Digital Parenting?

If you have children, it's time for a chat. Help adolescents stay safe. Sharing part of a wonderful article I read on this subject. What was once private can be made public with a keystroke, and once a message is in cyberspace, it can be copied, shared, forwarded and posted. Young people who send an...d receive messages when they are the most trusting and vulnerable can have serious implications. Parents and teens need to talk about the ramifications and implications of new and emerging technologies, but not always easy as kids usually know more than the parents. Young people navigate the software but they may not consider what a comment in MySpace or Facebook does to their reputation, their future education or a job, let alone the feelings of others. Cyber realities could be hot topics and deserve discussion. You can help adolescents stay safe without nagging. There are ways to help you figure out what to say, when to talk and how to word it so your kids are aware of the issues while they enjoy and benefit from the cyberworld. Our children are in the virtual world. We do need to protect them and empower them! But, they need to know about risky behavior like a picture meant for one person, but received by many could put kids at risk of being bullied. Have the talk on how the media affects our lives and the importance of developing a culture of respect.

Looking for a Job?

Technology Etiquette Tips for Job Seekers - let digital technology help you re-enter the working world. You can even track job openings at http://www.indeed.com/ and http://www.linkedin.com/. Here are some tips:

• Avoid Email Blasts - respond to jobs that fit the "best"
• Embrace snail mail - too many job seekers are sending "hire me" email pitches to employers
• Get personal - if you do email pitches, make them personal
• Follow - up - pay attention to how you should make follow up contacts
• Don't call a Manger's cell phone number unless given permission
• Stick w/land lines
• Manage your digital footprint - Mangers can be expected to go online and perform background checks.

Good luck!

Skype freeware

Skype freeware - http://www.skype.com/ - this freeware enables you to make unlimited free calls from computer to computer, either audio-only or including a live video feed. Skype works smoothly and easily on different platforms, and generally provides high voice quality. Plugging yur computer directly into your network, rather than working wirelessly seems to work best. This is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family that do not live nearby. All you need is a Webcam, and you can buy them relatively cheap. Inexpensive models run around $25.00.

http://www.slide.com/r/uve_4QW06D-Mi1l-0JZX_hRsa6gXs-zH

Web-Based Software

APPS you can access through your Web Browser - Web-based software lets you create spreadsheets, edit photos, and create documents. Applications can be found at www.zoho.com and Google Docs, docs.google.com You must sign up, but it's all free. It has planners, an chat functions so you can share schedules and talk online!

NEW HORIZONS: Internet Safety Classes in School

NEW HORIZONS: Internet Safety Classes in School

http://www.auntlee.com/safety/

Internet Safety Classes in School

Internet Safety classes in school? - Isn't this where it should all start? There is so much that kids have learned on their own, yet there is still so much that they don't know. Kids do need to be warned about the dangers of sharing personal information on the Internet and agreeing to meet Web acquaintances in person. Virginia is the FIRST state to mandate that public schools offer Internet safety classes for all grade levels. Texas and Illinois have Internet safety education, but they don't make their courses mandatory. These such efforts are long overdue as the Internet's technological advances have enabled criminals to reach more victims. We as teachers/guides are sensitive to the needs of the students, however it's difficult to feel comfortable unless we know our students know the dangers they may encounter. There is not a way to protect youngsters from on-line predators unless they themselves are educated. With today's tools, there is permanence in what students are uploading to the web. How will that information effect them when they're looking to apply for college or out job hunting? Do they know how much of this information can be used against them - or exposed? Internet safety classes should be offered into existing coursework for 11-16 year olds as the state of Virginia is doing. Although young people feel pretty safe or "bulletproof", young people are still vulnerable. It's necessary to reinforce the old warning: "Don't talk to strangers". It is my opinion that each state has a Dept. of Education (of Technology), and should work with schools to integrate Internet Safety lessons at no cost to the student, or the district. If they have these classes before they enter High School, then we can do less on-line babysitting and get down to using the Web for all the resources it has, and without fear that "someone" will become a victim.