The Power of UTube

Wesley Fryer is one of my favorite bloggers to read.

I remember when his daughter posted a video on UTube about her comments on the inaugural speech made by President Obama.  Wesley mentioned the reaction and the “fame” created by that posting.

His blog post is quite a good piece of writing and shows his concern for young Greyson. He gives a “lesson” to Greyson and his family about the internet and the pros and cons of notoriety. All students should learn this.

This is an excellent opportunity for those in education, and especially those in technology and education, to step up to the plate and teach the students we have influence over about these situations.

Learning at this moment when the “fame” is there is VERY IMPORTANT!

From a church talent show to the Ellen DeGeneres Show: YouTube fame for an Edmond 6th grader: Watch it and enjoy.

Here is his interview and performance on the Ellen DeGeneres show:

This is the world our students live in on a daily basis.  Technology is out there everywhere.

I noticed that in the interview Greyson said he got a text from his mom that said to call her.  He was able to accept that text and then excuse himself from the classroom, as he says, and call his mom from school, in the hallway outside his classroom. Obviously his school does not have a problem with cell phones and their use during the school day.

I would like to learn more about what school he attends and what their technology experiences are for all the students in the school.

Then, add to the technological experience that Gaga is on the phone  talking with Ellen and Greyson on live TV. The only thing that could have been better is that there would have been video of her side of the conversation.   Doesn’t she have Skype?

Teachers, technology experts, and interested learners, what lessons can you make from this opportune moment?

Leave a comment… What will you do or how will you use this as a learning experience for your students?

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Online Safety 3.0- Empowering and Protecting Youth

Dean Shareski of Ideas and Thoughts shared his delicious link to Online Safety 3.0- Empowering and Protecting Youth.

All adults should read about Internet Safety 3.0 whether you are a parent, teacher, grandparent, or citizen of the world.

The internet is here to stay until the next better idea comes along.

In the meantime, we need to allow it to be used in a safe manner, NOT shut down and hidden away. Students need to know how to use it and how to use it properly. How to use it for their increased knowledge. It is the way these students of today and the future are going to learn. Why not make it a great learning experience for them? Let their proper use of the internet empower them. Students are using it on their own when they are OUT of school. Why not teach them in school how to be savvy internet users?

The article states:

Both the Internet and the way young people use technology are constantly changing, but Internet safety messages change very slowly if at all.

…To be relevant to young people, its intended beneficiaries, Net safety needs to respect youth agency, embrace the technologies they love, use social media in the instruction process, and address the positive reasons for safe use of social technology. It’s not safety from bad outcomes but safety for positive ones.

…Online Safety 3.0 enables youth enrichment and empowerment.

…We need to move on to Version 3.0 because…

1. We know more about youth risk online.
2. We know more about how youth use digital media.
3. Online safety needs to be seen in the context of participatory culture and democracy.

How can you, as a parent, teacher, administrator, or other responsible adult teach students of today the use of the internet to empower them?

Start to find out the answer by reading this article…NOW!

[As always, in my author quotes, the underlines, color changes, and bold type is mine, not the author’s!]

Technorati Tags: internet safety,social media,Dean Shareski,Ideas and Thoughts,Online Safety 3.0- Empowering and Protecting Youth,education