Communication Online

Earlier this week we finished reading the novel Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl. My kids wondered if there was a movie so we Googled it. We were happy to learn that there was a movie. One of the kids was quick to suggest that it might be on NetFlix. So I asked the kids if they wanted to search NetFlix to see if it was available. They did. When we found Fantastic Mr. Fox is was listed as “Currently Unavailable”. My kids’ immediate reaction was to ask “why?” I told them I didn’t know know, but we could contact NetFlix to ask them. To my surprise the kids were shocked that we could contact NetFlix. So we talked about the fact that the people who create websites include information about how you can contact them. It is important to be able to answer questions that your reader’s have about your site. We compared Netflix to our blogs. We want other people to contact us to ask us questions about our learning, just like Netflix wants their customers to contact them if they have questions about the service Netflix provides its users. My kids thought that was really cool. The transcript of our conversation is included below if are interested in reading it.

The short story is that we learned a lot about Jason – our NetFlix Customer Service Representative. By the end of our conversation he had exchanged personal information with us and the kids believed he was one of the nicest guys they’d ever met.
After we ended our conversation with Jason, one of the kids commented that Jason shared a lot of personal information with us. And he said a lot of nice things. Another student wondered where he might live? And the questions and conversation continued. Through a series of questions we eventfully arrived at the conclusion that we really don’t know anything about Jason and we can’t be sure it what he told us is true (even though we want to believe it :). The lesson here – we don’t share personal information online with people we don’t know. The conversations that follow this week will centre around being safe and responsible digital citizens.

It really is amazing how question – Is there a movie about Fantastic Mr. Fox? – could turn into a 45 minute inquiry and lesson about digital citizenship. Next we will tackle the question about whether we can use Netflix in our classroom – an inquiry about copyright???

Leigh Cassell
Stephen Central PS, AMDSB
Busy Bees Blog

 

Transcript of our Conversation with Jason from Netflix

Netflix Jason
Thanks for contacting Netflix. I am Jason, Who do I have the pleasure of chatting with today?
15 minutes ago

You
Hi Jason
14 minutes ago

You
We are a class of grade 2 kids who wanted to watch Fantastic Mr. Fox now that we have finished reading the novel. It is no longer available on Netflix. Can you make it available for us please?
13 minutes ago

Netflix Jason
Hey there! Good morning to you and everyone in your class 🙂
13 minutes ago

Netflix Jason
I would be more than than Happy to take a look into this for you my friend
13 minutes ago

You
Hello – we are all watching your messages come up on our screen. Looking forward to your answer.
12 minutes ago

Netflix Jason
🙂 Good morning class!
12 minutes ago

Netflix Jason
Let me dive right into this for you right away then
12 minutes ago

You
Wonderful! Should we wait here for your answer then?
11 minutes ago

Netflix Jason
I have a friend in content that will be able to answer all my questions, I would love if you waited 🙂
11 minutes ago

You
Perfect we are waiting 🙂
11 minutes ago

Netflix Jason
Thank you for your patience Teacher, While I have a word with my friend, How is class going this morning?
9 minutes ago

You
So far we went to the computer lab to write on our blogs and read using Raz-Kids. The kids want to tell you about our blog. Here is the link http://edublog.amdsb.ca/cassell We would love it if you would comment on our blog. We are always excited to meet new people and share what we are learning in grade 2.
7 minutes ago

Netflix Jason
Well hello Kids O my son was born yesterday so I have a new addition to my family, very exciting, I would love to comment on your blog but at work we really are not allowed to accept and access links but I can tell that with the great leadership that you are providing I would approve of and agree to anything sent my way by you guys 🙂
5 minutes ago

You
Congratulations on your new baby! The kids say “good luck”. Maybe you could check on our blog at home. Any news about Fantastic Mr. Fox?
4 minutes ago

Netflix Jason
Thank you all! You my friends have chosen an awesome movie to watch , It seems we don’t have it at the moment and we don’t really have an ETA at this time because those negotiations typically occur behind closed doors, the good news is that I have noted your account so as soon as we acquire the streaming license, we’ll post it to our library right away, we are always negotiating and updating our library with new Tv shows and movies and even some old favorites too so keep your eyes glued and you may be in for a pleasant surprise 🙂
3 minutes ago

You
Thank you so much for your answer. We are excited to see the movie soon. Your friends,
Mrs. Cassell the Busy Bees
3 minutes ago

Netflix Jason
Aww you guys 🙂 hope everyone continues being good and everyone has a great day!! O/
2 minutes ago

Netflix Jason
So hey! Before you run off is there anything else I can help you out with?
2 minutes ago

You
No thanks! We are good. Have a great day! 🙂
44 seconds ago

Netflix Jason
You are most welcome, glad to be your Netflix guide today. Have an amazing rest of day and week!