Today the Herons were introduced to the computer language Logo. It's the first language I learned when I was in grade school and, while it is capable of doing a lot, we'll be using a simplified version that is great for geometry (our current math theme). I purposefully kept my introduction short since I wanted them to fool around with the program and learn from trial and error. This kind of experimentation de-sensitizes students to making "mistakes." Again and again cries of triumph rose up as students got their turtle (as the drawing icon is called) to make a square. You can hear some of those exclamations on the video below. As our work in geometry progresses, we'll return to logo to create polygons. The experimentaiton will become more efficient as students apply their knowledge to make better guesses about the angles that will work.
Here's the link if you want to play around: http://www.mathsnet.net/logo/turtlelogo/index.html
In preparation for our work on-line, the students and I went over and signed the Prairie Creek Internet Use Agreement. It's a serious document and our conversation was a serious one. The students were especially interested in on-line safety issues. Our contract stipulates that while at school they are not to share their name, age, address or other personal information on line. Of course, this is good practice at home, too. Many shared that they had received inappropriate messages while playing multi-player on-line games. This provided a great opportunity to talk about e-mail, chat, and texting and the ethical responsibility they have to never send hurtful, untrue or annonymous messages. We also were able to talk about not sharing anything on-line that they wouldn't be comfortable with being public — including pictures and information. They aren't too young to realize that what might seem like a good idea when you're 17, might hurt your chances of getting a job when you're 23. Right now, they're very receptive to hearing this and it makes a difference for them to learn it before they have ready access to the technology.
I urge you to have a conversation with your child about your expectations around technology use. Personally, I believe that children should not have their own social media accounts and that all e-mail use should be very carefully monitored. The anonymity of the on-line world and the instantaneous nature has proven a dangerous combination. And, as always, children should use computers in public spaces in your house, not in their rooms.
The only element of our contract that has an impact on at home computer use is that students promise not use a computer to hurt another person whether at home or at school. The rest of the rules apply only to school use (but are appropriate for home adoption as well). You can read it here: Download Internet and Computer Contract
The Rookery 
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