A metaphor used by Global Kids Online researchers in a new blog post reminds me of research in the US that represented a huge digital youth milestone for me almost a decade ago – then of brand-new insights. The metaphor is that of a ladder – a progression of online activities kids and teens engage in, starting with the most “attractive and accessible” ones, like watching video or hanging out … [Read more...] about Higher & deeper views of kids online
Digital Youth Project
Microsoft’s ‘So.cl’ networking for students
Back in 2008, the researchers of the MacArthur Foundation-funded Digital Youth Project reported that there are two kinds of social networking: the friendship-driven kind we're all very familiar with and interest-driven. The latter kind is self-explanatory too, but worth zooming in on. Because it's not only online socializing around interests (as in a writer's community, the Harry Potter Alliance, … [Read more...] about Microsoft’s ‘So.cl’ networking for students
A student’s view of informal learning’s value
"My passion lies where I can be creative and have fun and be around people that can support me," says Dallas high school student Blake Copeland in a video interview at eSchoolNews.com. And Blake has definitely found people's support – or the supporters found him. In his spare time, he learned the programming language for iPhones, Objective-C, and developed an iPhone app called DateFinder that … [Read more...] about A student’s view of informal learning’s value
About that NYT piece (‘Growing Up Digital’)…
The headline's same-old-same-old, but the article's really worth reading: "Growing Up digital, Wired for Distraction" in the New York Times. Don't miss it. Here's why: 1. What conclusions are we drawing? Writer Matt Richtel found an amazing student, principal, and school to feature (Vishal Singh, Mr. Reilly, and Woodside High School in northern California). Try reading Vishal's story at the … [Read more...] about About that NYT piece (‘Growing Up Digital’)…
Mentoring young entrepreneurs, online & off
Kids have dreams and passions as they grow up, and these can be either conditioned out of them if they're bored and/or don't fit in at school, or they can be channeled to great effect. Cameron Herold – who founded 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and BackPocket COO "to coach and mentor young, fun companies and help them make their dreams happen" – talks about this in his recent TED Talk. He makes the case for … [Read more...] about Mentoring young entrepreneurs, online & off