Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World

Description

Kids deserve a better digital future. Help them create it. When it comes to raising children in a digital world, every parent feels underprepared and overwhelmed. We worry that our children will become addicted to online games, be victims of cyberbullying, or get lost down the rabbit hole of social media. We warn them about all the things they shouldn't do online, but we don't do nearly enough to teach them the skills of digital well-being. It's time to start a new conversation. In Digital for Good, EdTech expert Richard Culatta argues that technology can be a powerful tool for learning, solving humanity's toughest problems, and bringing us closer together. He offers a refreshingly positive framework for preparing kids to be successful in a digital world - one that encourages them to use technology proactively and productively - by outlining five qualities every young person should develop in order to become a thriving, contributing digital citizen: Be balanced: understand when and how much tech use is healthy Stay informed: discern between true and false information Be inclusive: treat others with respect and kindness online Be engaged: use tech to strengthen family relationships and community connections Stay alert: exercise caution and create safe digital spaces for others This practical guide will help parents and children discover the path to becoming effective digital citizens, all while making our online world a better place.

Richard Culatta is CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Prior to joining ISTE, he served as the Chief Innovation Officer of the state of Rhode Island and was appointed by President Barack Obama to lead the US Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology. You can find the author at: InnovativeLearning.com YouTube: youtube.com/user/rculatta Twitter: twitter.com/rec54 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/culatta

"His advice is easy to implement and leavened with humor: "We also found that without some structure, our well-intentioned Sunday family time quickly turns into fight-with-your-brothers-all-afternoon time (shoot me now)." The result is a trenchant and hopeful guide for parents anxious about the impact of technology on their children's development." - Publishers Weekly Advance Praise for Digital for Good: "Culatta deftly lays out a path for all parents who are fearful of the 'always-on' social media environment—one where our children learn to thrive in an increasingly digital society. As a former policy maker and as a parent, I value Culatta's pragmatic advice." - Aneesh Chopra, former Chief Technology Officer of the United States; President, CareJourney "Richard Culatta provides practical tips and advice on how to teach kids not only how to be safe and kind digital citizens, but better human beings, both online and off. This book is essential reading for anyone who's invested in the future." - Esther Wojcicki, author, How to Raise Successful People "The digital world is here to stay, but it's not all bad news. In Digital for Good, Culatta offers an accessible road map for navigating the dual realities of digital and physical life, so our kids can find the balance they need to become engaged and thriving digital citizens." - Sandy Speicher, CEO, IDEO "Through technology, young people can help make the world stronger and more just. This book is vital reading for parents, educators, and everyone looking to help children develop the skills and attitudes they need to become informed, engaged leaders who can bridge their physical and virtual communities and use 'digital for good.'" - John B. King Jr., former United States Secretary of Education; President and CEO, The Education Trust "An incredibly timely book as many of us struggle to lead our children through the digital minefield of modern life. Richard Culatta avoids the pitfalls of preaching about the evils of technology, and instead guides us to a safe path of good, balanced behaviors that are applicable in all of our homes and schools." - Lord Jim Knight, Chair, Centre for the Acceleration of Social Technology; former Minister of State for Schools (UK) "As a journalist and a parent, I appreciate the specific, positive, and actionable steps Culatta lays out for teaching our kids and ourselves how to be better digital citizens." - Manoush Zomorodi, host, TED Radio Hour; author, Bored and Brilliant "Richard Culatta has written an engaging book, filled with personal stories as a parent and technologist. Digital for Good provides a fresh look at navigating the ever-evolving digital world with kids." - Linda Burch, Chief Strategy and Development Officer, Common Sense Media