It being summertime here in the global North, there may be a little extra videogame play going on in households with kids. So it may be helpful for parents to know about a mother lode of the latest wisdom on videogames' effects on kids' learning, social development and futures. It's MindShift's "Guide to Games & Learning," and here are a few nuggets: Gaming fuels motivation "We want our … [Read more...] about Breadth of videogames’ benefits to kids may surprise
The anti-EDIs social norm: A counterargument
They're more like DEDIs (digitally enabled displays of insensitivity) than EDIs (electronic displays of insensitivity), because the behavior is human not electronic. But that's beside the point. This NPR commentary suggests that EDIs are becoming a social norm. It cites an unscientific survey of 2,000 newsletter subscribers as finding that this insensitive behavior – people checking their phones … [Read more...] about The anti-EDIs social norm: A counterargument
From ‘Big Data’ to ‘Big Parent’: Student privacy developments
Are you part of the Big Parent response to Big Data? Great lede from Politico.com's Stephanie Simon: "You’ve heard of Big Oil and Big Tobacco. Now get ready for Big Parent." She's talking about an unpredicted mobilization in recent months that has "catapulted student privacy … to prominence in statehouses from New York to Florida to Wyoming" and "attracted powerful allies" from left (ACLU) to … [Read more...] about From ‘Big Data’ to ‘Big Parent’: Student privacy developments
The why of the Facebook research fracas & what it calls for
Wondering about the "Facebook Emotional Manipulation Study" so much in the news these past few days? If so, you're not alone. What's causing this firestorm? Consumer research is nothing new, and we all know academic research certainly isn't. There are some aspects of this that are very different, however, and so cause a great deal of uneasiness if not outrage. What's different here are… The … [Read more...] about The why of the Facebook research fracas & what it calls for
Social media major factor in teens’ social & sex lives: Australia study
With its 5th national study of Australian teens' sexual attitudes, behaviors and health since 1992, La Trobe University for the first time took a careful look at social media's role in their social and sexual lives, finding that it plays a significant one. "Our survey clearly shows the major role social media has in the negotiation and development of sexual relationships," said the study's lead … [Read more...] about Social media major factor in teens’ social & sex lives: Australia study