Foire aux question
The Internet safety initiative, CyberCops, consists of two resources, Mirror Image (for Grade 7 students) and Air Dogs (for Grade 8 students). Mirror Image has been distributed January 2006. Air Dogs has been distributed February 2007.
General Questions
Teaching Questions
Training Questions
Technical Questions
The Readme file on the CyberCops: Mirror Image CD states that installing the game to a server and playing it on more than one workstation at one time violates the licensing agreement. How should I proceed?
An error was made in the messaging in the readme file. Schools have the right to use the disc on any computer on the premises. They may pass the program from teacher to teacher and classroom to classroom. However, please note that the software developer has stated: "We do ask schools not to place the program on a network for a technical reason, not a legal one. There are two streams of video in the game, which requires a great deal of RAM. If the game is placed on a server the video stream will split between all of the computers in use. This will usually result in poor playback quality."
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The Readme file on the CyberCops: Air Dogs CD states the game was written for a single workstation only. As a result, installing this game to a server will result in diminished playback performance of the Air Dogs image media. Further it directs users to contact Livewwwires to discuss qualifications and licensing for network installation. How should I proceed?
The software developer recommends the program not be placed on a network for a technical reason not a legal one. "We do ask schools not to place the program on a network for a technical reason, not a legal one. There are two streams of video in the game, which requires a great deal of RAM. If the game is placed on a server the video stream will split between all of the computers in use. This will usually result in poor playback quality." Schools have the right to use the disc on any computer on the premises. They may pass the program from teacher to teacher and classroom to classroom.
Are the CD’s reproducible?
No. The software is the property of Livewires and is licensed only to the Ministry of Education.
Are the resources reproducible?
The resources may be photocopied for educational purposes only.
Can teachers take the CD’s home?
Teachers may take the CD’s and resources home as a part of planning for their classroom.
Can I get additional copies of the CD’s and resources?
The Ministry of Education will provide one copy only of both Mirror Image and Air Dogs to each school. Requests for additional CD cannot be filled.
However, additional copies of the teacher resource can be downloaded from www.ophea.net/cybercops after all training sessions have been completed
For additional copies of the CD Rom please contact Livewires at info@livewires.com.
Who received the resources in the schools and at police detachments?
Directors of School Boards, IT departments/contacts, Ophea’s H&PE contacts received advanced copies of the resources prior to it going to schools. CyberCops: Mirror Image was addressed to one grade 7 teacher at every eligible school. CyberCops: Air Dogs was addressed to the principal of every eligible school. The OPP is responsible for sending the resources out to Municipal forces, OPP detachments and First Nations Police Services.
What is the cost of the resources?
One free copy of each resource is available to publicly funded French and English Schools Boards, School Authorities, First Nations schools and Provincial Demonstration schools across the province. Resources have been sent directly to schools. Requests for additional resources cannot be filled.
Do CyberCops actually exist?
The position of CyberCop does exist - many police forces have officers who are dedicated to e-crimes.
Does the CyberCops website actually exist?
No. The game is fictional - students cannot dial up and talk to a CyberCop online.
“When this game was rolled out to the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police more than two years ago, one of the members had a concern that we were actually promoting unsafe behaviour by portraying a teen who is uncertain about who she is calling. The reality of it is that the game portrays a fictional way of communicating with the cyberpolice. In fact, if everyone understands what we are trying to tell them, no one should talk to a stranger on the Internet, period.
School and police have to develop a reporting/communication strategy so that the right person is called at the right time, whether it is for cyberbullying, or a disclosure of any kind. It has to be reinforced to the participants of the game, be it students, parents, the general public, or community service members, when in doubt, where to go for help.
There are services that play the same role as our fictitious Cybercops. Many police forces have e-crimes units and they take calls from individuals who get into trouble on-line. Anyone with a problem should contact these teams as they are well organized and responsive.
It is possible for a predator to create a 'cybercops for kids' website, just as they can spoof other legitimate websites. We do know that predators troll in kid’s only areas. While the kids are relatively safe inside the website, predators try to lure them outside to a chat channel or instant messaging. Multi-national corporations get scammed every day and unsuspecting clients loose their Identity. Children can be lured by many attractive websites but the whole point of this project is to educate the youth (and others) so that they can make the right decisions to stay safe when participating in risky behaviour.”
- Arni Stinnissen, OPP
“The Cybertip line, mentioned in the guide, also takes calls from kids who are in trouble (as well as receives tips about pornography websites). The police officers who man the Cybertip line are called the ICE team and they have a national mandate. “
- Drew Ann Wake, Livewires
Was this field tested with parents or in the community?
Yes, the software developer tested with parents in British Columbia.
Teaching Questions
How long do the units take?
On average, it can take anywhere from three to five 40 minute periods, depending on the teaching style.
What would be the ideal way to teach this…to bring in police or present as a teacher on my own?
The resources allow a teacher to present the unit on their own. However, it is hoped that schools and police services will see this as a great opportunity to address this issue together. Police officers are equipped to discuss certain topics and answer specific questions more so than teachers. Their involvement would certainly complement this unit.
What links can be made between CyberCops and other areas in the curriculum?
These resources and discs are truly cross curricular (with opportunities for computer studies, geography, science, languages). The resources were developed to meet H&PE curriculum expectations within the Personal Safety strand.
Where can I find a list of harmful sites so teachers can block these sites in computer labs?
A number of helpful websites are listed in the resources as well as on this website. School board IT personnel may also be able to help.
Training Questions
Can a parent take the resources and CD’s home?
They may do this as part of their planning process. The discs are copyrighted to Livewwwires and should not be shared or copied.
When will the PowerPoints and any additional resources be online?
All training materials from the first round of training (2006) are posted on www.ophea.net/cybercops . All training materials from the second round of training will be posted after all training sessions have been completed. If you have an immediate need, please email COPS@ophea.net
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