Tech Talk for Parents
Resources and advice about parenting in the digital age
How are our daughters using their laptops at school?
All academic disciplines at all grade levels, integrate technology into the curriculum. The computer is a tool for writing, research, analysis, presentation, dissemination, and discussion of classroom projects.
Students regularly attend technology or computer arts classes and learn the latest technologies including coding, physical computing, 3D design, graphic design, multimedia applications and Lego Robotics programming. In addition, students learn computer programming through math and/or science class.
Students use technology in all academic disciplines for research, collaboration and class presentations. They learn the basic concepts in computer science.
All users of the Sacred Heart computer network are guided by the Acceptable Use Policy. This policy outlines the use of technology resources at Sacred Heart and prohibits the use of the network for “non academic” purposes. Students are asked to refrain from playing recreational games and visiting websites with no relevance to academic work. Email should only be used during times specified by teachers.
How do I manage technology use at home?
- Keep in a central location
Filtering & Monitoring Software
K9 Web Protection -
McAfee Family Protection
Net Nanny
OpenDNS
Question of the Week?
What is the right age to get my child a cell phone?
The following answer was posted on Common Sense Media's website.
When you hand your children cell phones, you're giving them powerful communication and media-production tools. They can create text, images, and videos that can be widely distributed and uploaded to websites instantly.
If you think your kids' technological savvy is greater than their ability to use it wisely, pay attention to the gap. You may need to say, "No, not yet." But if you think they might be ready, their ages aren't as important as their maturity level, ability to follow your (and their schools') rules, and their sense of responsibility.
- Do your kids show a sense of responsibility?
- Do your kids tend to lose things, such as backpacks or homework folders? If so, expect they might lose an (expensive!) phone, too.
- Do your kids need to be in touch for safety reasons?
- Would having easy access to friends benefit them for social reasons?
- Do you think they'll use cell phones responsibly -- for example, not texting during class or disturbing others with their phone conversations?
- Can they adhere to limits you set for minutes talked and apps downloaded?
- Will they use text, photo, and video functions responsibly and not to embarrass or harass others?