Do school board members have an obligation to keep up to date with the communications technologies students are using, particularly in the educational setting

Responses for The Daily Page

February 6, 2006

Arlene Silveira

Candidate for Madison School Board, Seat 1

516-8981

Do school board members have an obligation to keep up to date with the communications technologies students are using, particularly in the educational setting? Examples include texting, myspace, and online teachers’ reviews.

There are many different types of communications technologies available to students. Most are positive learning tools if used correctly. Others are detrimental to the learning process. I believe it is the role of a school board member to be in touch with what is happening in the schools and in the community. It gives a school board member an understanding of how information is communicated. As a school board member, a priority for me is the safety and education of the children and I believe having an understanding of communications technologies is important. I support the Administration keeping abreast of new technologies used for educational purposes. I also support the Administration monitoring and providing guidance on the use of newer communications technologies. This was recently done when the MMSD made the decision to prohibit access to MySpace on the school computers. I also strongly believe, as I indicate in question 2, that the parents play a critical role in monitoring the use of different communications technologies.

How closely do you think parents should monitor the media (music videos, video games, online social networks) their kids consume?

As a parent of an 8^th grade daughter, we have had this discussion many times in our home. It has been said that computers, the Internet and other electronic devices have literally put the world at our children’s fingertips. This can be a tremendous advantage to children. However, with advantages come pitfalls. I believe parents need to monitor the use and access of current technologies and inform their children about these potential pitfalls. When interacting with my daughter on these issues I believe communication is critical. We talk about different programs, games, sites, etc. I explain to her many of the problems associated with certain web sites, etc. There are games and sites that she cannot play or view. She knows the reasoning behind the decision. We have ground rules that she follows and also have time limits on computer use. In addition, when surfing the net or chatting on IM, she must be doing so in the family room where we can see what is happening on the screen. I trust my daughter very much but children do not know all the pitfalls of the internet. They can easily stumble upon many sites and activities that are not appropriate. They are trusting, a good thing, and like having new “buddies” on IM. Parents need to protect their children from the dangers and bad influences associated with the web and other videos and games. It all starts will communication.

What was the last video game you played for more than 5 minutes?

The last video game I played was Pac Man Jr. We were on vacation last summer in Colorado. My daughter and I decided to go to the game room in the hotel. She challenged me to a game of Pac Man Jr. I was not very good at all and did not make it past the first level. The fun part was the time spent with my daughter.