Its so very important for kids to learn how to use technology the right way. I hear people complain all the time about how kids have their heads bent over an electronic device so often that they seem disengaged. My question to them is, do you teach by example? When your children are with you do you...
Turn off the TV ?
Put away your cell phone ?
Close your computer ?
Do you insist that electronics are off during meal times?
Do you talk about how rude it is to use cell phones at movies, dining establishments, or anywhere else that bystanders have to listen?
Kids also must learn to use social media responsibly, because they WILL use it eventually, whether you like it or not. A quick visit the the comments section of the Missoulian should convince you that rules of civil discourse online should be EXPLICITLY taught.
As a means to this end, I have set up my 5th graders with a couple different forums to practice these skills. They each have their own blog, where they can write about their interests, or write for a classroom assignment. They also have accounts in Edmodo, which is a Facebook-like environment that is closed for everyone except the class and myself.
With these tools, kids learn about respectful commenting, responsible and meaningful posting, privacy issues and lots more, all while honing their writing skills. We talk about case studies, how important it is to establish a positive web presence. I fill their ears with horror stories of kids (and adults!) who sabotage themselves by acting like idiots online. We discuss cyber-bullying, and how to respond 9or not) if and when they see it happening.
Strong online communication skills are absolutely necessary for success in the workforce, and increasingly in school. I feel that we would be doing our kids a grave injustice to ignore this or (worse) actively resist letting them learn and practice these skills in a safe, supportive environment.
