Pokemon Go is still in full swing as school starts and has become a favorite among kids, teens and millenials. For more insight take a look at this infographic snapshot of the Pokemon effect. Parents need to understand that brand names are cashing in on the trend which means you may need to have yet another talk with your kids about online purchases.
Pokemon Go is still in full swing as school starts and has become a favorite among kids, teens and millenials. For more insight take a look at this infographic snapshot of the Pokemon effect. Parents need to understand that brand names are cashing in on the trend which means you may need to have yet another talk with your kids about online purchases.
As a new school year begins, the topic of cyberbullying will inevitably come up. Joel Stein’s article, How Trolls Are Ruining the Internet, is a pertinent read for parents. A troll is another type of cyberbully and is defined as a person who harasses others online just for the fun of it. They may take a contrarian view just for laughs, or may be very serious about their arguments, but unfortunately their nastiness and passion can sometimes devolve into threats or worse. Psychologists call this the “online disinhibition effect,” in which factors like anonymity, invisibility, a lack of authority and not communicating in real time strip away the mores society spent millennia building. Unfortunately, our smartphones deliver this stream of ugliness 24/7 and it is not easy to avoid. Stein’s article clearly outlines the problem and though not many solutions are offered, it does as a reminder that words can be very destructive.
As a new school year begins, the topic of cyberbullying will inevitably come up. Joel Stein’s article, How Trolls Are Ruining the Internet, is a pertinent read for parents. A troll is another type of cyberbully and is defined as a person who harasses others online just for the fun of it. They may take a contrarian view just for laughs, or may be very serious about their arguments, but unfortunately their nastiness and passion can sometimes devolve into threats or worse. Psychologists call this the “online disinhibition effect,” in which factors like anonymity, invisibility, a lack of authority and not communicating in real time strip away the mores society spent millennia building. Unfortunately, our smartphones deliver this stream of ugliness 24/7 and it is not easy to avoid. Stein’s article clearly outlines the problem and though not many solutions are offered, it does as a reminder that words can be very destructive.
When you think of digital safety you probably think about cyberbullying, identity theft, and hackers... but what about the online dangers your children are exposed to through the data that is collected about them at school? To learn more about how this data is collected and used, take a look at the article How Companies Learn What Children Secretly Want to help safeguard your kids and understand the targeted marketing that is going on while children do their schoolwork.
When you think of digital safety you probably think about cyberbullying, identity theft, and hackers... but what about the online dangers your children are exposed to through the data that is collected about them at school? To learn more about how this data is collected and used, take a look at the article How Companies Learn What Children Secretly Want to help safeguard your kids and understand the targeted marketing that is going on while children do their schoolwork.
Many popular books, including many that kids are required to read in school, are now available as audio books. This technology can be a great option for older students who already have learned to read. If you have concerns, take a look at Ki Sung’s article, Listening Isn't Cheating: How Audio Books Can Help Us Learn. In fact, listening is actually a critical component of Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts, and as many dyslexic students who rely on audio books point out, it actually takes longer to “read” a book this way. This may be a good article to have in your arsenal if you have a child who might benefit from listening to books.
Many popular books, including many that kids are required to read in school, are now available as audio books. This technology can be a great option for older students who already have learned to read. If you have concerns, take a look at Ki Sung’s article, Listening Isn't Cheating: How Audio Books Can Help Us Learn. In fact, listening is actually a critical component of Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts, and as many dyslexic students who rely on audio books point out, it actually takes longer to “read” a book this way. This may be a good article to have in your arsenal if you have a child who might benefit from listening to books.
Finding the best educational apps for kids is a two way street, says Monica Burns, a teacher, author and speaker who writes for the Edutopia site. Both parents and teachers need to keep an eye out for things that work and share what they find. Burns says a good place to start is Edutopia’s curated iPad app collections for K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. You can also visit her blog to check out some great apps for mobile devices, as well as a list of her favorite websites.
Finding the best educational apps for kids is a two way street, says Monica Burns, a teacher, author and speaker who writes for the Edutopia site. Both parents and teachers need to keep an eye out for things that work and share what they find. Burns says a good place to start is Edutopia’s curated iPad app collections for K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. You can also visit her blog to check out some great apps for mobile devices, as well as a list of her favorite websites.
A memo that was recently put out by the US Department of Education states that virtual public schools must meet all the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Officials say it is the responsibility of the state to provide children with access to a free, appropriate public education and that children with disabilities should be given any support needed to be successful in school - even if that school is online. The memo also states that all students must be included in standardized tests and given the accommodations they need. This memo is important for parents of children with special needs to read if they are considering the option of a virtual school.
A memo that was recently put out by the US Department of Education states that virtual public schools must meet all the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Officials say it is the responsibility of the state to provide children with access to a free, appropriate public education and that children with disabilities should be given any support needed to be successful in school - even if that school is online. The memo also states that all students must be included in standardized tests and given the accommodations they need. This memo is important for parents of children with special needs to read if they are considering the option of a virtual school.
Lifestage, a new video app by Facebook, connects high school students with others from their school. Rather than profile photos, the app uses a series of selfies where users can show off their "faces." Users record videos to show off what they like and dislike and who their friends, pets, boyfriends and girlfriends are. People over the age of 21 will not be able to see the content. A quick swipe blocks and reports people but it is too soon to tell how effective it will be at punishing bullies and trolls. The app was just released last week and is certainly something to have on your parent radar, especially since it marks Facebook’s attempt to lure in younger users.
Lifestage, a new video app by Facebook, connects high school students with others from their school. Rather than profile photos, the app uses a series of selfies where users can show off their "faces." Users record videos to show off what they like and dislike and who their friends, pets, boyfriends and girlfriends are. People over the age of 21 will not be able to see the content. A quick swipe blocks and reports people but it is too soon to tell how effective it will be at punishing bullies and trolls. The app was just released last week and is certainly something to have on your parent radar, especially since it marks Facebook’s attempt to lure in younger users.
Twitter has become a popular conduit for politicians this political season, but there is a lot of heavy criticism for the volume of hate speech and bullying that remains unfiltered on the app. BuzzFeed recently featured a scathing article on the continuing failure of Twitter to stop the abuse of users and the enablement of trolling. The article is a must read for parents of teens who use the app, and is a good starting point for conversation about the topic.
Twitter has become a popular conduit for politicians this political season, but there is a lot of heavy criticism for the volume of hate speech and bullying that remains unfiltered on the app. BuzzFeed recently featured a scathing article on the continuing failure of Twitter to stop the abuse of users and the enablement of trolling. The article is a must read for parents of teens who use the app, and is a good starting point for conversation about the topic.
Recently both McDonalds and Starbucks have announced that they are blocking porn sites on their free WiFi services. This came at the urging of a group called Enough is Enough that calls for filtered WiFi in public places. “Internet pornography is a public health crisis,” said Enough is Enough president Donna Rice Hughes. “Parents need to know which family restaurants are safe from online threats.”
Recently both McDonalds and Starbucks have announced that they are blocking porn sites on their free WiFi services. This came at the urging of a group called Enough is Enough that calls for filtered WiFi in public places. “Internet pornography is a public health crisis,” said Enough is Enough president Donna Rice Hughes. “Parents need to know which family restaurants are safe from online threats.”
Edutopia has an updated list of digital resources for getting into the new school year. The list is broken down into categories including back to school checklists, tech tips, parent involvement, and more. There are even links with information for parents about Common Core and understanding what the expectations are in each grade level.
Edutopia has an updated list of digital resources for getting into the new school year. The list is broken down into categories including back to school checklists, tech tips, parent involvement, and more. There are even links with information for parents about Common Core and understanding what the expectations are in each grade level.