EduBlog Insights

Laura Matthews is a freelance writer and editor and single mom of two. Her article, “Kids and the Internet - it’s a good thing” is refreshing! 

Laura Matthews is aware of the dangers of the Internet for youngsters but says…..

“Yet, from what I’ve seen, the educational benefits

of online access are worth it. Yes, parents have to be vigilant. But

the opportunities for communication and self-expression the Internet

provides are bringing benefits to everyone - especially children.”  

Hear,

hear!  Yes, it is definitely worth the risk. That doesn’t mean we

won’t be vigilant. Laura Matthews points out how computer use doesn’t

have to be isolating. Their computer sits in the family TV room. They

interact together on many things but the mom has an eye and an ear on

what’s going on.

Her daughter discovered blogs when she was 16. The author says…….

Her “xanga” had to be accessible by me. She couldn’t post her real

name, photos of herself, or her location, and I encouraged her to warn

her friends not to either. But in keeping an eye on her xanga, I also

had access to her friends’ xangas. Surprise - this opened me up to a

whole new world of insight into today’s teenager. These kids can write.”

write. That’s what we want to hear. Also, note how this parent is

gaining a lot of insight into the teenage world. She is taking an

active part in teaching her daughter responsible use. That insight can

be so useful for both parents and educators. The author continues

discipline to write daily. This puts today’s young bloggers on the fast

track to future Pulitzers. To keep your friends coming back, you have

to be interesting, funny, intelligent, relevant. These kids are all

that and more. Once I got past the immature spelling and punctuation

(along with usual teen slang and vulgarity), I was treated to some of

the best poetry I’ve ever read. All of their blogs together are a

veritable anthropological study of high school life. One senior I know

has, in four years, transformed from what seemed like functional

illiteracy - incomplete sentences, poor spelling - into a blossoming

of knee-jerk reacting, this mom got past the bad to get to the good and

she sees how transforming the blogging can be. She notes this….

over time that rights itself. What’s more important is they’ve got

something to say, and the Internet gives them the means to say it.”

they have something to say and we must encourage that voice in our

classrooms. Teach responsible use. Have fun while we learn! Allow

choices within parameters set up by all involved.

Now the interesting part. Laura Matthews has set up rules and guidelines for

her family. Check them out in the article. The rules (what’s OK and

what’s not OK) are for up to age 13,  age 13 to 16, and over age

16. Now you may or may not agree with every rule. That’s OK. That may

vary but the point is that the parent is involved and guiding her

children.They figured out what works for their family.  The value

of the Internet is realized and responsible use is fostered.. This will

be a good article to share with our parents and teachers.

The best quote from the article:

to be the most articulate and best-informed generation in recent