Technology
IN OUR CLASSROOMS
February 2008
Fantasy Congress
This month, some eighth graders are participating in an optional activity called Fantasy Congress. Just as in fantasy football or baseball, each player picks a team — in this case, a group of senators and House members of varying seniority levels — and competes with other players in a league managed by a teacher. Teams score point based on how well their players perform in real life -- for example, by moving bills into the opposite legislative chamber or onto the Presidents' desk, maintaining good voting attendance, or taking an individual stand against the majority. Have a look!
Internet Safety: Reality, Issues, and Solutions
At the November 2006 New York City Independent School Technologists (NYCIST) retreat, Doug Fodeman (Director of Communication and Technology at Brookwood) and Marge Monroe (Dean of Students at Stoneleigh Burnham) presented a thought-provoking look at Students Online: Realities, Issues, and Solutions.
Their presentation investigates why children/teens are attracted to the internet and what this means for their emotional and social well-being. Topics include:
* What constitutes risky behavior?
* Online harassment & bullying
* Reducing a child’s risk of being a target
* Protecting a child’s privacy
* What is an appropriate age for children to have email and IM?
* Anonymity of the online world and its impact on etiquette and communications
* Acceleration of intimacy
* Loss of self/loss of boundaries
* Understanding the risks of online role play gaming addiction
* What are the realities of sexual solicitation online?
* Online diaries (web logs or “blogs”) - what are the issues?
The full audio recording of the presentation is available at Gaining Digital Citizenship, an online course for parents developed by North Shore Parent Education. Follow the simple directions on the course welcome page to create a login for yourself. When you have logged in and see the Session 1 materials, scroll down to the bottom of the Session 1 materials and look for the link to Students Online: Realities, Issues, and Solutions.
Their presentation investigates why children/teens are attracted to the internet and what this means for their emotional and social well-being. Topics include:
* What constitutes risky behavior?
* Online harassment & bullying
* Reducing a child’s risk of being a target
* Protecting a child’s privacy
* What is an appropriate age for children to have email and IM?
* Anonymity of the online world and its impact on etiquette and communications
* Acceleration of intimacy
* Loss of self/loss of boundaries
* Understanding the risks of online role play gaming addiction
* What are the realities of sexual solicitation online?
* Online diaries (web logs or “blogs”) - what are the issues?
The full audio recording of the presentation is available at Gaining Digital Citizenship, an online course for parents developed by North Shore Parent Education. Follow the simple directions on the course welcome page to create a login for yourself. When you have logged in and see the Session 1 materials, scroll down to the bottom of the Session 1 materials and look for the link to Students Online: Realities, Issues, and Solutions.
Technology Events
Technology Research Year: Final Meeting for 2008
February 5, 2008 from 12-4 pm, Upper School Lab
2008 T3 International Conference
"20 Year Anniversary"
Hyatt Regency - Dallas, TX
February 29 - March 2, 2008
Science By Hand!
The Little Shop of Physics is a collection of hands-on science experiments designed for students in grades K-16. Have fun!
