Example of a Technology Assessment/rubric for use with Families

Happy New Year everyone! I am attaching a link for a technology assessment I use with families. This link goes to my website page of educational trainings. Under technology series, look down to technology assessments. You will see sample questions and the technology assessment rubric. Use these as you see fit in your practice. If you have any suggestions, modifications, or want to share your experience with this tool, please do!

 Link to Resource:
Update_Technology_Evaluation_Family_3_17

“Binging” Child Porn Searches

Technology being used to progress the protection of children has started.  Bing is the first search engine to utilize pop-up notices when pedophiles search for lewd pictures of children. The warning will notify if the search is illegal and offer a link for services to provide counseling. The UK plans to block all child pornography by having Internet users opt in for porn. This delivers a strong message that the person accessing this information is being tracked. Google is not participating in this tool to block child pornography. The power of Google could be instrumental in blocking access to sites endangering children.

So my question is why the United States is not accessing this tool? Why only is the Microsoft UK search engine, Bing, participating? How would child porn decrease if all search engines prevented child pornography searching? I believe the implications to using this tool are mostly positive.

I do understand freedom of speech and the concerns with this in the United States. There are also issues with filters and how to get around the wrong searches being targeted. Tech savvy people can probably bypass the blocks put up, but how many will it deter? Isn’t this plan worth protecting children who cannot protect themselves? What about prevention? Interest in child pornography starts somewhere. Making it less accessible may deter some voyeurs.  

I hope there will be studies in the UK to evaluate the effectiveness of such measures.

More information:

http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/28/4565050/microsoft-bing-uk-search-online-child-porn-filters

http://www.couriermail.com.au/technology/google-rejects-alert-that-could-stop-online-pedophiles/story-fniho1r7-1226687380321?from=public_rss

http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/22/4544574/uk-david-cameron-cracks-down-on-internet-porn-child-pornography

Behavior Charts go High Tech

Children are coming into my office at younger and younger ages with either an iTouch, smart phone, or tablets. The types of programs on these devices engage children. Parents can utilize their children's interest by exploring behavior and chore charts. I know one of the most common areas when working with families are behavior and chores.  I struggled with one family to track behavior. We created posters, charts for the refrigerator, and reminders for bathroom mirrors.  The family came each week for reasons tracking did not occur. Then I found Rich Kid's Behavior and Reward System and Chore Monster for the younger child. These apps motivated the kids to remind the parents about their behavior. The kids wanted engagement with technology. The visual interaction of their behavior and rewards seemed to act like a cue to respond differently to stimuli. The kids wanted their parents to track how well they were doing so they could interact with the app and see their progress. I see it as an alternative to traditional behavior charts.



Links to Websites:

Choremonster
Rich Kids Behavior and Reward System

10 iPhone apps to help you manage your kids behavior

I can't find a book on...so I will make one!

Therapy with children is a chance for a virtual creative Waterloo. Trying to locate a book for my specific child client about their specific issue is sometimes a nightmare. These specific apps for the iPad can transform a therapeutic practice with children in two ways. First, as a therapist, I can create my own books specific to the issues I see most often in my practice. I can base the books on evidence based practice and research on the topic made into kid friendly books. The second way to integrate this app is to have the children develop their own book on the topic. They can choose the characters and the lessons for them to learn. Today's digitally savvy kids will be engaged at a whole new level!


             Visualize                                      Puppet Pals                              Toontastic

Link to Resource:

Digital Storytelling Apps

Using the Computer:

My Story Telling

Lego Comic Builder