Social Networks In the Classroom
It's no secret that many schools block social networking sites. What is a mystery to most educators is how to block sites from teens that they shouldn't be able to get to and how to allow sites that they should be able to get to easily and economically.
This article from YourSphere talks about this very problem, but poses a different solution. Instead of blocking them - use them as tools in teaching. This is a solution that I've suggested before - and I still believe in it.
When I hear from teachers, they say that if they can't get to a web site they need to use for teaching, there is always a student on hand who can help them get there. This is suggesting that we are preventing access to these sites for the wrong group. Why wouldn't we want to harness the good things social networks have to offer and include them in the curriculum, instead of pretending they are these dark caves that should be avoided?
What do you think about including social networking in the classroom?
This article from YourSphere talks about this very problem, but poses a different solution. Instead of blocking them - use them as tools in teaching. This is a solution that I've suggested before - and I still believe in it.
When I hear from teachers, they say that if they can't get to a web site they need to use for teaching, there is always a student on hand who can help them get there. This is suggesting that we are preventing access to these sites for the wrong group. Why wouldn't we want to harness the good things social networks have to offer and include them in the curriculum, instead of pretending they are these dark caves that should be avoided?
What do you think about including social networking in the classroom?
What Exactly Is Twitter?
Internet Lingo, Social Networking, Technology
We've talked about Twitter on this blog and it is mentioned with some regularity in the traditional media. But what IS it?
The answer (in exactly 140 characters) is:
Twitter is a micro-blogging site that is asking you to share what you are doing right now with your friends and the world in 140 characters.
Why? This video from Common Craft answers this question:
The answer (in exactly 140 characters) is:
Twitter is a micro-blogging site that is asking you to share what you are doing right now with your friends and the world in 140 characters.
Why? This video from Common Craft answers this question:
Not Like the LEGOS I Used to Play With
There is a new MMOG (massively multiplayer online game) coming to an online universe near you. LEGO is going to be launching an online game that is described as "World of Warcraft, Second Life and Club Penguin all wrapped into one." In this universe, you will be able to build all the Lego creations you've ever dreamed of. Since it is online, users will be encouraged to play with other users - including being able to talk to each other online.
Because it has the LEGO brand associated with it, kids may be interested in it. The game will give parents the ability to limit some aspects of their children's game play, including time limits.
If your child asks about playing an online game like this one, or any other MMOG - understand that not all are the same. Some are mostly played by adults, and some are mostly played by small children.
Some things to watch for:
-- Some online games have a monthly fee
-- Some games require a lot of memory, a very high speed computer and high speed connection
-- Some games (especially those for small children) are very limiting to what can be said online. This helps keep small kids safe, but may be stifling for older kids and teens.
-- Even though some games don't have "adult content", they are intended for adults. If a young teen was playing, it may be disruptive to other adults playing (which can be frustrating for both people).
-- As part of your homework, check sites such as CommonSenseMedia.org for age-by-age recommendations.
Because it has the LEGO brand associated with it, kids may be interested in it. The game will give parents the ability to limit some aspects of their children's game play, including time limits.
If your child asks about playing an online game like this one, or any other MMOG - understand that not all are the same. Some are mostly played by adults, and some are mostly played by small children.
Some things to watch for:
-- Some online games have a monthly fee
-- Some games require a lot of memory, a very high speed computer and high speed connection
-- Some games (especially those for small children) are very limiting to what can be said online. This helps keep small kids safe, but may be stifling for older kids and teens.
-- Even though some games don't have "adult content", they are intended for adults. If a young teen was playing, it may be disruptive to other adults playing (which can be frustrating for both people).
-- As part of your homework, check sites such as CommonSenseMedia.org for age-by-age recommendations.
MapQuest AMBER Alerts Widget
Internet Safety Tips, Sharing Info Online, Technology, Safety News
I remember when Adam Walsh was abducted. I felt the fear of all the parents around me and it really made an impression. What made an even bigger impression on me is how his father, John Walsh, reacted. He took every parent's worst fear and turned it into an organization to help all the parents whose worst fears have been realized. He paved the path to legislative changes to help missing children and his non-profit merged with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, where he is still on the board of directors.
While the Walsh family has my highest respect, the worst part about his story is that the services are needed. I hope that you will never have a need for these services. If I am wishing for things, I would wish that there was not a need for their services. Since there is a need – I am proud that AOL has been partnering with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in many ways for more than 10 years.
Two services available on AOL that can help locate missing kids are:
Alerts: You can sign up to be alerted when an AMBER Alert is sent in the zip code of your choosing. These alerts notify you of a missing child in the area, so you can watch for them. As you know, the missing piece of information can come from anywhere. Alerts can come via e-mail, text message to your cell phone or via Instant Message.
Updated Notifications: You can include a widget for local missing children in your area by going to your local MapQuest page. If you can provide any information about any missing child, you can call the toll-free number 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
The National Center's web site is full of information about protecting kids. I encourage you to check it out.
While the Walsh family has my highest respect, the worst part about his story is that the services are needed. I hope that you will never have a need for these services. If I am wishing for things, I would wish that there was not a need for their services. Since there is a need – I am proud that AOL has been partnering with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in many ways for more than 10 years.
Two services available on AOL that can help locate missing kids are:
Alerts: You can sign up to be alerted when an AMBER Alert is sent in the zip code of your choosing. These alerts notify you of a missing child in the area, so you can watch for them. As you know, the missing piece of information can come from anywhere. Alerts can come via e-mail, text message to your cell phone or via Instant Message.Updated Notifications: You can include a widget for local missing children in your area by going to your local MapQuest page. If you can provide any information about any missing child, you can call the toll-free number 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
The National Center's web site is full of information about protecting kids. I encourage you to check it out.
Kids' Search Results
Internet Lingo, Sharing Info Online, Internet Dangers, Technology, Safety News, Articles of Interest
Common Sense Media recently posted a great article citing Norton's top 100 searches done by kids.
Of the top 100, I was not at all surprised by what was searched, but I have to admit that I was quite surprised how highly ranked some of the search terms were - especially 'sex' and 'porn'.
There are things you can do to help mitigate your child getting to search results that are not age appropriate. The article mentions several and AOL Parental Controls can also help.
This article made me think. Thankfully, my daughter isn't old enough for the computer, but I am not sure how I would react if I discovered she was searching on these terms. Now that you read their article - what (if anything) will you change about your online habits at home?
Of the top 100, I was not at all surprised by what was searched, but I have to admit that I was quite surprised how highly ranked some of the search terms were - especially 'sex' and 'porn'.
There are things you can do to help mitigate your child getting to search results that are not age appropriate. The article mentions several and AOL Parental Controls can also help.
This article made me think. Thankfully, my daughter isn't old enough for the computer, but I am not sure how I would react if I discovered she was searching on these terms. Now that you read their article - what (if anything) will you change about your online habits at home?
Social Networking For Good
The tragic earthquake in Haiti this week has effected an already poor area of the world. According to CBS News, only 10% of the population had access to the Internet. Of those people who do have access to the Internet (including access via cell phones), they are communicating in ways that has never been possible before.
The people on the ground in Haiti are communicating via Facebook status messages, Twitter and other social networking sites. They are reporting where they are, the status of those around them and asking for specific needs (food, water, medicine).
I think this is a powerful example of how the Internet and social networks have made a very positive difference in the world. Another example is that you can donate to the Red Cross online to help the victims.
Do you have any stories like this?
The people on the ground in Haiti are communicating via Facebook status messages, Twitter and other social networking sites. They are reporting where they are, the status of those around them and asking for specific needs (food, water, medicine).
I think this is a powerful example of how the Internet and social networks have made a very positive difference in the world. Another example is that you can donate to the Red Cross online to help the victims.
Do you have any stories like this?
Hacking Target for 2010: Social Networking Profiles?
Internet Dangers, Social Networking, Technology
I read on InfoWorld that there may be a new hacking target for 2010.
Viruses are spread through programs and platforms that are most commonly used because of the law of numbers. Cybercriminals know that the more chances you have to spread the virus, the higher the impact it will have. So they attack things that "everyone" uses. This is a big reason why Windows PC's have a higher rate of viruses over the Mac. Does this mean you should toss your PC? Not at all! It does mean that we should take everything said online with an extra grain of salt.
McAfee, a popular antivirus software company, said: "Cybercriminals have long picked on Microsoft products due to their popularity. In 2010, we anticipate Adobe software, especially Acrobat Reader and Flash, will take the top spot." in its report (PDF).
Many of the apps and games found on social networking sites are created using Flash. The popularity of those apps and games combined with the popularity of social networking sites makes it a perfect place to target, if you were a hacker.
How can you protect yourself?
Viruses are spread through programs and platforms that are most commonly used because of the law of numbers. Cybercriminals know that the more chances you have to spread the virus, the higher the impact it will have. So they attack things that "everyone" uses. This is a big reason why Windows PC's have a higher rate of viruses over the Mac. Does this mean you should toss your PC? Not at all! It does mean that we should take everything said online with an extra grain of salt.
McAfee, a popular antivirus software company, said: "Cybercriminals have long picked on Microsoft products due to their popularity. In 2010, we anticipate Adobe software, especially Acrobat Reader and Flash, will take the top spot." in its report (PDF).
Many of the apps and games found on social networking sites are created using Flash. The popularity of those apps and games combined with the popularity of social networking sites makes it a perfect place to target, if you were a hacker.
How can you protect yourself?
- -- Make sure your virus software is up to date. Most software that is available has regular updates available from the company's website. All of the virus protection software that I am familiar with has an option to automatically update the software every time there is an update. I like this option - takes out an extra step for me to do. If you think you may have downloaded a virus, run a virus scan.
- -- Don't trust everything you read online - even if it looks like it is from your friend. If you get a random request from a friend asking to do something unusual on your profile (or email, or anywhere else), question your friend. It is possible your friend's profile was compromised and the hacker sent the request (in hopes you will help further disburse the virus they are spreading)
- -- Report things that are viruses or you think might be a virus. Most social networking sites have a way to report violations. The companies normally work to get the viruses added to virus databases which, in turn, protect future people from that virus.
- -- Many companies offer similar things, but AOL does have a good product suite for safety and security, including free parental controls, free spam control, and free to paying members and discounted to everyone else, there is McAffee security suite.
New Year, New Decade
Sharing Info Online, Social Networking, Technology
It's hard to believe that the past 10 years have flown by so quickly.
When looking at the Internet's road from 2000 to 2010, it is amazing how much has changed. In 2000...
Everything Internet related changed so quickly in this decade that I wonder what the world will be like in another 10 years. Do you have any predictions?
When looking at the Internet's road from 2000 to 2010, it is amazing how much has changed. In 2000...
- -- Google existed (it started in 1996), but was hardly a verb in the American lexicon.
- -- If you wanted to share your home videos, YouTube wasn't an option until 2005.
- -- Social Networking was happening via profiles, online chat rooms and message boards, but "Social Networking" didn't happen until the middle of the decade. Now people have multiple social networking sites.
- -- In 2000, media was defined as the newspapers, broadcast news and other forms of "news" we always knew. During this decade there was a new media created, Blogs. There are several blogs that are considered equals to the traditional media. There is even a woman named 26th most influential woman in media, who got there by blogging. That's it. Blogging. According to Wikipedia, as of 2007 there were 112,000,000 blogs.
- -- Speaking of Wikipedia - it didn't exist until 2001. It is a free encyclopedia that is created by anyone who wants to contribute to it. Because anyone can contribute or edit any article, it is hard to use it as a soul source of information - but it is generally a good place to start. In my circle of friends it is considered enough of a source to settle an argument.
Everything Internet related changed so quickly in this decade that I wonder what the world will be like in another 10 years. Do you have any predictions?
Are You Savvy?
Internet Lingo, Technology, Parental Controls
A mom that I know (who will remain anonymous) is one whom I often think of when I am writing this blog. She is a mom of three great kids - an 8-year-old, 10-year-old and a 14-year-old. She uses email, but only under duress. She uses the Internet for research about several things, but only reads articles - never posts anything or uploads pictures because she feels like it will be too hard or she will sound silly. Her kids all want to get online and do various age appropriate things. I am the one who gets a call with a question how to protect the kids from the "bad things". She is pretty savvy with the parental controls on other gadgets like the TV and game systems, but feels intimidated by the same things online. She is also my source for questions about my daughter, so we trade information.
Then, at the FOSI conference, I heard this startling figure: of the top 100 apps on the iPhone, 35% are geared toward toddlers and preschoolers, and 12% to elementary aged kids. I'm assuming they were purchased by the parents who are giving their kids a game to play with while they at the store, on a plane, waiting at the doctor's office, etc.. The person doing this seems like the polar opposite of the mom I first described. Are these parents this tech savvy to use the all of these gadgets and gizmos? Or are they the same parents, but have discovered a way to make the Internet part of their everyday world?
A not so scientific survey I heard about at the conference said that parents who don't use parental controls on their computer don't because they:
- don't feel they need to because the child knows more about computers than they do
- feel "that wouldn't happen to my child" when talking about being exposed to mature content
- are intimidated by the computer
I have a theory that the same parents that use technology to their advantage are the same parents who say they "can't"... they just don't realize they already are tech savvy.
What technology do you use in your life?
Then, at the FOSI conference, I heard this startling figure: of the top 100 apps on the iPhone, 35% are geared toward toddlers and preschoolers, and 12% to elementary aged kids. I'm assuming they were purchased by the parents who are giving their kids a game to play with while they at the store, on a plane, waiting at the doctor's office, etc.. The person doing this seems like the polar opposite of the mom I first described. Are these parents this tech savvy to use the all of these gadgets and gizmos? Or are they the same parents, but have discovered a way to make the Internet part of their everyday world?
A not so scientific survey I heard about at the conference said that parents who don't use parental controls on their computer don't because they:
- don't feel they need to because the child knows more about computers than they do
- feel "that wouldn't happen to my child" when talking about being exposed to mature content
- are intimidated by the computer
I have a theory that the same parents that use technology to their advantage are the same parents who say they "can't"... they just don't realize they already are tech savvy.
What technology do you use in your life?
Laptops Geared to Kids
This holiday season, there are many products hoping to catch the attention of the kids. If the kids love and desire the new gadgets and gizmos, they are sure to appear on wish lists. It is not all that surprising to see that computer manufacturers have come up with lower cost laptops geared directly at kids. This article is not intended to be a review of any of the computers, as I have not played with any of them. Instead, I am amazed at what technology is available for kids.
Many of the children's laptops don't connect to the Internet, like this one from Barbie. It is designed with girls in mind, having the Barbie packaging, but it is similar to a real laptop in how it works, regarding games and how you play them.
This one from VTech is more gender neutral. It is more "laptop like" in that it has educational games preloaded and Mom or Dad can help download new games from the Internet when your child is ready for them.
Even babies and toddlers have them. My daughter (who is not quite a year old) got a toy laptop as a gift. It just looks like a laptop, and has numbers, letters and colors. If children have toys like this at such a young age, is it any wonder that they want to get on the real computer at younger and younger ages?
What are your thoughts about computers being introduced to kids at such a young age?
Many of the children's laptops don't connect to the Internet, like this one from Barbie. It is designed with girls in mind, having the Barbie packaging, but it is similar to a real laptop in how it works, regarding games and how you play them.
This one from VTech is more gender neutral. It is more "laptop like" in that it has educational games preloaded and Mom or Dad can help download new games from the Internet when your child is ready for them.
Even babies and toddlers have them. My daughter (who is not quite a year old) got a toy laptop as a gift. It just looks like a laptop, and has numbers, letters and colors. If children have toys like this at such a young age, is it any wonder that they want to get on the real computer at younger and younger ages?
What are your thoughts about computers being introduced to kids at such a young age?
