Google is trying something new…

Whether you like Google or not, it goes without saying they are innovative.  At ISB, we are currently adapting our existing Digital Citizenship at all levels for the ‘new normal’ and we are assessing, when, where, and what technology is being taught.  This is no small task yet we know it is critical to our student’s success. While this is a large undertaking, the question many have is, ‘what about at home?’.  

In a normal year, Technology Coordinators/Coaches, like myself, would offer technology sessions for parents to help with providing research, ideas, and support for ISB parents. For example, in February the MS and HS Coordinators offered a session for parents called A Dialogue about Virtual Learning where we tried to provide research and support for parents home with their children during COVID. 

We hope to offer more in the future, this year’s plans were cut short by virtual school.  However, this is where Google might be able to offer something new.  Their new Families.google site has some amazing research and some quality suggestions for making technology work for your family.  Additionally, they have tried their hand at the always-changing digital citizenship game with Be Internet Awesome site, to help parents with students who are struggling with technology.  

As I said in the beginning, Google is trying something new, it might not last and it may not be that great, but they continue to try.  I can tell you that as a Tech Coordinator and a Librarian, we will continue to try to improve what technology our students have access to and how they leverage it to conduct meaningful work.  You are always welcome to contact us, and ask questions, we really do love to help.

Bell’s Recommendation

Normal People – by Sally Rooney

One of the most read books for 2020, Normal people is an interesting look at two kids who are graduating high school and off to college. Rooney takes on the interesting prospect of juxtaposing the super popular boy and the nearly invisible girl in high school against each other.  These two are forced together because of the work that Connell’s mother does. As it goes, they follow each other off to college and there is a reversal of fortunes. This is an adult book but it could be a story of many today. The story is full of the difficulties of class, gender, and the tough things kids go through on their passage through life. 

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