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Did you know that National Internet Day occurs each year on October 29th? This fun holiday is far from just another observance: it offers plenty of opportunities for learning about the internet and appreciating related developments — and dangers — in technology. So if you’re a teacher, it’s time to think about how you’re going to incorporate it into your lesson plans in ways that are anything but boring.
What Does National Internet Day Celebrate?
National Internet Day, also known as International Internet Day or World Internet Day, commemorates the first successfully sent electronic message from one computer to another via the internet. This took place in 1969 when a UCLA computer science professor was able to send a message over the telephone network, which was received at Stanford University.
Given the extensive number and kinds of electronic messages we now send daily — from emails to texts to social media posts — you can imagine what an important day this was in the history of the internet. This history matters because it has shaped the entire Information Age we now live in. It also reminds us that for every new online tech development, we all need to learn new ways to protect ourselves from internet dangers.
Ways to Celebrate National Internet Day
If you’re a teacher today, all of your students — and possibly you or your younger colleagues — are digital natives, meaning they were born into a world where the internet was already widely in use. You can help kids appreciate what they may be taking for granted with various activities:
Class presentations. Invite parents, other teachers, or computer scientists of various ages to share what it was like before the internet became widely available and accessible. Incorporate safety learning elements like the earliest forms of internet security.
Pop-up “museums.” Gather relevant artifacts from before the internet existed (such as a landline telephone or encyclopedia), from its earliest stages (such as objects and images related to dial-up internet), and beyond. Teach students about the advancements and limitations of each, particularly in terms of privacy and security.
Creative projects. Ask students to imagine what the next breakthrough in communication and information technology might look like, or how they envision the future of internet security. Have students create models and give presentations to showcase their ideas.
Guest speakers. Invite guest speakers who work in computer science or internet safety education to share their knowledge. Vibrant, engaging presentations can have a powerful impact on students, making them more aware of the advantages of having access to the internet — and how to protect themselves from the risks.
Observe National Internet Day With Net Positive
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Utah County is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens and leaders. We accomplish this by providing evidence-based programs with a focus on those that improve academic engagement, build character, and improve healthy behaviors.
Our Net Positive Program educates K-12 students about digital safety, health, citizenship, and leadership. After participating in our program, students are 97% better prepared to face internet dangers. Contact us to learn more and ask your school to schedule a Net Positive Presentation today!
References
A Brief History of the Internet, www.usg.edu/galileo/skills/unit07/internet07_02.phtml. Accessed 27 July 2023.
Kabithra. “International Internet Day – October 29, 2022.” Happy Days 365, 29 Oct. 2022, happydays365.org/international-internet-day/international-internet-day-october/.
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