Kindness Online

I am a subscriber to the Screenagers Movie newsletters. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I definitely want to in the future. It is a movie that all parents should watch. The impact of screens on our children's lives are not yet fully understood, and the consequences will only be comprehended much later... We hope it won't be too late. See the trailer below.

As much as I am an advocate for the use of technology and how much it is enhancing our lives, I am also aware that we should control this tool and not the other way round!

The latest newsletter is about encouraging small acts of kindness online! As it is the month of kindness, and kind is my word of the year, I love this idea! Sometimes you don't know how to be kind! Is it only the money I give at the robot (traffic light), or are there other ways in my daily life to be kind?  How do I teach my children to be kind online?

Smartick app - the answer to sharpen math skills for children

I got an invite from Smartick Method, a mathematics programme that's run online, to try out the app for free. It's available to try out for free for everybody!

Smartick is an online math learning program that uses the latest artificial intelligence to adapt to each child’s learning style. The first session tests the individual child's math knowledge. From there, each child gets their own exercises based on their own abilities and skills as they progress! It is for children aged 4 -14. Based on a daily 15-minute session, the child progresses at his or her own pace, building self-confidence, avoiding frustration, and developing a positive attitude towards math.
The program is supported by the European Union, and it is also now available in South Africa.

The Smartick Method helps to create a study habit and routine, it avoids burnout and keep children motivated and coming back for more. The recommendation is that children do it at least 5 days a week to truly experience the benefits of the program.

I am very impressed with the scope and range of the programme. It is a great way to sharpen some of the skills and knowledge that children missed during their normal school day. The claim is that 94 out of 100 children improve their calculation skills. Also that 83 out of 100 children improve their school grades in maths. This would work fantastic for homeschooling!

Little Miss got a bit frustrated and demotivated, until I was told it was because I helped her too much. Smartick did not get a true reflection of the level of skill that the child is at, and the child is not able to do the exercises. We started again, and Little Miss is having a much better experience!  She also loves creating the virtual world with extra ticks she earns each day. She is able to create her own avatar and world on the app after she has completed her maths session.

Smartick

The parent gets a daily feedback about the content that has been covered.

The parent also gets a message when the session was missed.

Try it out for free on a 15 day trial: Smartick
The pricing deals are very good when comparing it to paying for a monthly maths tutor.

Download on iOS: Smartick - Math for children
Download on Google Play: Smartick - Learn math

Please let me know what you think of the app after your children have tried it?


Disclaimer: We got an extra three months free play, but I was not paid for the review.

Notes from Digital You #jozimeetup

#JoziMeetUp at iStore, Sandton Drive

We had our second blogger meetup in Johannesburg this past weekend thanks to the wonderful efforts of Laura-Kim le Roux of Harassed Mom.

Laura-Kim le Roux

This time she organised two speakers,. and the vibrant actress and presenter Hayley Owen shared some of her insights about their project Digital You.

Hayley Owen

I made some notes about the importance of your own digital profile, as well as looking after the profiles of your children as well.
Especially if you are a Mommy Blogger... We are responsible for the digital profiles of our children as well!

Notes:

- Treat your own social profiles like a VIP.

- The National Prosecuting Authority has made it illegal to post naked pictures of children online.

- 3 rules to keep in mind with regards online safety. It is also a good idea to teach it to your children (Especially!!)

• 1 never talk to strangers
• Never share personal details
• Don't meet up with any strangers

Digital You

- 1 in 5 teenagers attempt suicide. When posting on social media, imagine that it is the same as writing on the giant billboard.

Digital You

- Against the law to post mean, bullying content online.

 - Signs your child are being bullied

• Reluctant or refuses to go to school
• Does not want to participate in after-school activities or play with friends
• Goes to the nurse in order to avoid going to class
• Your child suddenly spends much more or much less time texting, gaming or using social-networking websites.
• After texting or being online, he or she seems withdrawn, upset or outraged
• Your child asks to have a social media or online account be shut down - Digital You

 - Action steps to take

• NB save the evidence. Take a screen shot!
• Ignore contact from bully
• Block offenders
• Contact the site and report the perpetrator
• Report incident to the authorities
• Crimeline: sms 32211 or call 08600 10111

Digital You

- Reminder to set up strong passwords and filters on computers.

- Sexting: If caught with a picture of a child under 16 - sexy / naked: guilty of child pornography!

- Your CV is no longer well-written CV, but what comes up online!

- Everywhere you go, there's a digital camera around.

- Know the power of a photograph and how long it can stay online.

- Think about the future of your children, and their online reputation that's already available.

- Google yourself and show online footprint.

- Positives and negatives of digital you!

- Do a digital make-over!

- Get online & let people know that you have done a digital make-over

Working mothers contemplating new studies

As I am contemplating to start studying again next year, this guest post had some valuable points to consider, especially when you are a working mother.

 

Moms are always looking to go back to school. [Or some of us...]

However, most of us also have either part-time or full-time jobs that they need to keep in order to support their growing families.

For what qualities should these dedicated and motivated parents search when looking for the best online degree programs?

Residency Requirements

While the term "online program" implies that all of the studies will take place over the computer, this is not always the case. Some schools will allow students to complete the majority of the program online, but they will need to attend the physical campus for a certain number of credits, specific programs or maybe even an entire semester. Parents must look into this component before enrolling. If they have a full-time job, they likely won't be able to take off for three months to go study on campus.

Class Meeting Requirements

When parents are working full-time and taking care of a household, it's best to look for programs that are as liberal and casual as possible in terms of strict time confines. Indeed, parents must complete their assignments by the date and time that they are due. However, they should look for programs that do not have online chat session meetings. For example, some classes might require that the entire group meet and chat every Monday and Wednesday night at 7. When the kids have gymnastics at 6:30 on Mondays and dance at 7:15 on Wednesdays, this arrangement does not work so well. A strict class schedule could be better for parents with older children.

Length of Study

It's unlikely that parents have the time to enroll in a program that could take them five to six years to complete, especially when they don't know what their children's schedules will be like that far down the road. The best degrees are usually the ones that take two to three years at most as that is generally in the foreseeable future for many families. Parents have somewhat of an idea of what their children's school and activities schedules will be like during that time frame.

A Beloved Discipline

Of course, one of the most important components of picking the best online degree program is for mothers to choose a path that they love. They're likely going back to school because they aren't happy with their current positions or because they want to advance themselves in their current field. Therefore, the best programs are the ones that will help parents truly accomplish their goals and to fulfill the dreams that they have had for themselves since they were children and teenagers. Furthermore, don't forget that school is stressful, and it's a lot easier to get through the day-to-day grind if you actually enjoy what you're learning about!!

The "best" online degrees are going to vary from person to person. A situation that works for one family may very well not work for another as all family dynamics are different. An MBA might be great for most people, but there will always be exceptions to the rule. Therefore, it's important for working parents to conduct research on a variety of different programs to find the one that is best suited for themselves, their families and their financial situation.


Kandi Trier writes about education, family and more. Her proudest piece is on the Top 20 Value Online MBA Programs.

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