Learn to Read Apps & Websites

Tech Holiday Gift Guide

Tech Holiday Gift Guide 

There can be a lot of pressure as parents to get the “it” gift for the Holidays but I’m here to encourage you to make sure your child is ready for the Tech/ device/ game you are considering gifting. The simple act of giving “access” (with parental controls) is a awesome gift in it of itself. Now I don’t know about you but I’m not handing over my iPad unless I have a kid-friendly, kid-proof case for my son. I’ve listed some of my favorites below as well as some amazing headphones (that meet OSHA recommendations of 80dB). Gifting a phone, gaming device or tech-enable watch or other Tech is a big responsibility and you want to make sure your child is 100% able to handle that responsibility. I also would recommend setting up a ‘Family Media Plan’ with the rules and consequences of using the device. We want to help our children have a healthy relationship to Technology and devices. 

Headphones:

2 features to look for: noise canceling and limited volume (under 85 decibels)  

iPad or Kindle Covers: 

    

Why start a Blog?

I have been debating starting a blog for a number of years. Whether it has been a fear of putting my thoughts out digitally or fear of not having a valuable enough opinion, I think it's about time to make my digital footprint. When talking to people about starting this blog, many people gave me positive feedback and the "its about time" responses but there are also others who didn't fully understand why I would want to put so much time and effort "blogging". Creating a digital footprint is as important today as creating a Personal Learning Network (PLN). The key components these two things have in common are (1) they create credibility, (2) they show an engaged, and motivated life-long learner, and (3) they create a community of interactive learners who are interested in the same topic. I think it's about time to become an active part of my own digital footprint. Up to this point I have created valuable and meaningful work for my employers but that doesn't transcend outside of the schools I've worked for to what I've created, who I am and what I believe in. As a K-12 certified educator, I want to share my knowledge as well as connect to other learners who are interested in how technology is integrated within education.

If your apprehensive about starting a blog yourself check out Why Every Teacher Should Blog from the Drape's Take Blog. If you have any blogging experiences you'd like to share, or have any questions, please comment here or email me at andrealynnvollmer@gmail.com.