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Global Classrooms Use Technology to Prep Students for Workforce

A library is no longer a place you go to read," says Jagmeet Sekhon, a political science and commerce student, who uses the new library several times a week for solo work and group projects. "These collaboration rooms are a reflection of what's really out there in the real world,

According to Daden, there were four basic types of virtual worlds three years ago — gaming worlds like World of Warcraft, 3D chat platforms like IMVU, open virtual worlds like Second Life, and proprietary simulations used for training in businesses, government and education settings. There are technical reasons why game engines are used for gaming worlds rather than virtual world platforms, due better graphics and scalability. Similarly, simulations are often created using simulation engines.

The new Xbox LIVE Party feature extends the concept of social interaction on Xbox LIVE with 8-person voice chat. It also provides simple mechanisms for the Xbox LIVE Party group to play multiplayer games together. This session reviews the Xbox LIVE Party feature and discusses how to integrate your game to create cutting-edge social experiences. Come find out how to make your title interact seamlessly with Xbox LIVE Party, and how doing so will improve your user experience. If you are currently enabling your title for Xbox LIVE, or are just interested in learning more about the latest features, this talk is for you.

For the past few years educators have sought a way to utilize social networking to communicate and collaborate with other teachers, parents and students.  From Twitter to Facebook teachers have created streams to alert parents of upcoming assignments, Q&A pages and be available for students long after the school doors have closed

Security and privacy issues have run amuck with teachers ‘friending’ students on Facebook.  In fact, teachers have lost their job for placing school administratively deemed inappropriate photos on their wall. My school district has mandated that educators follow certain guidelines for teachers to adhere to when students or their parents attempt to become our social network friend. Some people may call this extreme but I view said guidelines as a form of protection for all involved.

Studies now show a link in electronics and ADHD/ADD. What kids really need in face time with mom and dad

  There is a time and place for technology, but to rely on it to "babysit" our children is not the answer.

Technology is training our kids to expect results now.

On an average, users spend about 25 hours a week in such virtual worlds.

First step, if you don't have a Facebook account, get one and learn about it before you allow your teen to get one. Another suggestion, teach your kids to use common sense. Don't put your social security number, address or phone number online. Finally, don't teach your kids to be dishonest!

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Cyberbullies can send harmful messages several ways. Cyberbullying can come in the form of direct, attacking emails or text messages. These messages often contain threats, insults and sexual or racial slurs. Cyberbullying can also occur in Web forums. Bullies may pose as the person they’re trying to humiliate on public sites and post defamatory comments towards themselves. Bullies have also been known to reveal personal information (address, workplace phone number) about another individual on public forums or chat rooms as a way to solicit unwarranted contact.

Cyberbullying is cowardice, it’s unacceptable.

Do not visit the websites that have frequent bully encounters. You can also change your cell phone and home phone number to stop receiving harassing texts and calls.

It happens in school, at work, physically, verbally, even by email and text - now researchers at The University of Nottingham say there's no escape in the virtual world.

Parents need to be the one trusted place kids can go when things go wrong online and offline. Yet they often are the one place kids avoid when things go wrong online. Why? Parents tend to overreact.

Parents need to be supportive of your child during this time

Let the school know so the guidance counselor can keep an eye out for in-school bullying and for how your child is handling things.