Rethinking Tech in Classrooms: A Necessary Pause

As someone who's advocated for reducing unnecessary screen time in schools for over a decade, I find Jessica Grose's latest piece in The New York Times both timely and accurate. The article "Get Tech Out of the Classroom Before It's Too Late" resonates deeply with my experiences moving from school to school and witnessing the varied impacts of technology on student engagement and safety. While tech has undeniable benefits, its integration into every aspect of our educational system raises critical questions about its effectiveness and the trade-offs involved. If we want to talk about this in business terms, we could mention opportunity cost - what are our children and teens missing by being on their screens?

Digital CitizenshipAllison OchsApril 18, 2024Online Safety, The Anxious Generation, Get phones out of schoolsComment

Alert: Are Your Kids Being Pulled into Risky Chat Threads Without Consent?

Add Everyone You Know: Hidden dangers in unsolicited group chats affecting children. Discover a student's alarming experience with harmful content and how it reflects a broader issue. Get essential tips on enhancing digital safety through WhatsApp settings and encouraging open discussions about online risks. Protect your child from cyber threats and foster a safer online environment.

Screen vs. Page: Should Children Read on Kindles and iPads?

Should children read on Kindles and iPads or stick to traditional books? Recent studies reveal a 'screen inferiority effect,' impacting children's comprehension when reading digitally. Despite tech's convenience, tangible books offer irreplaceable educational benefits, fostering in-person discussions and deeper understanding. Reflect on your child's reading habits and consider integrating more physical books into their routine for a balanced learning experience.

The AI Playground for Adolescents: Innocence meets the Internet

Discover insights on AI's impact, from cyberbullying to deepfakes, and learn how to foster safe, ethical online behavior. This post is ideal for parents and educators who are looking to understand a teen's use of AI so that they might have better conversations, create effective digital citizenship classes, and create a safe space within schools for its use, empowering the next generation with the tools for a safer digital future.

Offline Oasis: Why Teens Need non-digital Third Spaces

Discover the importance of 'third spaces' for teens and how these vital non-digital environments, where adolescents can thrive and escape the pressures of home and school. Learn about the challenges and solutions to creating these inclusive, safe, and engaging spaces in a world dominated by screens, with practical tips for educators, parents, and teens.

Beyond the Screen: Navigating Real Friendships in the Age of Social Media

Social Media promotes rigid personal boundaries and quite some confusion, especially for teens and emerging adults. This one-size-fits-all approach lacks nuance. Real friendships require honest communication, not corporate-like strategies. Social media skews our perception of relationships; we must balance setting boundaries with understanding the complexities of human connections. The blog post offers hands-on advice for teaching teens and emerging adults to navigate friendships.

Email expectations - Leading by example for student well-being

In a world flooded with digital distractions, educators must reflect on their tech behavior. Students notice when teachers prioritize emails over conversations. A survey revealed 41.7% felt ignored due to tech use, affecting their well-being. To set an example, teachers and leaders must curb excessive emails, promote in-person interactions, and adhere to communication guidelines. Prioritizing meaningful connections over digital noise not only enhances student-teacher relationships but also equips students with healthier tech habits.

Snapchat Releases My AI: Your Child’s New Bestie?

Let’s look at the safety concerns around Snapchat's "My AI," a chatbot marketed as a "false bestie" for 13-year-olds. Despite initial issues, students still reported concerning behaviors, raising questions about Snapchat's responsibility and the need to protect children online. As educators and parents, we need to be aware.

Digital CitizenshipAllison OchsMay 4, 2023Snapchat My AI, Snapchat, Artificial Intelligence, My AIComment

ChatGPT and an easy question: Would you rather have your students cheat, or self-harm?

What an insane question! Or is it?

This informative and provocative post will spark you to think about A.I. and education differently. With new technologies emerging, we need to ask ourselves some questions that we would typically find preposterous. I am curious to hear your thoughts.

Digital CitizenshipAllison OchsMarch 22, 2023ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence, A.I., Education TechnologyComment

Andrew Tate and his boys: An educator's guide, part 2

Many weeks have passed since I wrote my first blog post on Andrew Tate. This subject is so important and urgent that I decided to share an Andrew Tate lesson plan and some new strategies that help start classroom discussions.

Our kids are getting lost in the upside down

Recently, I watched the latest season of Netflix’s hit show Stranger Things. While I was watching, something struck me. The upside down in Stranger Things reminded me of online spaces: there are alternate dimensions, full of toxic monsters, that mirror our world. We need to understand this space to keep children safe online.

Digital Citizenship is the blindside of child protection

You will find thoughts and concrete ideas on digital citizenship and child protection here. This post should get you thinking about your school or your home and how we adults sometimes know that some of our digital behavior isn't perfect, yet we react like a deer looking into the headlights: we don't change course, slam on the brakes or make any correction until there is damage.

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