Tami Brass's List: 1-1 Computing Reading List

• "It's fun. It's hard. It's Logo." I have no doubt that this kid called the work fun because it was hard rather than in spite of being hard.
• that everyone likes hard challenging things to do. But they have to be the right things matched to the individual and to the culture of the times. These rapidly changing times challenge educators to find areas of work that are hard in the right way: they must connect with the kids and also with the areas of knowledge, skills and (don't let us forget) ethic adults will need for the future world.

• 1. ONGOING DIGITAL DIALOG IS THE KEY
• “a meaningful exchange of perceptions in a non-threatening environment.”
• BEING ALONE is the worst condition under which anyone can face serious challenges in life.
• 2. DRAWING ATTENTION TO A PROBLEM IS EASY, OFFERING REAL SOLUTIONS IS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT
• virtually every website focused on Internet safety issues for families includes the suggestion that computers at home be located in family spaces (like the living room) rather than in bedrooms. NetSmartz, SafeKids, and the FBI’s Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety are three example sites which include this recommendation.
• Telecommunications convergence means many things, but one of the most tangible implications in this context is that parents and other adults have far less control today than they/we did in the past to limit the access young people have to ideas and media.

  • Excellent point. Restriction in absence of dialogue is not likely to be effective long term. Kids need the support needed to thrive in a world where technology is so readily available.
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• 3. WEBCAMS HAVE VIABLE AND BENEFICIAL USES BESIDES PORNOGRAPHY
• I may be in the minority with this view, but I contend every K-12 and university classroom in the United States should be equipped with a webcam and microphone in addition to an Internet-connected computer. The reason for this is simple: We live in a global society with an interdependent global economy.

  • The technology exists because humans have a need for face to face communication. As with other technologies, it has potential for misuse and / or abuse. This potential is minimal in contrast with the potential for powerfully positive use. Students should be taught the constructive uses of the technology, with appropriate support from home.
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• Our students should be utilizing audio and videoconferencing technologies EVERY WEEK as regular elements of their classwork.

  • Excellent goal!
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• We shouldn’t limit student and teacher opportunities for collaboration to their own free time and their own personal telecommunications devices.
• We should heed the advice of many when it comes to the issue of Internet safety, and take multiple steps to address the issues which are raised here. Just as an informed organization today approaches network security with a “defense in depth” approach, families, school groups, and communities should also approach Internet safety in a similar way.
• 4. CULTIVATING DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP SKILLS SHOULD BE OUR FOCUS
• The question should NOT be whether or not, as a parent, you are going to allow your child at some point to establish an online presence, instead it should be WHEN are you going to start encouraging your child to proactively and responsibly manage their online identity which will likely be one of the most important factors future employers take into consideration both before and after formal job interviews?

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