Last "Backpack Generation"

Technology is becoming far more prevalent in classrooms. Some schools have adopted BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) programs that encourage students to bring and use their own tablets, Smartphones, and other technology in school. Rather than being a distraction, technology has become an indispensable tool for both students and teachers.

This morning I read an interesting article in the ASCD SmartBrief about teaching today's students, often referred to as the last "backpack generation." Zachary Walker captures the excitement about mobile learning and provides three really useful reminders for teachers. He emphasizes that mobile learning is not about the tools, but all about student learning. They are important reminders.

We'd enjoy hearing from you about technology is shaping your work and impacting your students and they're learning.

Sexting: Not the Epidemic We Thought

It turns out that teens are not sexting as frequently as was previously thought. A new study conducted by a researcher at the Crimes Against Children Research Center (N.H) conducted interviews with 1,560 youth nationwide and found the following:

• 2.5% of kids age 10-17 admit to creating or appearing in photos or videos where they are "nude or nearly nude. Many of the photos were of kids who were clothed or wearing bathing suits.
• 1.8% created "nude or nearly nude" images of themselves; only six (0.4%) said they photographed someone else;
• 1.3% said they appeared in or created images that showed naked body parts;
• 7% said they received such images.

These findings are much less than those from a 2008 study when it was reported that 20% of teens (ages 13-19) shared "nude or nearly nude" pictures of themselves.

Parents are still encouraged to talk openly with they children about the dangers of sexting but are reminded to keep the conversation in perspective. The report reminds parents that "99% of kids are not" sexting at all. ConnectSafely.org provides parents with a set of tips for talking with their teen about sexting. Additional suggestions for parents is available from the American Academy of Pediatrics.