Parents and educators agree that in the age of “Generation Text” it is important to be prepared to help children become responsible citizens of the digital world. What they don't agree on is how to go about this.
While some flocked to follow the advice of theoverbearing mom whose iPhone gift came with contractual strings, other parents, educators, and teens alike were appalled by the disrespect and contempt conveyed by such an approach. Ensuring our children are safe and responsible online does not require heavy-handed, authoritarian rules to be forced upon them. Instead, being involved in your child’s digital world can be fun. It can also help you and your child develop an open an honest relationship that will help you to grow closer rather than causing a wedge. Here are ideas to get you started on peacefully being supportive of children in their online lives.
Editor's note: Social media has changed how many innovative educators have watched important current events such as the presidential debates. What about their parents?
Guest post by Jennifer Bond @teambond
As I watched the Presidential Debate at my parent’s house with my iPad as a companion I opened up TweetCaster and started reading the tweets from my personal learning network (PLN) as well as from those tweeting with the hashtag #debate. As the debate began I shared some Tweets with my parents who acknowledged them but didn’t really say much. As the debate progressed I shared some more tweets. My mom seemed intrigued and took my iPad. She read through the feed and was excited to find a commonality with my Tweeps sharing, “I said that same thing a couple minutes ago!” “Yes mom,” I replied. “Twitter allows you to validate your thoughts.”
When it comes to tried and true advice for Dads (young and old), most will agree in the importance of face time, throwing a ball, playing a sport, listening deeply and all those good things that great Dads have been doing for centuries. In the 21st century though there are some new and important ways for Dads to connect with their kids and there's no time like Father's Day to begin thinking about and implementing some of them.
You can check out my ten ideas for helping 21st century dads connect with their kids here.
Kudos to Anne Collier and Larry Magid Co-Directors, ConnectSafely.org for developing, "A Parent's Guide to Facebook." This is a great guide for innovative educators who are using (or considering using) Facebook to share with parents.
What I love about this guide is that is doesn't talk the tired language scaring adults about their children being online, in fact it encourages them to help their children consider what they want their online identity to represent.
Here's an excerpt...
Digital footprints & good reputations
Type in someone’s name in a search engine and there is a chance you’ll find out something about that person. That, along with the comments, photos, or videos they or others may have posted about them on a social networking site, are part of their “digital footprint.” It’s the accumulation of what we've left on the Internet from our online activities, including text messages on mobile phones, emails, online chats and even Web surfing. Some people worry that any information posted about a young person online is bad, but positive posts can actually enhance teens’ reputations – as long as they don’t include information that is not safe to share, such as their home address. Web pages, blogs, photos or status updates about their accomplishments in school or sports, for example, could actually improve their image. And, if someone does post something negative about your teen which can’t be erased, it helps to have positive information out on the Net to counter-balance it.
Parents have often heard that posting personal information online is dangerous for children. But according to the Crimes Against Children Research Center, simply sharing personal information is not necessarily dangerous. Embarrassing or harassing others or talking about sex in many places online with people they don’t know are what’s risky. Be sure your children aren’t engaging in that kind of behavior. As for personal information, teens just shouldn’t post their address or phone number. General information such as what city they live in is fine.
Reputation Point:
There is nothing wrong with having a digital footprint – hundreds of millions of people do now – but parents want their children’s digital footprint to be a positive reflection on them. It’s vitally important to be aware that we’re leaving a trail of information and careful about what we say online. It’s also good to be aware of what others are saying about us. The key to having a positive reputation online is being a good digital citizen: behaving civilly and respectfully toward others online and sharing positive information about oneself in blogs, social networking sites and other social media.
When it comes to tried and true advice for Dads (young and old), most will agree in the importance of face time, throwing a ball, playing a sport, listening deeply and all those good things that great Dads have been doing for centuries. In the 21st century though there are some new and important ways for Dads to connect with their kids and there's no time like Father's Day to begin thinking about and implementing some of them.
Innovative educators can share these ideas with students to give to their own Dad's to provide smart ways for parents and children to connect. They are organized by idea, pledge, and some helpful resources. Dads and kids can try one or some of them and see how they can build and strengthen relationships this Father's Day and beyond.
Ten ideas for helping Dads in the 21st Century Connect with Their Kids
1-Communicate in Online Environments Pledge:I will communicate with you in your environments even if it's only you for whom I am joining these environments.
Today's kids are operating in online environments and parents should play a part. Whether they admit it or not, your children want to know you're around and that when you are, you follow similar guidelines to those in the physical world. For instance, if you are a parent chaperoning students at an event or watching over them during a party, you serve an important role. They know you're there, will keep them safe, and yes, occassionally do something they consider dorky or embarassing.
Many kids communicate on discussion boards, cafes, blogs, etc. You should know what they're saying. This is no different from when kids used to talk on the living room phone in your presence. They may be a participant or creator of these online forums. Show interest. Participate when it makes sense.
Remember, online environments are important to your children. They want you to be proud of them in virtual worlds just like they do in physical worlds.
2-Safety First Pledge:I will help keep you safe in smart ways online and off. I will be aware of your conversations and friends and guide and advise you.
Here are some sites with advice for parents who want to keep their kids safe online.
Common Sense Media - Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.
Clicking with Caution - This is a unique partnership which I had the pleasure of helping to coordinate, between the New York City Department of Education, the Mayor’s Office of the Criminal Justice Coordinator, Microsoft, and Reel Works Teen Filmmaking who collaborated to create powerful, peer-to-peer messages on Internet safety. Parents are encouraged to watch this program with their children as some of the contents may not be appropriate for children under the age of 12 because of sexual subject matter.
3-Provide support in establishing an appropriate digital footprint Pledge:I will encourage and celebrate your participation in your environments. I will do this by talking to you about what you stand for and how you are establishing your digital footprint.
In the 21st century our actions live well beyond the moment as digital interaction is captured online forming your child's indelible footprint. The lesson isn't necessarily, don't establish a digital footprint, but instead establish a digital footprint that you stand behind, one that demonstrates what you stand for, one that would help, not hinder, your academic or professional career.
Here are some articles that give parents advice on supporting students in managing their digital footprint.
4-Lose some of your DSL (Digital as a Second Language) Accent Pledge:I will not chastise you for the new communication methods you utilize. I will respect innovation and ask you to help me learn, if only because that will better help me learn about you.I will do my best to understand your speak, whether that be text speak or instant message speak, because it is important to me that we speak.
Be a cool Dad. Learn to speak or at least understand your digital native child. Learn common text talk symbols, abbreviations, and emoticons.
5-Utilize online environment to connect with passions Pledge: I will help you discover your dreams and talk to you about ways to best realize them. I will always support you in realizing your talents and pursuing your passions.
Help your children use online media to discover their passions. What are they interested in? Skateboarding? Broadway? Animals? Environment? Help them find blogs, magazines, discussion boards about these topics and read about and join the conversation. Support them in building their personal learning networks in areas of talent, passion, and interest. These articles provide some ideas for how to do so.
6-Play games to get smarter, develop leaders, and get fit Pledge:I will not dismiss the games you play. I will spend time talking to you and trying to understand why you do what you do. I will work with you to look for and find games that we can play together to grow smarter or more fit.
Get smarter and develop leaders Many educational pioneers are harnessing the power of games to connect with, motivate, and engage learners in ways never before possible. Games like Rise of Nations tell players that, "The power of mankind is in your hands." That's certainly more interesting than read the chapter and answer questions at the end. Educators like Peggy Sheehy are using World of Warcraft with students to develop leadership skills and more. Future Cities is helping aspiring engineers and architects with simulation games like Sim City. Marc Prensky has written the book, "Don't Bother Me Mom, I'm Learning" and answered some frequently asked questions here.
Get fit For many parents going outside to throw a ball or ride a bike is a great idea, but work schedules just don't permit. Especially in colder months when the sunsets early or in some states like Alaska where they spend much of their year in darkness. Wii Fit is a great solution.
Walk Score is a great site that let's you rate the walkability of various neighborhoods. Find a neighborhood in your area and take a walk. Take pictures of the places you visit and create an online photo album with captions about what you enjoyed at each place.
Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment. Also see this Geocaching education site.
8-Get smart about smart and dumb phones Pledge:I will harness the power of my and/or my child's cell phone to strengthen our relationship and get smarter. I will communicate meaningfully via text, voice, bbm, Twitter, or whatever medium best achieves that goal. I will ensure we both engage in respectful and appropriate use.
Cell phones are powerful tools through which you can learn almost anything! Embrace the power of these mini computers to connect with your children and get smarter. Here are some readings that will give you ideas for doing so:
9-Use social media to connect with your athlete child Pledge:I will find ways to connect with my child around a healthy and active lifestyle. I will think outside the box when necessary about ways to do this.
Supporting an active lifestyle can happen face-to-face or digitally.
Sports provide an opportunity to acquire physical, social and personal benefits that can help children and adults throughout their lives. While the busy Dad in the 21st century may not have a schedule conducive to coaching little league, or reffing games, there are great solutions that allow parents to connect with their kids. WePlay is one.
Weplay Weplay is an online youth sports community whose mission is to enable and enhance the joy of sports for kids, families and coaches both online and on the field. WePlay provides a fun, educational, informative and safe site that allows people to connect, share, learn and have fun! There are thousands of teams on Weplay using the most collaborative team site solution available, sharing photos and videos, starting discussions, coordinating calendars and interacting online as a team. WePlay helps members connect to the sports community around them with some of the biggest names in sports including Derek Jeter, Jennie Finch, LeBron James and Peyton Manning -- all of whom played on youth sports teams. They know firsthand what all the research says, that children learn valuable lessons by playing sports that benefit them later in life.
10-Know when to disconnect to connect Pledge: I will be present and disconnect from things that don't involve spending time with my children when we have planned to spend time together.
Disconnecting to connect does not mean disconnecting from technology.
Some parents today blame technology their kids are using as a reason they are having less quality time, but often little attention is focused on the effect on kids and the risks of parenting while plugged in. Furthermore, lets not scapegoat technology as the cause or distraction. Today and yesterday's Dads (and Moms) can let more traditional distractions get in the way of spending quality time with their children. Face time with children is often interrupted to answer the phone, to shush kids while you're watching TV or reading a paper, magazine, or book, to escape in another part of the house to work on a project, etc. Disconnecting doesn't mean disconnecting from technology. It means connecting with those things you can do with your children, some of it may be using technology, some of it may not be, but it is doing things together with the purpose of spending time with your children, connecting with them, developing relationships and engaging with them in their worlds whether those are physical or digital.
This post is dedicated to my fathers, George and Bruce as well as the father's of student's of innovative educators who are reading this.
As parents of 2 autistic children, my wife and I have set a few goals for our children. One goal is to assure that they both read proficiently. In trying to achieve this goal, it is incumbent upon us to have our children get excited about reading. With this in mind, we have used a number of methodologies, tactics, and materials to achieve this valiant goal.
In the beginning, we tried teaching our older son his letters. We used picture books that display the word along with pictures and have words sequenced in alphabetical order. It is believed that the picture to word association will strengthen their concepts of letters and words. We also used a variety of phonics-based software, which mimic this approach. Additionally, we employed the use of Leapfrog Books, which allowed him to touch the objects and/or words and hear the words read to him. These combined approaches were yielding limited successes. Naturally, we were eager to crack the code and figure out how to help our older son become more communicative.
One day, I was sitting with my son at the computer. He was introducing me to Thomas and his friends. You know, Gordon, Edward, Percy, Henry, Toby, Mavis, and so on. I started thinking about this little incident and said to myself, “How can he differentiate the subtle differences between Gordon, Thomas, and Edward. After all, these 3 engines are blue and are the same length.” In fact, the only unique differences between these characters were the expressions on their faceplate.
As I thought about this incident further, I realized 2 things.
1- If he could distinguish the subtle differences between Thomas, Gordon, and Edward, he was certainly capable of noting the different features in the ABC.
2- In teaching him the ABC or other content area, it will be extremely important that the medium used are high interest materials.
Epilogue… Approximately, 4 years have passed since the “Thomas incident.” Since this time, our son has mastered his ABC’s, reads books, writes sentences, and is extremely verbal. Through it all, the computer along with engaging applications and web sites has motivated him to read and write. When he installs software, he will attempt to read the directions and ask for help when he gets stuck. He has watched numerous video tutorials to learn how to use programs like Garage Band, iMovie, and other applications. When our son watches a video featuring Sponge Bob or other popular characters he will pause the program and attempt to read the signs being displayed. He will also ask me what keyboard shortcuts I employ to eject CDs or close programs. In short, through the use of technology, being literate has become relevant in his life. After all, you cannot find your favorite train model unless you know how to spell Santa Fe El Capitan.
As his educational journey continues, my wife and I reminisce about this and other early learning moments as it reminds us to not underestimate the importance of finding materials that get him excited about learning. This is why when he tells us about a software program he is using in his school; we always keep an open mind. After all, if Thomas the Tank Engine can teach our son his ABC’s, anything is possible.
First Inspiration – Second Child
Our second child is beginning his journey. Currently, his use of words has vastly improved over the past few months. However, he has many miles to go. With this in mind, we were hoping that lightning would strike twice and that he would also become more literate through technology. Over the past year, I have made various attempts to engage him through the use of technology. For the most part it has been a dismal failure. About two months ago, we started using the Wii with him. This seems to have caught his attention. Our little one often says, “bowling, bowling, bowling.” A few weeks later, I installed a touch screen on his computer hoping that would get him excited. At first, this tactic had limited success. My little one would play with the computer for 15 minutes and would then walk away to do something else. Naturally, I tried putting him on the computer a few more times and achieved similar results.
Then on the morning of February 7th, everything changed. He said, “computer, computer, computer, I want computer.” We rush down to the basement and my older boy started teaching the little one how to use Kid Pix.
Seven days later... The little one continues to ask for the computer. He loves to use his fingers and draw pictures on the touch screen. Occasionally, with a smirk on his face he will lift the mouse and press it against the touch screen. He has also begun to ask for Thomas and Elmo. More importantly, he watches their escapades with great interest, identifies objects they are teaching about, and laughs when the characters do something silly. In the end, the smile on the little one says it all. So… the journey begins again as little digital boy begins to enter the world of technology.
Resources to try with your children
Want to try Thomas the Tank Engine activities with your children? Visit the following web site; Build an Engine- This activity is a great way to introduce your children to puzzles and basic problem solving in mathematics. When you visit this website you will notice a number of other activities. Many of them are fun, educational, and will certainly delight young children.
Want to spend the day with Thomas? Visit the following web site; Day Out with Thomas - If your child loves Thomas this will no doubt delight your child. In short, Thomas and crew take over a train station for the weekend and the family has an opportunity to ride Thomas the Tank Engine. There are many other activities at these events and your child will have a great time.
Looking for an innovative, engaging, and fun end-of-the year project for your students to do as Father's Day approaches this Sunday? Have them send their dad (or grandpa, uncle--or any other father in their life) an awesome video greeting made from their pictures. See an example here.
Animoto has created a playful setting for student's to create a video card. All they have to do is choose a few pictures, select a soundtrack, and email it off to their Dad. Students who finish quickly may work on creating a second greeting.Once students create cards you may want to suggest they share for select peers to review and comment on each other's work. Don’t forget to sign up for a FREE educator’s account.Doing so results in the user fee being waived.
Animoto won the Webby Award for best Web Service & Application and also the People’s Voice Award in the same category! Learn more by visiting the highlight reel and blog post.
Facebook for parents (and educators) is a favorite discussion topic of mine. A Facebook friend recently shared with me a website devoted to just this topic. It is called, you guessed it...Facebook for Parents. The website presents classes, talks, seminars, and newsletters, though it is not clear from the site if there is a fee. There is a huge demand for this type of resource throughout school systems, so while this one is located in Stamford, I imagine/encourage others to pop up around the globe.
The homepage of the site has a useful article called Five Steps for Parents on Facebook which details the following:
Join Facebook
Friend your kids
Review your kids' profile pages
Review who is friends with your kids
Select "More About" for your kids
These are good tips to get started. This may be a good resource for innovative educators to share with parents. If anyone has used it, please share your feedback.
Parents and educators agree that in the age of “Generation Text” it is important to be prepared to help children become responsible citizens of the digital world. What they don't agree on is how to go about this.
While some flocked to follow the advice of the overbearing mom whose iPhone gift came with contractual strings, other parents, educators, and teens alike were appalled by the disrespect and contempt conveyed by such an approach. Ensuring our children are safe and responsible online does not require heavy-handed, authoritarian rules to be forced upon them. Instead, being involved in your child’s digital world can be fun. It can also help you and your child develop an open an honest relationship that will help you to grow closer rather than causing a wedge. 
