Tech Tuesday Archive 14

Good afternoon everybody -

Happy Tuesday. 1 article, 2 requests and 1 tip today:

ARTICLE: I thought this was a great read on dealing with technology issues as a parent. It recently circulated that Steve Jobs and many other Tech professionals severely limit(ed) their children's time using devices.  Fear can reign down on us, like in so many other areas of our life, about the effects technology is having on our kids' brains.  If you are a 30-40 something, especially with children of your own, give it a read.  If you don't fall into that category I think it's still important as we look at how we treat the use of devices in the classroom.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2014/09/29/parenting-as-a-gen-xer-what-its-like-to-be-the-first-generation-of-parents-in-the-age-of-ieverything/

I know I have stated it multiple times - I think it's important that we sometimes admit that we don't actually know how this technology is going to affect this youngest generation and maybe even admit that it won't necessarily turn them into narcissistic fill-in-the-blanks.  There's tons of stuff my parents did/mentioned when I was younger that I didn't fully appreciate until I was older. So keep pointing out the beauty of the view.

REQUEST 1: I'll be doing a Twitter session on our February 13th in-service (surprise surprise).  In advance of that I'm trying to connect with more of our district personnel that is already using it.  I love seeing everything that is going on around our schools.  If you are on Twitter and not necessarily using the #CHSonegoodthing or other variations, could you reply and tell me your twitter handle?

REQUEST 2: K-5 teachers - what do you need help with? What tech do you primarily use? I realize many, if not all, of my tips are aimed at a secondary audience and I'd like to offer more to you.  Any responses, when you have time, are greatly appreciated.

TIP: Google Docs - great to share stuff, not so cool when you're trying to make something look nice.  Formatting stinks and there's not a ton of options.  If you want to go crazy with fonts, you know, maybe spice up the lesson plans a little, then go to "Add Fonts" at the bottom of the font menu while in docs.  Just don't submit your lesson plans in "Wing Dings" and blame me ;)

As always, questions, comments, and concerns are welcome!