Trend+12

=Trend 12=

Common opportunities and threats will intensify a worldwide demand for planetary security.



 * With advances in technology and the readily available personal computer, the world has become a much smaller place. The global classroom is becoming a common reality. As teachers and students embrace the opportunity to learn from others across their country or on the other side of the world, insuring the safety of those involved from those individuals who would take advantage of this emerging trend will become a top priority for those involved.**


 * Identity Scams:** There are many ways that using the internet leaves users vulnerable to scammers. In recent years, these thieves have become more and more creative. Those individuals new to the internet are probably more susceptible to these scams. Education is the key. As students are taught the warning signs of what to be leery of, they will less likely become victims.


 * Online Predators:** Another dangerous aspect of the vastness of the internet is the online predator. Although having adults prey upon children is not a new phenomenon, individuals who pose as teenagers in online communities in an attempt to befriend children is relative new. Here education and communication is key. Teaching children about the dangers that are in the virtual world is the first line of defense. Creating and nurturing lines of communication between adults and children is a powerful tool as well.


 * Collaboration:** Using the global classroom for learning can teach students, and teachers, a great deal about collaboration, an essential 21st century learning skill. As industrial nations vie for top status in the field of education, working collaboratively to solve this global dilemma would seem like a much more appealing option. The tools need to do so are already readily available.


 * As the world becomes a smaller planet, events in one part of the world has a much greater impact on other parts of the world than in the past. The wedding of the Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, became a global event with newscasters around the world reporting on wedding plans months in advance. As terrorist attacked in Oslo, the news spread around the globe at light speed. Tweets and Facebook page updates informed the rest of the world of the devastating news. As the planet becomes a global society, we will all share common goals and threats.**


 * Airports:** September 11, 2001 had a profound impact on the planet. Airport screening procedures have been intensified globally. Getting on an international flight seems to be an even more demanding process than domestic flights, not to take anything away from that process!


 * The Internet:** In the beginning, did the creators of the Internet image how powerful a tool it would become? It has moved beyond the “information highway” to the virtual world’s Autobahn with record breaking speeds for disseminating information. Threats and opportunities abound here. It is up to the user whether they would like to use their powers for good or evil.

Co-op Tactics for Community Broadband NSW Committee on Broadband
 * Broadband:** Dial-up internet made it to rural Alabama in the early 90’s along with satellite TV. In 2011, dial-up is still the most reliable option available, as is satellite. Telecommunications companies are not interested in building an infrastructure to bring cable or broadband internet access to these communities. NSW and Australia in general have made this a top priority. They recognize the benefits of having the rural citizens connected to the rest of the state, country and world. The have invested a great deal into building this infrastructure.