This past week, "the world celebrated the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) – the most universally ratified human rights treaty," the European Commission reports. It adds that "the Convention is the first international legally binding instrument establishing minimum standards for the protection and safeguarding of a full range of civil, political, social, … [Read more...] about UN Child Rights Convention: How about online rights?!
Literacy & Citizenship
Thankful for new media & what they’re teaching us
Here in the US, this is kind of, partially a week of reflection and thanksgiving, as many of us shop, cook, travel, cook some more, and feast and some of us try to keep it really simple. But for the reflection and thanksgiving part, treat yourself to this enriching example of participatory media, a video by Michael Wesch and his students (the main one on this page). Then treat yourself to … [Read more...] about Thankful for new media & what they’re teaching us
Afterthought: Social norming & digital citizenship
This is an addendum to my earlier post on digital citizenship. Would appreciate any/all feedback. About a year ago I heard a great story on NPR about a successful risk-prevention program at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville that "relies on peer counseling, social events and solid information to challenge misperceptions students have about drinking" instead of the less successful … [Read more...] about Afterthought: Social norming & digital citizenship
From users to citizens: How to make digital citizenship relevant
"Digital citizenship" is a rapidly expanding conversation in the online-safety field. Is it one we should be having? Is it relevant to young people, the "citizens" we all have in mind? On a recent conference panel, Prof. Tanya Byron of the UK seemed to suggest not – too abstract or complicated maybe. I agree with her a lot of the time but not on this point, because I think digital citizenship is … [Read more...] about From users to citizens: How to make digital citizenship relevant
Media sharing’s upside, downside & advice on what to do about it
Why do people share innermost thoughts, unretouched photos, and rants and what they ate for lunch in texts, photos, and blogs? And why is this not just a narcissistic passing fad like streaking or something, a baby boomer, someone who grew up with mass media, might ask? Consider this: "In part, it is the very human need to be heard and to connect with others. It is the desire to make a difference, … [Read more...] about Media sharing’s upside, downside & advice on what to do about it