As summer winds down and the routine of a new school year begins to shift into place, parents are busy purchasing books, supplies, lunch boxes, backpacks, and clothing, as well as filling out forms and tying up loose ends. Have you considered adding technology to that list? Knowing how to be prepared for back to school technology is just as essential as stocking up on notebooks and pens.
Kids today are immersed in technology, with exposure at every level and during every minute of the day. Classrooms are equipped with Chromebooks, laptops, smartboards, smartphones, smartwatches, and calculators that would baffle many of us.
Parents often assume that because technology is such an integral part of their lives, kids automatically know how to use it effectively and responsibly. Or perhaps we think that schools, given their use of modern technology, are teaching our kids all they need to know. However, it’s crucial for adults to guide children and help them understand how to use technology wisely, highlighting best practices, and recognizing both the benefits and potential pitfalls.
Making sure your kids are prepared for back to school technology may include the following important steps:
Start with a Conversation
As a parent, it’s vital to sit down with your kids and discuss their tech needs for the upcoming school year. What does back to school technology look like for them? What responsibilities come with using these devices, apps, and programs? How will they implement technology into their daily routines without becoming detached from the living world around them?
The start of a school year may seem like a great time to give a new school bus rider a phone. It may make sense, for safety, but do you need to make a contract to agree on the phone’s rules for use? At the very least, a discussion about safe and mindful usage is a good idea. It is important to cover topics like bullying, sexting, sending naked photos, digital footprints, etc. This list may be a little shocking to some, but I guarantee that every topic is pertinent.
Conversations like these not only ensure that kids are equipped with the right tools but also foster a deeper understanding of how to use technology responsibly.
Cybersecurity: A Top Priority
Cybersecurity might seem like a buzzword reserved for tech professionals, but it’s a critical concept that everyone, especially kids, should understand.
Every time your child goes online, they’re exposed to risks—whether from hackers, companies collecting and selling personal data, or social media platforms storing information indefinitely. Even the devices they use can be listening to conversations, and the digital footprint they leave behind can have lasting implications. As a cybersecurity expert, I am very aware of privacy issues and implications the internet can have on their future personally and professionally.
- Talk to your kids about the importance of cybersecurity.
- Emphasize the need for strong, unique passwords to protect their private information on all their devices.
- Explain that anything they post or share online is permanent, even if they think it’s deleted.
- Introduce the concept of a digital footprint and encourage them to search for their own (or your) name online to see what’s already out there.
- At the same time, teach your kids to be cautious about downloading apps or files and how to recognize phishing attempts and scams.
Understanding how to avoid ransomware and other cyber threats is crucial, and it’s a conversation that should be ongoing. Schools are becoming one of the top targets for ransomware attacks and keeping private information safe is a priority.
Children often believe “nothing bad will happen to me,” so reinforcing these messages regularly will help them stay vigilant now and in the future. And this messaging is not just for kids. More people fall victim to phishing attacks every year and criminals find new ways to deceive people online.
Digital Literacy: Essential Skills for the Digital Age
In addition to cybersecurity, digital literacy is another essential skill set your kids need as they navigate the online world. The following topics should be ongoing as part of regular discussions with your child:
- Online safety
- Responsible use of technology
- School policies
- Cyberbullying
- Fact-checking
Don’t underestimate what your kids already know. Ask them about their experiences building websites, finding news articles, or if they’ve witnessed or experienced cyberbullying. You might be surprised by what they share.
Fact-checking, in particular, is a critical skill in today’s world of misinformation.
Encourage your kids to go beyond headlines, which are often written for sensationalism rather than accuracy. Use current events as a teaching tool (especially in this election year). Look up an article together, then explore the same topic from multiple sources to gather different perspectives and form a well-rounded understanding of the issue, making sure that what they hear from friends or influencers can be supported by facts.
Understanding AI: The New Frontier
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is more than just the latest tech buzzword—it’s a powerful tool that can significantly enhance learning. Talking to your kids about the proper use of AI tools and how they can incorporate them into their study routines is a necessary part of helping your kids be prepared for back to school technology.
From AI-driven research assistants to personalized learning platforms, AI has the potential to transform the educational experience. However, it’s also important for them to understand the limitations and ethical considerations associated with AI use. AI is a tool, not a substitute for doing the work.
Back to School Technology: Tools to Enhance Learning and Organization
Technology can be a game-changer for staying organized and improving the learning experience. Embrace it!
Here are some of the top technology tools to make your child’s school year more productive:
- Digital Planner or Calendar: Tools like Google Calendar or MyStudyLife help students keep track of assignments, deadlines, and extracurricular activities. They can set reminders, organize tasks by priority, and avoid missing important deadlines. As a parent with a child with ADHD, these tools are instrumental in helping her keep her own things on track.
- Educational Apps: Apps like Khan Academy, Duolingo, or Quizlet offer interactive learning experiences across various subjects. These platforms allow students to reinforce their knowledge, practice new skills, and explore topics at their own pace while often adding a bit of fun to the process.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: Ideal for creating a focused learning environment, especially in noisy or shared spaces. Students can use these headphones during study sessions, to focus on online classes, or while listening to educational content without distractions. Headphones can be seen as rude but sometimes they allow kids to focus.
- Cloud Storage (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox): Cloud storage services offer a secure place to store and access documents from any device. This ensures that assignments, notes, and projects are never lost and are easily accessible from anywhere.
- Flashcard Apps: Apps like Anki or Brainscape allow students to create digital flashcards for effective study sessions. These apps use spaced repetition to enhance memory retention, making it easier to review and remember important concepts.
- Smart Notebook: A smart notebook like Rocketbook merges the benefits of handwriting with digital organization. Students can take handwritten notes that can be digitized and uploaded to the cloud for easy access and sharing.
- Task Management Tools (e.g., Trello, Asana): These tools help students break down larger projects into manageable tasks. They can create to-do lists, set deadlines, and track their progress, aiding in time management and organization.
The Bigger Picture: Preparing for the Future
Integrating technology into your child’s education isn’t just about being prepared for back to school technology—it’s about preparing our kids for the future. From developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills to staying safe online, the technology tools and skills your child adopts now will serve them throughout their lives and careers.
So, as you prepare and adjust to the new school year, make sure that being prepared for back to school technology is on your checklist. Ensure it’s used effectively, safely, and healthily. With the right tools and guidance, technology can be an incredible asset in your child’s education, helping them thrive in the classroom and beyond.
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