Michael J. Berson
Title: Professor, Department of Secondary Education
Specialty: Social studies education, technology in the schools, Internet safety, global child advocacy
Contact Information:
USF College of Education
4202 E. Fowler Ave., EDU 162
Tampa, Fl 33620-5650
Phone: (813) 974-7917
E-mail this USF Collaborative Partner
Details:
Topics of expertise:
Social studies education, technology in the schools, Internet safety, global child advocacy. Educational and professional background: Berson received his bachelor’s in Political Science from the State University of New York at
What was your Collaborative grant and what did you learn from it?
Berson was a co-investigator with his wife, Ilene, on a community Internet safety program. Have you done any other proposals that have additional grants? “I was funded in 2001 and 2002 for Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers to Use Technology by the U.S. Department of Education.”
What have you done since the grant?
“My wife, Ilene, and I have refereed international and national edited journals on cyber-violence and refereed international and national journal articles on lessons learned about schools and their responsibility to foster safety online. We both have authored research on topics that include digital awareness and emerging risks of violence of adolescent girls in the digital age. I have co-authored paper presentations include protecting and educating children in the information society, cyber-exploitation of youth, and privacy and protection on the net.”
What is the biggest issue in your field right now and how would you address it?
“Since children can be easy targets for exploitation and victimization, awareness and supervision are necessary components of any Internet safety initiative. Children may access content in cyberspace that is obscene, pornographic, violent, hateful, racist, offensive, and illegal. Consequently, the active involvement of caring adults is necessary to prepare them for safe navigation. Direct observation of children online in a public space with periodic interaction and ongoing discussions of their web experiences are the foundations of Internet safety procedures.”
What have you learned from your research that you wish every professional knew?
“In conjunction with early preparatory experiences which engage a child in assessing risky situations, developing appropriate coping techniques, and practicing responses to problematic situations, children can be adequately prepared for potential risks on the Internet. Avoidance techniques, de-escalation skills, and protection strategies are additional safety mechanisms children need on the Internet. Netiquette, or online manners, define acceptable conduct when engaged in an interchange with people in cyberspace. They represent guidelines for relating in a courteous and respectful manner.”
What have you learned from your research that you wish every student knew?
“As an educational tool, the Internet offers access to extensive resources and information; however, the speed and openness of this media necessitates awareness and intervention to promote safety and wellbeing. The potential risks online are comparable to the dangers noted in any expansive environment. The risks include exposure to hate, violence, misinformation, consumer exploitation, and sexual predators. Nonetheless, the Internet provides an extraordinary opportunity for enriching teaching and learning.”
