Social Media and a New School Year

In an ever-changing and rapidly evolving world, digital learning and social media tools like Facebook, Twitter, Skype and the like have declared their place in human existence.  As teachers, we have an obligation to teach students about these kinds of digital tools and guide them with effective, practical and purposeful instruction for their use.  Some of you may be familiar with some education specific online learning tools and social networks such as Edmodo and Kidblog, but there is continually growing list of online tools that are incredibly useful for student projects, assessment, and learning.  

As we all embark on another school year, I ask you to think about social media in your life and in the lives of our children.  Ask yourself and children some questions about what you know and how these platforms have influenced your life and the world around you.  I also ask you to start the conversation, if you haven't already, with your family and friends about the utility of these digital media tools in the education of our children.  If you are still hesitant about social media, read this recent article from the Post-Ops in the Washington Post.  There are two sides to any story but we all must realize that today's youth are finding ways to use these tools.  It is our obligation as parents and educators to help them use these platforms safely as global citizens of an interconnected world.  

Already August

Aloha Readers!  It's been awhile since my last post and that is mostly because I've had a summer full of travel and adventure.  With August already here and the school year only three weeks away, I thought I should check in a give an update.  I hope all of you have had ample opportunity to get outdoors this summer for adventure, exploration and physical activity.  Summer is a great time to plays sports, travel, hang out with family and friends, and just relax!  The picture below is one I took while visiting my friend in Alaska.  For more of my travel photos from the summer (and past summers) click on my slideshow in the upper right hand corner of my blog.  There is still some time get out of your house and enjoy the summer sun!



(An overlook of Cook Inlet from atop Penguin Peak, just outside Girdwood, Alaska.)