Parents as Partners Episode #31 November 16, 2009

Tonight's session was the first in a series of brainstorms about a special project that would creating digital parent courses. Show hosts Matt Montagne and Lorna Costantini welcomed Justin Reeve, Colleen McGuire,  Penny Lindballe to the show.

The purpose of this project is to ...

  • show parents how the computer and the Internet can be used for educational purposes
  • collect resources on Internet safety for families??
  • link to commonly used 2.0 open source programs??
  • provide information regarding the impacts (positive and negative) of digital footprints?
  • create interactive activities for parents to do with their children??
  • to illustrate the use of social media in the classroom??
  • compile laws that apply to students and student Internet safety

All ideas and input are welcome. The project can be found at www.digitalparent.net.

Chat Log

[20:50] == Lorna [i=d879983b@gateway/web/freenode/x-hmjvjt


[20:50] <Lorna> JUstin I need you to sign into skype
[20:51] == Kristen [i=4584ac94@gateway/web/freenode/x-kfcrhibhsckfgned] has joined #edtechtalk
[20:51] <justinreeve> I'm on
[20:52] <justinreeve> hi everyone
[20:52] <Lorna> good
[20:52] <Lorna> Hi Kristen
[20:52] <justinreeve> what do you need me to do now?
[20:52] <justinreeve> this is a nice little IRC script, btw
[20:52] <Lorna> I'll call u in  a min
[20:53] <justinreeve> well, I'm on mIRC now, but I was using the qwebirc one just a minute ago.
[20:53] <justinreeve> k
[20:53] <Kristen> hi
[20:55] <justinreeve> here's the link to what Matt's talking about: http://christmas.justinreeve.com
[20:56] == matt_montagne [i=62cf0242@gateway/web/freenode/x-xarpoduhsiskblmv] has joined #edtechtalk
[20:57] <Lorna> can you hear
[20:58] <Lorna> start the ustream player
[20:58] <ScottShelhart> Ustream sounds good.
[20:58] == PeggyG [i=62a5b02d@gateway/web/freenode/x-ufdjwidkrurumlfy] has joined #edtechtalk
[20:59] <ScottShelhart> (now can u please fix this awful chat room/)
[20:59] <PeggyG> Pant! Pant!! :-) Great to be here with you!
[20:59] <PeggyG> funny how every ETT show starts with conversation about the new chat room :-)
[21:00] == AL_ [i=18c40682@gateway/web/freenode/x-ybppizqsnqzrzyzh] has joined #edtechtalk
[21:00] == Anthony [i=18056564@gateway/web/freenode/x-gsjupgrzlmcwwtaw] has joined #edtechtalk
[21:00] == Anthony has changed nick to Guest75008
[21:01] == kiva1111111 [i=40e79aa4@gateway/web/freenode/x-yyasslazbedmkguh] has joined #edtechtalk
[21:01] <matt_montagne> hey all
[21:01] <PeggyG> Matt has been cloned :-)
[21:01] <matt_montagne> indeed peggy!!!
[21:02] == Colleen [i=47ccd6d7@gateway/web/freenode/x-shztdhqedsrgjick] has joined #edtechtalk
[21:02] == Plind [i=d15b6bfa@gateway/web/freenode/x-ayrsfjvrmmlzmtdt] has joined #edtechtalk
[21:02] <matt_montagne> hey colleen
[21:02] <justinreeve> Hi Colleen
[21:02] <matt_montagne> hey penny
[21:02] <Colleen> Hello all
[21:02] <kiva1111111> hello
[21:03] <PeggyG> I'm so glad we are able to continue the conversation about communicating with parents on the new Digital Parent site! Welcome Justin and Colleen!!
[21:03] <justinreeve> hi PeggyG
[21:03] == Jeannine [i=9c225b62@gateway/web/freenode/x-aibwkjzljawfrsxq] has joined #edtechtalk
[21:04] <Plind> Hey all on my way home frm red deer just seeing if I ca connect
[21:04] == Plind [i=d15b6bfa@gateway/web/freenode/x-ayrsfjvrmmlzmtdt] has quit [Client Quit]
[21:04] == AL_ [i=18c40682@gateway/web/freenode/x-ybppizqsnqzrzyzh] has quit [Client Quit]
[21:04] == Plind [i=d15b6bfa@gateway/web/freenode/x-yiielmemzcwrcbin] has joined #edtechtalk
[21:04] <PeggyG> exciting Plind!!
[21:05] <PeggyG> my audio is really lagging listening to Justin. Is it just me?
[21:05] == Kristen [i=4584ac94@gateway/web/freenode/x-kfcrhibhsckfgned] has quit ["Page closed"]
[21:05] <Plind> And for the record I'm not driving ;)
[21:07] <justinreeve> No, I just have a minor speech impediment :)
[21:07] == Plind [i=d15b6bfa@gateway/web/freenode/x-yiielmemzcwrcbin] has quit [Client Quit]
[21:07] <justinreeve> if that bothers anyone, oh well ... tough luck ;)
[21:07] <PeggyG> no problem, Justin!! thanks for clarifying so I know it's not my computer.
[21:08] <justinreeve> http://tinyurl.com/moodle4parents
[21:08] <PeggyG> Justin beat me!! He's an awesome tech user!!
[21:09] <Lorna> colleen can you give us your skype id
[21:09] -justinreeve- ir-irish42
[21:09] <Colleen> sorry ir-ish42
[21:09] -justinreeve- er, that's wrong
[21:09] <justinreeve> thanks Colleen
[21:09] <Colleen> i was trying to figure out the audio in here
[21:09] == Plind [i=d15b6bfa@gateway/web/freenode/x-qqcaxqpspaegtlty] has joined #edtechtalk
[21:09] <Colleen> i can hear you all
[21:09] == Plind [i=d15b6bfa@gateway/web/freenode/x-qqcaxqpspaegtlty] has quit [Client Quit]
[21:10] == rammen [i=54d249d6@gateway/web/freenode/x-nchnuwfjzmruxlsl] has joined #edtechtalk
[21:10] == Plind [i=d15b6bfa@gateway/web/freenode/x-fisnrdsisjfjgeqt] has joined #edtechtalk
[21:10] <PeggyG> there is already some awesome planning taking place on the google doc!
[21:11] <Plind> Seems I can chat or listen but not both
[21:11] == rammen [i=54d249d6@gateway/web/freenode/x-nchnuwfjzmruxlsl] has quit [Client Quit]
[21:11] <Lorna> Penny can we bring you into the call
[21:12] <Plind> I'm actually on my iPhone so prob not
[21:13] <PeggyG> we're really hoping that this site will be able to provide parents with information about how technology is being used in schools
[21:14] == Colleen_ [i=47ccd6d7@gateway/web/freenode/x-ijlgciamwsnehhic] has joined #edtechtalk
[21:14] == Colleen_ [i=47ccd6d7@gateway/web/freenode/x-ijlgciamwsnehhic] has quit [Client Quit]
[21:14] == rogerlem [i=60158e3c@gateway/web/freenode/x-tuvsjvednipyhtpt] has joined #edtechtalk
[21:14] <matt-montagne> I think Penny's approach is a good one...you have to learn how it can be useful for your own purpose
[21:14] == ScottShelhart [i=43ed1248@gateway/web/freenode/x-orfiomoxtkjbnsda] has quit ["Page closed"]
[21:15] <Colleen> What am I supposed to be looking at?
[21:15] == than [i=0c193736@gateway/web/freenode/x-hkzygaemtkzgfhfu] has joined #edtechtalk
[21:15] <Colleen> Can I get into the call?
[21:15] <PeggyG> that's a good point about helping parents to learn to use it themselves so they can better understand how their kids are using technology
[21:15] == rogerlem [i=60158e3c@gateway/web/freenode/x-tuvsjvednipyhtpt] has quit [Client Quit]
[21:15] <Lorna> colleen waht is your skype id
[21:15] <Colleen> ir-ish42
[21:16] <PeggyG> great thoughts Justin--creating family albums on Flickr, etc.
[21:16] <Lorna> Colleen pls accept my contact
[21:17] <Colleen> done
[21:17] <PeggyG> in case you missed the link, this is the google doc we are talking about: http://tinyurl.com/moodle4parents
[21:18] <PeggyG> Hi Colleen!
[21:18] == Colleen [i=47ccd6d7@gateway/web/freenode/x-shztdhqedsrgjick] has quit ["Page closed"]
[21:18] == than [i=0c193736@gateway/web/freenode/x-hkzygaemtkzgfhfu] has quit [Client Quit]
[21:18] <PeggyG> don't you love technology challenges :-)
[21:18] <PeggyG> I'm in Phoenix AZ :-)
[21:19] == joelzehring [i=ae12a4c6@gateway/web/freenode/x-ninjoyynttaodbhc] has joined #edtechtalk
[21:19] <PeggyG> we're excited about using Moodle to organize this site for parents!
[21:20] <joelzehring> Any tips on how to open this chat in Adium or other IRC client?
[21:20] == Guest75008 [i=18056564@gateway/web/freenode/x-gsjupgrzlmcwwtaw] has quit ["Page closed"]
[21:20] <PeggyG> I love how Justin got us started by creating a Google doc where we could all collaborate and then the Moodle site for creating the actual content!
[21:21] <PeggyG> yes, Matt!! let's get started with a single course just to get it going!
[21:21] <justinreeve> joelzehring: YOu could try XChat or miRC 
[21:22] <PeggyG> Alpha is good :-)
[21:22] <PeggyG> yes Colleen got it started
[21:22] <joelzehring> Should I copy the above URL and paste into the IRC settings? Is there a password?
[21:23] <matt-montagne> I learned the whole "Alpha" thing from BJ Fogg and Stanford...it is the whole theory of innovation--launch early and iterate often
[21:23] <PeggyG> should we be deciding which "course" would be the best starting place for parents?
[21:24] <PeggyG> a quiz is a great idea!
[21:24] <Jeannine> A resource I've been looking at in the last few days is http://nextgenerationlearning.org.uk/  - they have info on all the things you are looking at. Might be some useful stuff
[21:24] <matt-montagne> it is awfully tought for parents to support kids if they have no idea of what the possibilities are
[21:25] <matt-montagne> *tough
[21:25] <PeggyG> I think parents should be able to pick any module they would like to learn about once we get more content created
[21:25] <justinreeve> well said, matt
[21:25] <matt-montagne> agreed, Peggy...definitely
[21:25] <justinreeve> I type better than I speak, so let me summarize more about what I mean.  Parents should understand the value of the social web, because that is where kids today are.  That's where they talk to their friends, plan get-togethers, and share personal information that might interest a parent.  Parents should have the basic know-how to moderate that sort of thing.
[21:25] <justinreeve> They should also be aware of the pros and cons of various tech tools, and how they CAN be used for educational purposes.
[21:26] == Plind_ [i=d15b6bfa@gateway/web/freenode/x-hzorieilwsafatfj] has joined #edtechtalk
[21:27] <PeggyG> through our course start-up we could actually share information modelling the use of some different tech tools so parents may ask us to tell them more about how to use the tool--like VoiceThread, Flickr, etc.
[21:27] <Plind_> Using google to organize life is a great plAce to start
[21:27] == Plind [i=d15b6bfa@gateway/web/freenode/x-fisnrdsisjfjgeqt] has quit [Ping timeout: 180 seconds]
[21:27] <justinreeve> For starters, we should identify the most useful/widely-used tools for a parent today.
[21:27] == Colleen [i=47ccd6d7@gateway/web/freenode/x-tbvwugivkzmoaebb] has joined #edtechtalk
[21:27] <Plind_> It was very popular with the parents in our group
[21:28] <PeggyG> we could start off with a parent survey to guide us on what parents really want to learn about
[21:28] == Plind_ [i=d15b6bfa@gateway/web/freenode/x-hzorieilwsafatfj] has quit [Client Quit]
[21:29] <PeggyG> don't have my headset on :-(
[21:29] == joelzehring [i=ae12a4c6@gateway/web/freenode/x-ninjoyynttaodbhc] has quit ["Page closed"]
[21:29] <Lorna> peggy can i bring you in
[21:29] <PeggyG> Google apps are so flexible for so many things!!
[21:29] <PeggyG> yes-headset is on now
[21:30] <Jeannine> In the beginning you'll need a bit of everything, but one of the first things that would be helpful is a glossary - many of us who use social media know the terms - web 2.0, social media, PLN, etc - just like edubabble that parents don't undertand, technobabble is a problem.
[21:30] <justinreeve> Here's the survey that Lorna made earlier: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFR2TldhdWdrTFhKQVpReU5v...
[21:32] <PeggyG> it was a scribd document with parts for needs assessment for many groups but parents were included
[21:32] <PeggyG> perhaps our first lessons/tutorials should be how to use Moodle if everything will be organized there
[21:33] <PeggyG> if they can't find what they need they won't go further
[21:34] <PeggyG> this is the scribd document I posted on the Google doc with parent needs assessment-scroll to the bottom: http://www.scribd.com/doc/21713141/Technology-Needs-Assessment
[21:35] <PeggyG> do parents have to commit to a course to indicate their interest in what they want to learn about?
[21:36] <justinreeve> I don't think we should force them to do anything
[21:36] <justinreeve> otherwise, they won't do it
[21:36] <justinreeve> I think overall this should be fun an easy to do
[21:37] <justinreeve> *and easy
[21:37] <PeggyG> that was my thought too Justin--we should rephrase that question about course...
[21:37] <justinreeve> Maybe we shouldn't even use the term "course"
[21:37] <justinreeve> that conjures up images of lots of busywork, tests, etc.
[21:38] <PeggyG> I agree with that! let's use a different name
[21:38] <PeggyG> we don't have to create all of our own content (as Justin suggested on the google doc)
[21:39] <PeggyG> we could use a lot of the CommonCraft video tutorials to get different tools/concepts introduced
[21:40] <Jeannine> @PeggyG - love the CommonCraft stuff
[21:40] <matt-montagne> maybe we need a basic skills strand
[21:40] <justinreeve> another good "course" for parents would be email, yes.  Also maybe using email with young kids.
[21:40] == Penny [i=d15b6bfa@gateway/web/freenode/x-jxbephktelddkubi] has joined #edtechtalk
[21:40] <matt-montagne> I agree with you on the term "course"
[21:41] <Penny> Matt you r making good points -- find out hobbies and interests
[21:41] <matt-montagne> moodle would just be the website tool that we use to aggregate the learning materials...we could even do this in a wiki
[21:41] <Penny> Use that to populate readers, to use diigo, etc...
[21:41] <PeggyG> don't call it basic skills though--maybe "Getting Started with Technology" or something like that??
[21:42] <matt-montagne> yes, agreed peggy...basic skills is a major buzz kill
[21:42] <justinreeve> I agree, Peggy
[21:43] <Penny> So true .. Parents I have are far beyond basic skills
[21:43] <justinreeve> I think the basic idea should make them feel like they're not "enrolling" in anything, and that it's not some structured courseset they have to go through, but something they can just browse through at their own will
[21:43] <justinreeve> like as if they were just browsing a web site
[21:44] <Penny> We also have discussions about what it means to live in this state of uber-connectedness
[21:44] <PeggyG> I think we could have a regular meeting time every other week and work on the google doc and moodle site in between those times
[21:44] <PeggyG> http://edtechtalk.com/live
[21:45] <Penny> The modules would be a great resource for someone wanting to facilitate a f2f session for parents
[21:46] <PeggyG> that is a great point Penny!! once we get some content created on the site it could be used by parents to share with other parents or teachers to share with their parents
[21:47] <PeggyG> are you wanting feedback from parents about what the suvey includes--specific questions?
[21:47] <PeggyG> I won't be there next Thursday!!
[21:47] <Penny> Sorry if I'm not matching convo -- but can't figure how to listen and chat on iPhone
[21:47] <justinreeve> it's okay, you're forgiven ;)
[21:48] <Penny> Going to go listen again :)
[21:48] == Penny [i=d15b6bfa@gateway/web/freenode/x-jxbephktelddkubi] has quit ["Page closed"]
[21:48] <justinreeve> Let me link to the actual site
[21:48] <justinreeve> http://www.digitalparent.net
[21:48] <PeggyG> but we don't have a "first course" selected--we signed up for lots of different topics
[21:48] <justinreeve> Still barebones, but we'll get there
[21:49] <Jeannine> We might be in Canada, but US T'giving means FOOTBALL in this house.
[21:49] <PeggyG> I think guest access is great--very non-threatening for parents
[21:50] == kcaise [i=48b38871@gateway/web/freenode/x-tplocwctnhmncwgt] has joined #edtechtalk
[21:50] <justinreeve> hi kim
[21:50] <PeggyG> I agree with that Matt!!
[21:51] <matt-montagne> hey there kim
[21:51] <PeggyG> we could offer a course on LearnCentral!
[21:51] <PeggyG> parents could participate live in events but sessions could also be recorded for them to listen to later
[21:52] <justinreeve> that would be a good way to go, PeggyG
[21:52] <justinreeve> the session could just be used as the courseware
[21:52] <justinreeve> "course"ware
[21:52] <PeggyG> we can also download/publish Elluminate sessions as mp4s and embed them in the Moodle :-)
[21:53] <PeggyG> I truly think many people don't know that it's not appropriate to use images from the internet--they think it's all public
[21:55] <PeggyG> a copyright section would be very helpful to parents so they know when their kids are downloading "free" music and sharing it widely with friends that it's not legal :-)
[21:56] <kcaise> hi matt and everyone
[21:56] <Lorna> Hi Kim
[21:56] <kcaise> hi lorna
[21:56] <PeggyG> I think we really need to provide a "how to use Moodle" screencast/video just to help parents know how to get started on the site
[21:57] <justinreeve> good point, peggy
[21:57] <justinreeve> I think you mentioned that on the google doc, too
[21:57] <justinreeve> what's that one site?  http://www.moodletutorials.com
[21:57] <justinreeve> er
[21:57] <PeggyG> there are lots of examples already out there!
[21:57] <justinreeve> that's not it.  Here's the real one: http://www.moodletutorials.org/
[21:57] <justinreeve> little short clips
[21:58] <PeggyG> the Virtual Technology Conference provided several of those for their Moodle site--the conference was entirely provided on Moodle
[22:00] <Jeannine> Not sure if this was mentioned... wouldn't hurt to ask some kids about what their parents should know about social media
[22:00] <PeggyG> this is the Moodle site for VTC--browse around at the organization as much as you can without registering http://moodle.esc11.net/vtc/
[22:00] <justinreeve> I think that's a good idea.  "What do you wish your parents knew about the web?"
[22:00] <PeggyG> I won't be there on Thanksgiving
[22:01] <justinreeve> do kids actually refer to it as "social media?"
[22:02] <PeggyG> the social networking CommonCraft video is good because it starts with planning a family camping trip :-)
[22:02] <Jeannine> @justinreeve - probably not :)
[22:02] <justinreeve> I have invites
[22:03] <PeggyG> I'm on Google Wave but I'd rather not ad another level of learning to be able to do this project
[22:03] <PeggyG> for me it would be easier to use Skype chat for our group
[22:04] <kiva1111111> what is google wave
[22:04] <justinreeve> if it ain't broke, don't fix it
[22:04] <justinreeve> kiva: http://wave.google.com
[22:04] <PeggyG> I agree Justin :-)
[22:04] <justinreeve> Google's answer to social networking...and creating social network standards
[22:04] <justinreeve> kiva1111111, if you want an invite, let me know
[22:05] <PeggyG> you can add a comment to the skype chat whenever it comes to you and people will see it the next time they log in to skype
[22:05] <kiva1111111> ok, thanks for the quick explanation  Justin, yes could you send me an invite
[22:05] <justinreeve> what's your gmail address?
[22:05] <justinreeve> or any address, actually
[22:05] <kiva1111111> [email protected]
[22:05] <justinreeve> done
[22:05] <kiva1111111> thanks
[22:06] <justinreeve> I've noticed it takes a couple days for the invite to come, but it'll get there
[22:06] <Jeannine> Good luck everyone - time for bed on this coast.
[22:06] <justinreeve> thanks Jeannine
[22:06] == Jeannine [i=9c225b62@gateway/web/freenode/x-aibwkjzljawfrsxq] has quit ["Page closed"]
[22:06] <kiva1111111> justin i'll watch for it
[22:06] <PeggyG> do you have to invite us to the Wave Matt?
[22:07] <PeggyG> lots of food for thought tonight! great brainstorming with all of you!
[22:07] <kiva1111111> thanks to everyone
[22:07] == kcaise [i=48b38871@gateway/web/freenode/x-tplocwctnhmncwgt] has quit ["Page closed"]
[22:07] <PeggyG> see you next time
[22:07] <Colleen> g'night all!
[22:08] == Colleen [i=47ccd6d7@gateway/web/freenode/x-tbvwugivkzmoaebb] has quit ["Page closed"]
[22:08] == PeggyG [i=62a5b02d@gateway/web/freenode/x-ufdjwidkrurumlfy] has quit ["Page closed"]
[22:08] == kiva1111111 [i=40e79aa4@gateway/web/freenode/x-yyasslazbedmkguh] has quit ["Page closed"]