Most recent public comments by Robin Suing https://nowcomment.com/users/97242 https://nowcomment.com/documents/132976?scroll_to=2222337 https://nowcomment.com/documents/132976?scroll_to=2222337 I'm chuckling to myself right now, as I was literally just that freaking out parent in a comment above, and have brought up online safety concerns in comments on other readings. I'm a parent of a 6-year-old, and as someone who was bullied and targeted myself back in the day when the internet was "newer" (trying not to date myself too much haha), I worry so much about that for my son. But I am also a huge fan of technology and I can see its benefits. I agree with you, that if it's introduced with low risk and parents can see the activity - I would embrace it so much more! Wed, 02 Dec 2020 12:41:46 +0800 https://nowcomment.com/documents/132976?scroll_to=2222330 https://nowcomment.com/documents/132976?scroll_to=2222330 So this is also true for adults, speaking for myself. I read this and immediately thought about the Genius Hour project I just completed. I had been a "fly on the wall" in a photography class this past semester. I just wanted to learn from the professor and the other students, I didn't intend to insert myself or display any of my work - essentially I just wanted to be a lurker. :) But after some time, getting to know the individuals in the class a little more and they got to know me a little more - there were times I felt like they cared about things I said or questions I asked - which started to make me feel like a valued member of the group. When I presented my first set of photography, they gave me great feedback as well as compliments, which encouraged me to participate even more. They "got me" and I "got them," and it became such an enriching part of my week, to be attending that class - even though it was all voluntary and interest-driven. Wed, 02 Dec 2020 12:28:08 +0800 https://nowcomment.com/documents/132976?scroll_to=2222317 https://nowcomment.com/documents/132976?scroll_to=2222317 I see the value of these online affinity networks, definitely. But, as I have brought up before, I am always concerned about the safety of interacting with "strangers" online, especially when people can remain so anonymous. I have a 6 year old son who LOVES Minecraft, how can I embrace his learning through this and still keep him safe? Also, is he too young to really embrace the online affinity networks, being that he is just learning about reading. I am decently tech savvy, but I don't understand Minecraft in the least because I haven't explored it much myself - how much do parents need to know about Minecraft or things like it in order to help their children learn this way? This is a concern for me as a full-time working mom also attending grad school, and a husband who regularly works overtime. So a barrier could be getting parents on board to support but not necessarily be required to facilitate. Wed, 02 Dec 2020 12:14:39 +0800