BCS Guidance
October
Technology Treats from Susan Parker
Technology Tips and Tricks
Today’s technology can be a powerful resource and an invaluable tool that brings information, convenience and entertainment to our fingertips in less than a second. It can also be a time consuming distraction and in the hands of our students, can be the doorway to situations they are not equip to handle. How to manage a student’s use of technology has become an issue for parents and educators. At what age is it appropriate for a student to have a cell phone? How can a parent monitor a student’s text messages and app use? How much privacy should a student be allowed to have? School counselors need resources to help teachers, parents and students use technology safely and effectively.
Life 360
Life 360 is a GPS locating app that allows parents to see exactly where their student is at any time, as long as they have their phone with them and it is on. The free version allows parents to enlist as many members in their “circle” as they choose. Parents can then monitor their student’s movement and know when they have arrived at their destination. The app also has a feature that allows parents to “tag” a limited number of locations such as home, work and school. When the student arrives or leaves these locations parents can opt to receive alerts on their phone. The paid option offers many more features including roadside assistance, crash detection, driver safety monitoring and allows for more location tags.
Our Pact
Our Pact has the GPS locator feature but offers so much more in screen time management and app control. OurPact allows parents to control what apps students have on their phones, block undesirable apps so students cannot download them, grant time on each app per day and track the amount of time their students’ spend on their device and on which app. The premium service allows parents to control up to 20 devices, including laptops and tablets. It also includes a web filter parents can install on all iOS devices to block certain content.
Bark
Bark is another app that parents can use to monitor their students’ online presence and device usage. It does not have a free version but parents may feel the $9.00/month is money well spent. Bark monitors text messages, emails and social media apps for indications of dangerous interactions and content. When risks are detected it sends an alert to the parent. The monthly fee allows parents to monitor unlimited devices, unlimited apps and activity and offers 24/7 security.
Common Sense
Commonsense.org is an excellent website for both parents and educators! It offers articles, resources and information to help parents and educators stay informed about current technology, how to educate and protect our students and what tools are available. Common Sense advocates for digital citizenship and offers resources for schools to start a program in their school starting with 3-5 grades. The website offers lesson plans, games and other age appropriate resources to help students take ownership of their digital lives.
The ever increasing danger our students are exposed to through their use of the internet is a very real problem that parents and educators must address. Staying up to date on the changing technology and using the resources and tools available can help our students become responsible digital citizens and avoid tragedy.
Next Meeting Date - GET READY FOR CHRISTMAS
Drinks, paper products, and desserts will be provided
Tuesday, Dec 11, 2018, 08:00 AM
Blount County Resource Center
Agenda for Tomorrow's Meeting
8 to 8:45 Work Keys Training Treats /Get ahead of the Cohort Goblin - S. Latta/C.Bartlett
9 to 9:30 DHR Fall Info Session9:35 to 11:00 Technology Hocus Pocus - Becky Canoles
11:00 to 11:30 Opening the Programs of Distinction Cauldron & An Excel Brew -Amy Wilemon