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Happy New Year to all Netters: The Museum of Science in Boston is hosting a very interesting Forum on Sunday, January 28th from 2:00-5:00 that I think would be of interest tothose of you who are in the area. It is entitled Children and Computers: What is the Recommended Daily Allowance? Whether they're playing games, using the Web for research, or instant messaging friends, children of all ages are increasingly using computers. But how much of a role--and what type of role -- should computers and online interactions play in their daily lives? In the style of most Forums at the Museum of Science, "Children and Computers" begins with presentations from a panel of experts and then continues with informal small group discussions. Participants will share their perspectives, values, and opinions, and come to their own conclusions of how much and what sort of computer use is best for children. NOTE: teenagers are encouraged to participate in the January 28th Forum as it is geared to children ages 11-18. Panelists to include: . Professor Eric Klopfer, Director, MIT Teacher Education Program (how games can bridge students' experiences in school and out) . Professor Henry Jenkins, Director, MIT Comparative Media Studies Program (core skills and competencies young people need if they are going to be full participants in the new media landscape) . Ingeborg Endter, Consultant, formerly of the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network (creative uses of computers and social networking) The program is FREE and includes light refreshments...so if you have time on Sunday, January 28th from 2:00 to 5:00, call and sign up today: 617-589-4250 or ForumRSVP@mos.org <mailto:forumrsvp@mos.org> For more information visit: http://www.mos.org/doc/2047 The first forum in this series took place on Sunday, November 19, 2006 and focused on younger children (ages 3 - 10) Panelists included: Margaret Bush (Professor, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, Simmons College) talked about some of the 21st century dilemmas in expanding the concept of literacy. Computers provide many opportunities and some challenges in supporting children as they acquire language and gain skill in using it in reading, writing, and thinking. What mix of tools and skills do children need today? Are some more important than others? Alex Chisholm (Co-Director, MIT Education Arcade) talked about how parents and kids can play popular games to learn cool stuff. We don't need to be afraid of the mouse, keyboard, and joystick polluting young minds, but we do need to be smart about introducing kids to the right kinds of experiences at the right ages. Diane Levin (Professor of Education, Department of Early Childhood Education, Wheelock College) talked about the vital importance of creative play for children's development and learning. Children's involvement with computers can undermine creative play and contribute to a dependence on externally-controlled, programmed activities rather than internally controlled, creative play. How can we help children grow up to be informed and responsible computer users? Natalie Rusk (Developmental Technologies Research Group, Tufts University) showed how constructive tools can engage children in designing creative projects. She shared two innovative technologies: PicoCrickets, a construction kit for making playful inventions; and Scratch, a programming language that lets young people create their own animations, games, and interactive art. Other dates in this series:: Sunday February 11, 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Focus on younger children) Sunday, March 4, 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Focus on older children, teens) -- -- ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Jody Newman Library Aide, retired Stow, MA newjody@comcast.net "Almost everything you pay for in life is an entry fee. What happens next is up to you." Steven Dutch, U of Wisconsin ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book. To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL 3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation. * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/ * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/ * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html --------------------------------------------------------------------