Before undertaking an Internet project in the classroom, teachers should re-read their school's Acceptable Use Policy (covered in Technology Management) to their students and remind them of the consequences for failing to adhere to the policy.  Rules should also be displayed in writing near the computer stations.

It can also be important to develop specific behavior and discipline rules if you are implementing a new classroom instructional technique such as cooperative group learning or learning centers.  In these models students often have more independence and responsibility then they would in more traditional classroom settings.  In addition, you will often not be able to monitor every student all of the time.  It can therefore be important to "lay down the law" with your students before experimenting with a new instructional technique. 

Prior to students undertaking web-based searching for information pertaining to their science fair projects, their teacher reviews the school policy regarding access of inappropriate material with the students. He reminds them that intentionally accessing inappropriate sites (e.g. pornography, shopping catalogs, movie star web pages, chat rooms) will be cause for punishment according to their school's Acceptable Use Policy.

Consider these questions as you review your project.

• Do you have copies of your school Acceptable Use Policy (covered in Technology Management in more depth)?

• What behavior expectations and/or discipline actions will you need to establish or reinforce?

• How and when will this information be presented to students?

Online Resources

• Online Teacher Discussion on Student Discipline - Great place to post problems and get answers.
• 11 Techniques for Better Classroom Discipline - Good set of ideas, especially if you plan on using cooperative groups or learning centers.
• Five Tricky Personalities and How to Handle Them - Excellent set of suggestions for dealing with difficult students.  If you want more, check out solutions for handling 117 misbehaviors.
• ERIC Digest: Managing Inappropriate Behavior in the Classroom - Good summary article that includes specific suggestions for group work.
• Schoolwide and Classroom Discipline - Overview of many research studies and their findings.
• Suggested Steps for Developing and Implementing a Behavior Problem Plan - Good suggestions for dealing with out-of-control classrooms.
• What is your classroom management profile? - Take this online self-assessment and learn what your is and how students will react to it.