titles and credits are not included in the time limit. Entries must be submitted on mini-DV tape, CD-ROM or DVD in Quicktime, Windows Media Player or Real Player format.

Entries will be judged on originality, technical components and clarity of the message. Winners will be notified by phone in November. Awards will be given in three grade-level divisions – 4-6, 7-8 and 9-12 – at the Board of Education meeting on December 16, 2008.

The 2008 Internet Safety Video Contest is an innovative example of how Elk Grove Unified has taken the initiative to be a leader in educating others about the importance of Internet safety. The district has built upon its success last year of cyber safety classes for parents offered through the Elk Grove Adult and Community Education department and professional development Internet classes for staff.

The district has also launched a new Internet safety blog, 2webwatchers at Navigating the Internet Safely, Effectively and Ethically. The new blog will be included in the district’s Internet website, Elk Grove Unified School District, and in school newsletters. The online version includes an area where students, parents and staff can ask questions or post comments. The blog will be co-facilitated by the district’s technology integration and web specialists, Gail Desler and Kathleen Watt.

To obtain entry materials on the Internet Safety Video Contest, visit Navigating the Internet Safely, Effectively and Ethically.