Toddlers to Teens
Lindsay Conrad, Special Agent, Wisconsin Department of Justice

Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat…we’ve heard of these. What about WhatsApp, Yellow, YouNow or Skout? Our kids are active participants in sharing their news and lives online, many times unsupervised. With new popular apps being downloaded every day, how can adults keep up? This session will provide an overview of current technology trends, apps, and issues for children and teens; ways we can educate and communicate with young people on safe and proper use of technology.

1. What two things are you taking away that you heard or do you think are most important?  

Kids think there is anonymity with being online as a screen separates them from the interaction. They believe the things they do online aren’t real and don’t have consequences.
People/kids use hidden apps that look like something innocent, like a calculator, but really function for malicious uses.

2. Were there any key websites the presenter shared or things people should check out?
Protectkidsonlinewi.gov – ICAC provides education on internet crimes against children.
Cybertipline.com – Report a tip

3. What was the audience reaction to this session? What kind of feedback was given?
We need Lindsay Conrad to speak at every youth services workshop/webinar and in every one of our schools. Her presentation was eye opening and powerful.
-Submitted by Anne Hamland

 

Library Explorers and Virtual Library Cards
Susie Menk, Manitowoc Public Library

Manitowoc Public Library developed a program to introduce virtual library cards and help facilitate the use of library databases and the online catalog for student research purposes to the schools in the city of Manitowoc. Virtual library cards are cards available only in electronic format and can be used to access online databases, log into the library computers and search the online library catalog. Since they cannot be used to check-out books or other physical library items, Virtual Library Cards cannot incur fines and therefore can never be blocked. These cards allow all students to have equal access to free digital content available through the library.          

1. What two things are you taking away that you heard or do you think are most important?
Using online resources provided by the library and on the system is a great way to get school kids (particularly one age group focused in this presentation) into the library.  Then, teaching them how to use these resources and promoting information literacy. They also demonstrated how to make it happen, the nitty-gritty tech parts.

2. Were there any key websites the presenter shared or things people should check out?
http://www.manitowoclibrary.org/vlc/

3.  What was the audience reaction to this session? What kind of feedback was given?
There was a positive reaction from the audience, and personally, I thought it was very cool. People were asking best practices and how they went about making the initial connections and relationships with the school.
-Submitted by Kyle Schulz