Fine Tech in the Classroom

Social networking is here to stay and I believe as educators and parents that we must learn all we can about them and be assured that our children are being involved in a responsible mannner. Click here for an excellent article and suggestions for parents.Some guidelines I think are important are:
*Take extra steps to protect younger kids. Keep the computer in an open area like the kitchen or family room, so you can keep an eye on what your kids are doing online. Use the Internet with them to help develop safe surfing habits. Consider taking advantage of parental control features on some operating systems that let you manage your kids’ computer use, including what sites they can visit, whether they can download items, or what time of day they can be online.
*Go where your kids go online. Sign up for — and use — the social networking spaces that your kids visit. Let them know that you’re there, and help teach them how to act as they socialize online.
*Review your child’s friends list. You may want to limit your child’s online “friends” to people your child actually knows and is friendly with in real life.
Be assured that when your child is in my class, I am supervising what they are doing.
Some sites I have checked out and are designed for pre-teens are as follows. Join them yourself, but do let them know you are a parent.
Barbie Girls
Millsberry This is great and the students have to go to games to learn in order to earn points.
Imbee This is a site we will probably use in our class.
Whyville
Club Penguin This is produced by the Disney Company.