Hector's World

[Michael]

Hello all,

 

Has anyone here used Hector's World? Never come across it before and just curious how useful it is and whether it works with your children. Many thanks!

[Edu-IT]

Never heard it before, looks pretty cool.

[elsiegee40]

We have it installed across the school (except the office)

 

The kids are told to click on it if they see anything distressing on the internet. It gives the teacher an opportunity to move others away and then deal with what ever is there (the teachers have been told to write down the URL and give it to me)

 

It got used in anger here only a couple of days ago by one of our Year 5s.

[bossman]

@Michael:

 

Most good sites now have the CEOPS button embedded on the page for all children to access in case of emergencies and the like.

This is really good for the younger children though helps them make a choice decision.

[elsiegee40]

@Michael:

 

Most good sites now have the CEOPS button embedded on the page for all children to access in case of emergencies and the like.

This is really good for the younger children though helps them make a choice decision.

 

CEOPS button is fine on good sites, but it's the bad sites that Hector helps with.

 

It's just a screen saver which cuts in when the child clicks on a swimming dolphin.

 

Quick and easy to use, it helps to stop the general hysterical excitement as the rest of the class try to see the lady with no clothes on, or whatever has been displayed as a result of someone's search that has got through the filtering.

[bossman]

@elsiegee40:

 

Can I ask why a swimming dolphin?

As this is a creature not meant to harm humans will it now be seen in the future as a mammal which hides bad things?

Just asking the question as one who likes dolphins. :)

[srochford]

It doesn't work with Windows 7 (needs a flash OCX which isn't there) but I do like the idea. I'm sure it's aimed at primary schools but I'm pretty sure it's got value for a much wider audience :-)

[elsiegee40]

@elsiegee40:

 

Can I ask why a swimming dolphin?

As this is a creature not meant to harm humans will it now be seen in the future as a mammal which hides bad things?

Just asking the question as one who likes dolphins. :)

 

 

Linky to the Hector's World site for those that are intrigued: Hectors World - Silicon Deep - Introduction and Navigation

 

And linky to the explanation page: HECTOR’S WORLD SAFETY BUTTON? | Hector's World Information Island

 

I have no idea why they chose a dolphin other than because it's a friendly character, but Hector 'swims' top left of your monitor (He can be moved or closed if he's in the way)

 

The developers have a load of teacher's resources about internet safety and cyber-bullying on this site.

 

Yes, it is aimed at primary kids, though the office staff have moaned that they don't have Hector too!

[synaesthesia]

I use Hectors World across about half of my primary schools, and everyone is very happy with it. Thankfully it's only had to be used in a couple of occasions - and it does exactly what it needs to.

 

It was a bit of a pain in the first week or so whilst the novelty of a swimming dolphin/pretty picture took hold, but that soon wears off. Because it's such a pretty little thing, it's just that little bit easier on a sub concious level for kids to follow the instruction "click it if you see something nasty". Simple, effective, small.

[bossman]

@elsiegee40:

 

Your just a lovely person and it's a pleasure to discuss things with you and all my friends on Edugeek enjoy your weekend will catch you all again sometime.

 

[elsiegee40]

@elsiegee40:

 

Your just a lovely person and it's a pleasure to discuss things with you and all my friends on Edugeek enjoy your weekend will catch you all again sometime.

 

 

It's been a very long day... at the end of a very long week...