style="font-size:15px;"> to fall behind when a bug’sgot you down.
Classy computers
Computers and digital devices are go-to places for info, just like
the classroom and library bookshelves. What’s more, they can spice
up a lesson with audio and video. Instead of photos in a textbook,
imagine a time-lapse video of a caterpillar changing into a butterfly!
Classroom tech can also get you learning with recording apps, interac-
tive whiteboards, and slide shows produced by you.
Digital study
buddy
During at-home study time, send
a group e-mail or start a closed
chat page. It’s easy to connect
with other students in your class
when you need help with an
assignment or just want to test
one another on the state capitals
and spelling word list.
Search-and-click
resources
In addition to books and maga-
zines, your library may have spe-
cial search engines for students,
online encyclopedias and data-
bases, and homework-helping
software when you need to
write a report or prep for a quiz.
Group project
Finding a time for everyone to work on a group project can be tricky,
especially when one person has soccer practice, one is babysitting,
and one is at a chess tournament. Digital resources allow everyone
to check in when they can using e-mail or text, and to work together
using closed-group pages approved by teachers and parents.
digital mom and dad
When your parents were growing up, they didn’t have most of the
gadgets and apps you have today. But that doesn’t mean they’re living
in the digital dark ages. In fact, they are using technology in lots of ways
that you may not know about yet, but one day will. Here are just some
of the ways they go digital to manage their lives—and yours.
shopping
working
paying bills
scheduling
appointments
ordering pizza!
learning
the ropes
Fun and games. School tools.
Staying in touch. Managing life!
With so much that’s good about
technology, is there a downside?
Technology can offer freedoms you
don’t find in the real world. But
the freedom comes with respon-
sibility, which means your parents
need to assist for a while, until you
learn the online ropes. It’s not that
they don’t trust you. It’s because online actions
have consequences you may not know about.
The digital world is a big place. When you’re texting a friend or posting
a photo, literally anyone in the world might see—and it’s easy to forget
that some people online don’t know you or care about you. Also, it’s
hard to imagine that what you do in the digital world stays forever. Once
you’ve done it, you can’t take it back—even if you wish you could.
Your parents will probably set rules, like which apps and websites you can
visit, and with whom you can talk and share online. Think of it like learning
an important skill, such as swimming, with a coach and lots of practice.
Start the conversation with your parents. Show them you’re ready to be
trusted to follow their digital rules. Suggest a contract, like the one here.
The more open you are with your parents about your online life, the
more likely they’ll be to see you as a good digital citizen.
Digital World Contract
I will not sign up for any site without my parents’ OK.
My parents and I will preview a site together before deciding to sign me up.
My parents and I will register for my account and set privacy settings together,
and I will not change any settings myself.
My parents will have the usernames and passwords to any accounts I have.
My parents will “friend” and “follow” me on all my sites and will be able to see
everything I post.
I will never post my last name, my home address, the name of my school, or other
information that identifies me or my family—either in words or in pictures.
Me
Mom
