Real Life Conversations at School: Digital Age edition

The backstory:  Last year, I began to teach my classes using an iPad and Apple TV.  I learned how to manage the equipment in my classroom and even with the steep learning curve, the process went well.  This year, I teach in three different classrooms, rather upping the ante for use of my high tech devices.  And this year it's 6th graders who watch as I remember how to trouble-shoot the tech issues.  A little more patience and problem solving are the order of the day as I adjust, as it was one morning this past week.

Me (to the class):  While your write your answer to the Do Now exercise, I will try to solve this with the Apple TV problem.  Let's all be patient.

Student X:  What if it doesn't work?

Me:  Well, I think it I can solve the problem, so let's not worry about that quite yet.

Student Y, speaking with the wisdom of youth:  If it doesn't work, you can write on the board.  That won't let us down.

Internet, the digital generation knows a few things.

'Puter

I got my first Apple Macintosh computer in 1986, when I was in college and Apple made it easy for college students to buy a personal computer.  The typewriter I received as a graduation gift couldn't compete.  That year, my journal went digital and I began to write all my papers and assignments on the computer.  A few years after that, a roommate of mine dubbed the computer the 'puter and I call it that to this day.

A few years later, when I was in grad school, I traded up for a new Mac.  That Mac came with me to my first teaching job and saw me through more writing than I could have ever dreamed possible.  Research, lectures, essays and lessons all came forth from that little box.  It still felt like magic.

Just before JT was born, a third Apple came my way, this one an orange iMac.  In 2002, I switched to the MacBook and became a laptop disciple; it's what we use at my school.  I'm on my third MacBook and cannot imagine life without this little machine.  I jokingly call it my brain,  but it's no joke.  My music, my photos, much of my reading and most of my ideas are on this laptop.   

Last night, as I sat with my MacBook on my lap, working on a lesson for classes next week, JT had his iPad in hand, studying for a Science test and a History quiz.   Thanks to that iPad, he can carry books and school notes wherever he goes.  He makes digital and audio clips with ease, sometimes studying Spanish by hearing his own voice speaking back to him.  It's a marvel.

Thanks, Mr. Jobs.

Straight Outta Shenzhen

A few weeks ago, JT handed me his savings, I added some supplemental funds and we went ahead and bought an Apple ipad.  The local Apple store had none in stock, so we ordered it on-line and then eagerly checked the Apple website to watch the progress of our order.

Last weekend, we learned that his new friend was packed up and ready for Fed Ex.  On Monday, it got in line with the rest of the ipads and early Tuesday morning it left Shenzhen, China for a little overnight action on Lantau Island in  Hong Kong.   On Wednesday afternoon EST it left Hong Kong for Anchorage, Alaska where it passed through International Shipment clearance and was on a Fed Ex plane headed east by Thursday afternoon.  When we woke up Friday morning, it was in Newark and headed for Branchburg, New Jersey and the local delivery truck to our town.  At 11:45 am, the Fed Ex website reported that the ipad was on our front porch. 

I hurried home over the noon hour to bring it inside. 

But for a small break to play a little Little League game, it's been in JT's hands ever since.   He's already an accomplished Fruit Ninja and those Angry Birds should watch out.

Netiquette

These days, JT is a laptop owner and he is suddenly much more involved with the on-line world than ever before.  We've long had rules about which websites JT can visit and I've always reminded him not to communicate with strangers on-line.  Those rules served to cover all of the bases for the first few years.  But his 5th grade computing habits have suddenly changed.  He's discovered that he can join game and quiz websites, communicate with his friends on-line, and he's a fan.  Suddenly, I need more principles to guide his on-line life.

1.  Consider the recipient   
While e-mailing and IMing your friends should always be kind-hearted, it needn't be grammatically correct.  However, when making contact with teachers, take care that your words reflect your abilities.  If you aren't sure, ask.

2.  And speaking of your teachers……   
When working on the computer at school or using a school-related program, act in the ways you would act in class.  Behave yourself; watch your mouth; and take care in how you present yourself. 

3.  Be yourself
While the computer may offer options for anonymity, don't use that anonymity to be cruel or unkind.  Don't gossip about friends on-line.  Don't assume that your comments will be kept private.  Double-check your address list, so that you don't make a mistake when sending an e-mail.  Do assume that on-line, as in life, you should treat others as you would wish to be treated.

4.  Be mindful
In this case, I mean awareness of his long-term on-line life.  JT has an e-mail account now and it's one that he can use for years.  It will take him through college apps and job apps….translation, his e-mail address is NOT pimpdaddy 322@suckit.com

5.  Be cautious
The rule in our house is that JT may not join a website or create a profile without my approval.  I act quickly when he asks and I explain my rationale. I've told him that he shouldn't communicate with strangers without checking in with me.  And I've let him know that I can (and will) check to see the websites he visits.  I've also  made clear that these decisions require a dialogue between he and I and will always be a work in progress.

These new rules seem to have us on sound footing for the on-line life we have ahead of us.  I'm equally sure that this is an evolving project, and I plan to be thinking ahead.