In fact, many Web tools can be used to help kids do their schoolwork, says Candace Lindemann, founder of the educational consulting company Naturally Educational (naturallyeducational.com) in New York. They can use Twitter to get instant access to experts, create their own social networks on sites like Ning.com, or launch a blog to connect with students throughout the world. Even a classic time waster like YouTube can be used productively.”

“Say your kids are studying the issues surrounding pollution or human rights violations,” Lindemann says. “In the past students would put together a presentation and stand up in front of their friends and maybe their parents. Today, they can capture it with a webcam and upload it to YouTube. It impresses upon students why it’s important to really know their stuff and be able to communicate it clearly. The kids understand if they get their message right, thousands of people can hear what they have to say, and they can make a difference.”

[...]

Sticking your head in the sand or leaving it up to your kids to learn the rules themselves is a recipe for disaster. “Parents would be smart to embrace any tool that might help their kids in school,” says Lindemann. “Let’s face it. Social media is here to stay.”

I hope you will come visit and read some posts and comment!

Critics of such programs claim that the students who are already motivated to learn receive the most talented teachers and best resources.  [Joy] Berry argues that academically gifted children are “driven towards intellectual exploration and discovery and they cannot be derailed. They are so resourceful at getting their needs met. They will seek out libraries, museums, and experts for those conversations.”

Advocates for gifted education disagree, responding that gifted programs are more than just enrichment for successful students. “The myth that gifted children will be okay on their own … is just that – a myth,” Jane Clarenbach, public relations director of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), has noted. “We’re failing to develop the talent of some of our top students, which leads (for some of them) to underachievement and lack of interest in school.”

…read the rest, rate the article, and join the conversation at Education.com

Image: Radiant Baby by Keith Haring

Here’s an excerpt from my latest post, Why Read to Babies?

Tonight I was reading “Good Night Moon” to my baby and he shut the book. I opened it, he shut it, open, shut, open, shut.  Giggles ensued.

Clearly, he was more interested in playing with the book than with reading it.

What’s the point of reading to a baby who is too young to understand?  He’s probably just going to chew on the book anyway, right?

With a baby, the object isn’t so much as to finish a story from beginning to end as it is to savor and enjoy reading.  Even before literacy, even before comprehension, babies get a lot from books…

Read the rest and comment at “Get Schooled”…

JustAsk is a wonderful community to support parents and educators.  I am very impressed with the quality of information available, the breadth and depth of topics addressed, and the ease of use of this site.  I hope you will head over to check it out.

As a JustAsk Expert, I will have the chance to answer community questions. One of my favorite aspects of education is helping parents, teachers and children find the right educational tools to meet their goals. So, this is a perfect fit!