The Influential Parent

Are you looking for a way to use your (& your child's) device to CONTRIBUTE to the internet, not just consume content? (And no, we won't be telling you to make a TikTok video!) Dr. Ed Emmer, our local Science Superhero, joins us this week as we talk about Citizen Science and ways for you and your family to use your devices to contribute to scientific endeavors around the globe... from where ever you happen to be!

You can reach Dr. Emmer by email at: [email protected]

Resources from our episode:

CoCoRaHS - "Citizen Scientists working together to measure precipitation across the nation!"

NASA Globe Observer - "A citizen science app allowing volunteers to take observations and contribute to the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) community!"

Great Backyard Bird Count - "Spend time in your favorite places watching birds - then tell us about them! In as little as 15 minutes notice the birds around you. Identify them, count them, and submit them to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world."

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) - "Citizen Science allows you to contribute to science no matter where you are. Whether by asking questions, reporting observations, conducting experiments, collecting data, or developing low-cost technologies and open-source code, you and other members of the public can use your talents to help advance scientific knowledge. Learn about current USGS and partner Citizen Science opportunities."

If you haven't heard about this new personal assistant, ChatGPT, listen in as Nikki and Amanda talk with Chuck Holland, Director of Instructional Technology, about this new AI website. This episode will highlight what it is, and the potential uses for personal, career, and educational needs. 

ChatGPT - Try it for yourself. 

ChatGPT & Education Check out this resource to read more about ChatGPT

AI, Chatbots & ChatGPT for Teachers - Free Course for educators to learn more about this ChatGPT, how to use it in your role, and peruse examples in various subjects.

For our next episode, we’re continuing the conversation about the “B” word… Bullying. Bullying and Cyberbullying are important topics to talk about with our kids. Listen to what some local teens have to tell Amanda and Nikki about “The B Word.”

Resource for parents: Cyberbullying Infographic

For our next 2 episodes we’re talking about the “B” word… Bullying. Bullying and Cyberbullying are important topics to talk about with our kids. In this episode, the first of two in this mini-series, Nikki and Amanda go out to a local high school and ask some teens to talk with them about “The B Word.”

There are a number of apps out there that allow users to “text” back and forth, and SnapChat is one of the most popular ones! Kids and teens (and let’s face it, adults!) love the crazy and creative filters, but there is much more to this app than seeing your face with sparkles and unicorn eyelashes! Listen in as Nikki and Amanda explore some of the features that parents are sure to want to know about as adults and kids talk about whether or not SnapChat is the messaging app for them.

Remember growing up playing with Legos or Lincoln Logs? Maybe you are one that still dabbles in building with Legos. Yes, we know there are many adults that build Legos and we are good with it. It taps into your creative side so we think it's great. This is pretty much what Minecraft is - a 3D world where our kids are building anything they imagine. Tune into the latest podcast episode and learn more about this game our kids are playing.

https://www.webwise.ie/parents/a-parents-guide-to-minecraft/

https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/about-minecraft

What is all this buzz going around about Roblox? What is Roblox and should I be concerned if my kids are playing it? In this spotlight episode, Amanda and Nikki discuss this 3D Virtual platform that allows them to share experiences with friends and play games that were created by users their age. 

Resources:

Parents Guide to Roblox and How Your Kids Play it Safely

Welcome to our first “Spotlight On” episode, a series where we will be discussing some of the most popular apps and games with our kids.  This week we’ll be talking about Fortnite, a downloadable game where players are dropped onto islands where they battle each other to collect supplies… and to be the last player standing!  Join us as we talk about why kids like this game, and what parents might want to know as they make their decision about whether or not to allow their child to play Fortnite.

Resources:

“PsychologyToday: 600,000 Minutes of Fortnite? Why Kids Get Hooked”

Make a family tech agreement at www.thesmarttalk.org

With devices going home for the summer in our district, we wanted to take some time to share some tips for parents that will help them set some guidelines for technology use over the summer. We also encourage you to go to your school's website to locate the summer resource page, allowing your child to continue their learning over the summer. Here is another resource to locate camps for your child(ren) to participate in throughout the summer.

Online Camps for a Summer of Learning Adventures, Common Sense Media

Your child has come to you and said, I want to create a TikTok video. Or, maybe they have already started creating TikTok videos but you haven't had the conversation around TikTok. It's not too late. Join us in this episode to learn about the pros and cons of our children creating TikToks, or maybe even you creating videos. Hear how you can support your child on the journey to create a successful experience and a positive digital footprint.