Posts Tagged "Director of Technology"
SJCS - Setting Tech Boundaries During Shelter In Place
April 27, 2020
Although as a community we have been addressing digital citizenship and the importance of tech boundaries with our students for many years, these weeks of Shelter in Place have shown us that we must stay the course.
In this blog, Mrs. Hendricks, Director of Educational Technology, reminds us of tools, resources, and boundaries which will help us develop healthy tech habits for our students and in our homes.
Why must we teach digital citizenship and tech boundaries?
For some great insights, you can read this blog called Teaching Kids to Cross the Street. It was written several years ago, but the words in it still ring true as our culture relies so heavily on technology.
“We need to teach our kids to be good digital citizens. Even more importantly, we need to teach our kids to be great digital leaders."
Creating a Partnership
SAN JOSE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Will…
- Teach, not Ban - Technology is part of our world. SJCS works to prepare our students to be responsible citizens and effective communicators in their technology use.
- Enforce boundaries at school - Technology is a tool, not a master. When your student is at school, teachers hold loving limits for tech use.
From Love & Logic, “Adults set firm limits in loving ways without anger, lecture, threats or repeated warnings. We set limits using enforceable statements, regard mistakes as learning opportunities, and resist the temptation to nag.”
- Abide by the SJCS Tech Agreement
PARENTS, Please...
- Set boundaries for your student at home - Device Contract & Family Media Agreement & Circle with Disney
- Keep devices out of the bedroom at night. Over and over, studies have proven how crucial sleep is to our overall health
- Set a positive example.
- Educate yourself & talk with your student(s) - Common Sense Media Parent Resources & Reviews can help.
- Share with other parents.
- Allow for flexibility - we are not in normal times, so it is okay to be flexible with the amount of screen time. For reference, take a look at this 2 minute video from AAP or their online family media tool.
STUDENTS, please…
- Respect the boundaries your parents put in place.
- Choose honesty. Your tech habits matter. Discipline yourself to be honest with yourself and your parents about your tech habits and choices.
- Talk to your parents and teachers about how the pandemic is affecting you. Discuss how you can work together to address what is going on.
- Turn on Night Shift - it is much easier on your eyes!
Technology For A Time Like This
April 08, 2020
Hello Tiger Community,
As the Director of Educational Technology, this time of remote learning is in some ways exciting to me. While I would never have chosen to be "thrown" into it the way we were, it has been a joy to watch our students put the things we have taught and discussed into practice during our remote learning time. I am also increasingly thankful for how our parents have responded and supported us through this transition.
Each age level has different struggles and blessings and I pray we can work together to meet your needs as parents. One thing to remember parents - go easy on yourselves. You've (probably) never facilitated remote learning with your kids before, as most of us have never facilitated remote learning before this time. We are all in this together!
When a student enters middle school at SJCS, the student and parents go through a tech training before the student receives their laptop for middle school. Some of the resources we talk about might be helpful to you during this time of remote learning. I am going to list some links for you to browse through and if you have any questions about them, please feel free to reach out to me.
Common Sense Media Customizable Device Contract
Common Sense Media Family Media Agreement
Circle - internet filter and screen time management
(We use this as a family at home)
Screen Time (MacOS)
I don't know about you, but the past three and a half weeks have been a blur of good things, hard things, happy times and stressful times. The one thing that has not changed is that our God is in control and He is faithful.
Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy note. Below you will find several resources of activities and things to think about while we spend more time than usual on our devices.
I am so thankful for our SJCS community!
Blessings,
Mrs. Janelle Hendricks | Director of Educational Technology
Additional Resources
How to upload assignments to Google Classroom
Find Screen time Balance with Circle
Ergonomic Sitting for Children
Websites for elementary students
Free resources during remote learning: