Internet in the Detention Classroom: Connecting Kids to the Future

• NCJ Number: 167149
• Journal: Journal for Juvenile Justice and Detention Services Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1997) Pages: 33-37
• Author(s): K A Kane
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Training (Aid/Material)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article explores the usefulness of the Internet as an educational tool for juveniles in detention; the author draws on her experiences in a detention education setting and describes several creative strategies for using the Internet in programs for juveniles in detention.

Abstract

The Internet is a collection of information stored in millions of computers throughout the world. Millions of people from all parts of the world and from all walks of life are sharing information with one another through the Internet, via telephone line, for the price of a local phone call. All a person needs to be a part of this international community is a computer with a modem and an Internet service provider. The use of the Internet as a classroom resource works well in a detention classroom because of the nature of the group. There are students in various grades with different interests and abilities whose length of stay varies from one day to several months. The Internet has something for everyone, since information can be accessed for any grade level and in every content area. Most students will use the Internet without prodding because they are intrigued with this new technology. The students at Montgomery County Youth Center (Pennsylvania) are currently involved in Internet projects as part of their educational program. One project, Internet Mentoring, involves e-mailing with professionals throughout the world that have been hand-selected by the instructor. Each mentor agrees to give personalized attention and caring, to maintain a positive attitude and high expectations of the student, and to make a commitment to the student to be accessible and responsive in a timely manner. This article lists the benefits of this mentoring program for detained juveniles as well as for the mentors. Other proposed Internet projects for detained youth are also described.