Just as neither blackboards (technology) nor the words or numbers on them (media) weren't the source of learning in the 19th century, digital devices and the games, apps, and other media on them aren't the source of our kids' learning in this century. They're just learning tools. It's how they're used by teacher and students, parents and children, that spells learning. "For teachers, in … [Read more...] about Involving our kids in their own digital media learning
Search Results for: bullying
Minecraft & the shared, creative safety of gaming, social media
Reporters and reviewers write about Minecraft as if it's just like any other videogame. Even this highly readable piece about its creator (Markus Persson, aka "Notch") and its parent company (Mojang) by Harry McCracken in Time magazine doesn't cover what makes it different from other games specifically for its kid (and parent) players. But he does bring out this extraordinary differentiating … [Read more...] about Minecraft & the shared, creative safety of gaming, social media
Hurting others hurts us: Study
Although the victim is usually the focus in discussions about the impacts of social cruelty, everybody involved in it feels some pain or distress, research shows. Two recent studies offer fresh insights into the impacts on bystanders, both those who witness cruel behavior and those who feel compelled to participate. First the latter, from the University of Rochester. "When people bend to … [Read more...] about Hurting others hurts us: Study
Parenting the littlest media users: Important study
Increasingly, digital media are just part of the rhythm of everyday US family life, a significant new study of parents of young children indicates. The study, "Parenting in the Age of Digital Technology," conducted by Northwestern University's Center on Media & Human Development, surveyed a nationally representative sample of more than 2,300 parents of children 8 and under about how media – … [Read more...] about Parenting the littlest media users: Important study
Social literacy up, social problems down in Chicago Schools
More than 50 Chicago schools were recommended for closure this year, but one of the four schools that won't close isn't closing because of its strong, successful social-emotional learning program, Education Week reports. Marcus Garvey Elementary School "is recognized for helping children develop empathy and problem-solving skills." SEL is "problem-solving with dignity," as teacher-songwriter … [Read more...] about Social literacy up, social problems down in Chicago Schools