Hello and welcome! My name is Jennifer Rehal, and I’m here with Frank. We’re celebrating Remake Learning Days Across America, and today we’re in Badgerland. How are you doing, Frank?
I’m doing great, thanks! I’m near Madison, Wisconsin, and I work with CESA 2 as an instructional technology consultant. I’m excited to talk about Common Sense, which was important to me during my 24 years of teaching.
Remake Learning Days is the world’s largest open house for hands-on learning. It brings together kids, families, grandparents, and teachers to explore different learning opportunities. Many groups join in, like schools, museums, libraries, afterschool programs, early childcare centers, universities, parks, and tech startups. Most events are free and open to everyone, and they can be in-person, live-streamed, or recorded, offering lots of ways to learn.
It’s a fantastic chance for families everywhere to see how learning happens today, which is quite different from the past.
To make this experience even better, we’re going to do an activity together. You might want to grab a piece of paper and something to write with, or just listen as Frank and I show you an activity you can do with your family or friends. We have a family activity sheet to guide us today.
We’ll talk about our values and technology. Knowing what we value helps us use media and technology in ways that support our well-being. Let’s start with some definitions. “Values” are principles or personal rules that are important to us, shaped by our experiences, identities, and cultures. Values can change over time, so what matters to you today might be different in a few months.
Frank, can you share some values that are important to you?
Sure! Some values that stand out to me are kindness, which I focused on while working in a middle school, and social justice, especially around fairness in schools. Spiritual health has also become more important to me as I get older.
For me, connection is a key value. It’s about how we connect with friends and family. Being present is another important value, as it encourages us to listen and engage fully with others. Lastly, physical health and well-being are increasingly important to me.
It’s normal for parents or caregivers to have different values than their children. While we may share some family values, personal values can vary, and that’s perfectly okay.
Now, let’s think about your top three digital activities. Consider how you use media and technology every day. Frank, what are some of your top digital activities?
I use email a lot to communicate with school districts. I also enjoy watching online webinars to learn about STEAM events and maker spaces. Lastly, I use social media to stay connected with friends and family and to explore hobbies like bread-making and pickleball.
Those are great activities! From a family perspective, I also enjoy listening to music and podcasts, along with using email and social media. While social media can be fun, it can also lead to “doomscrolling,” where you get lost in endless content.
Yes, “doomscrolling” can be tricky. While technology helps us share information easily, it can also create misunderstandings or heated discussions, especially on sensitive topics.
Exactly. While technology helps us connect, it can also create challenges, like miscommunication or the pressure to respond quickly. Setting boundaries, like turning off notifications, can help manage these issues.
This conversation is ongoing, and it’s important to revisit it regularly with your family. It doesn’t have to be formal; it can happen during dinner or while driving. We also have family agreements that can guide these discussions about media and technology use at home.
Have you used any of these agreements with your family, Frank?
Yes, I find it crucial to include these conversations in our routine. What works for one child may not work for another, so it’s important to adapt and keep communication open.
I agree. Consistent communication is key, and involving children in these discussions can lead to a better understanding of their values and preferences.
As we wrap up, I encourage everyone to visit Common Sense’s website for resources and tips on navigating the digital world. Thank you, Frank, for sharing your insights today. Remember, this is an ongoing conversation.
Thank you for having me, Jennifer. I encourage everyone to explore local Remake Learning Days events in their area. Have a great day!
Take a moment to reflect on your personal values. Write down three values that are most important to you and explain why they matter. Consider how these values influence your use of technology and media. Share your reflections with a family member or friend to start a conversation about shared and differing values.
Create a map of your top three digital activities. For each activity, draw connections to the values you listed in the previous activity. Discuss with a partner how these activities align with or challenge your values. Consider ways to adjust your digital habits to better reflect your values.
Gather with your family to discuss the values that are important to each member. Use a family activity sheet to guide the conversation. Identify common values and discuss how they can be reflected in your family’s use of technology. Create a family agreement to support these values in your digital interactions.
In small groups, role-play scenarios where technology use might conflict with personal values. For example, consider a situation where social media use leads to “doomscrolling.” Discuss how to handle these situations while staying true to your values. Share your strategies with the class.
Participate in a workshop focused on the impact of technology on well-being. Explore topics such as setting boundaries, managing notifications, and balancing screen time with offline activities. Develop a personal plan to enhance your well-being through mindful technology use.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript, removing any informal language, filler words, and ensuring clarity while maintaining the essence of the conversation:
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Hello and welcome, everyone. My name is Jennifer Rehal, and with me today is Frank. We are celebrating Remake Learning Days Across America and are currently in Badgerland. Frank, how are you today?
I’m doing well, thank you. I’m near Madison, Wisconsin, and I work with CESA 2 as an instructional technology consultant. I’m excited to be here with you today and to discuss Common Sense, which I valued during my 24 years in the classroom.
Happy Remake Learning Days! Before we get started, could you explain what Remake Learning Days consists of?
Certainly! Remake Learning is the world’s largest open house for hands-on learning. It brings together youth, families, grandparents, and educators to explore various learning opportunities. Numerous organizations participate, including schools, museums, libraries, afterschool programs, early childcare centers, universities, parks, and tech startups. Most events are free and open to students of all ages, and they can be in-person, live-streamed, or recorded, offering diverse ways for learners to engage.
That sounds like an incredible opportunity for families across the globe. It’s a great way for people to understand how learning occurs in today’s world, which is quite different from the past.
Absolutely! Common Sense has been a partner since the beginning, and I look forward to this festival of learning every year. This year marks our first collaboration with Badgerland, and we appreciate your community’s participation.
To enhance this experience, we will engage in an activity together. You may want to grab a piece of paper and something to write with, or you can simply listen as Frank and I model an activity that you could do with your family or the youth you work with. We have a family activity sheet that will guide our conversation today.
We will discuss our values and technology. When we are aware of what we value, we can use media and technology more thoughtfully to support our well-being. Let’s start with some definitions. When we think about the term “value,” we refer to principles or personal rules that are important to us, shaped by our experiences, identities, and cultures. Values can shift over time, so what is important to you today may differ in a few months.
As we look at the values on our screen, Frank, could you highlight some that stand out to you?
Sure! Some values that resonate with me include kindness, which I emphasized while working in a middle school, and social justice, particularly regarding equity issues in schools. Spiritual health has also become more significant to me as I age.
For me, connection is a key value. It’s about how we connect with friends and family. Being present is another important value, as it encourages us to listen and engage fully with others. Lastly, physical health and well-being are increasingly important to me.
It’s natural for caregivers or parents to have different values than their children. While we may share some family values, personal values can vary, and that’s perfectly okay.
You’re right, and it’s important to engage children in discussions about their values. They may not initially recognize their values, but with some prompting, they can connect their passions to their values.
Next, I hope everyone has had a chance to write down three values. Now, think about your top three digital activities. Consider how you engage with media and technology daily. Frank, what are some of your top digital activities?
I rely heavily on email for communication with school districts. I also enjoy watching online webinars to gather new information about STEAM events and maker spaces. Lastly, I use social media to stay connected with friends and family and to explore hobbies like bread-making and pickleball.
Those are great activities! From a family perspective, I also prioritize listening to music and podcasts, along with email and social media. While social media can be engaging, it can also lead to “doomscrolling,” where you find yourself lost in endless content.
Yes, “doomscrolling” can be a challenge. While technology allows us to share information easily, it can also create misunderstandings or polarizing discussions, especially regarding sensitive topics.
Absolutely. While technology facilitates connection, it can also introduce barriers, such as miscommunication or the urgency to respond. Setting boundaries, like turning off notifications, can help manage these challenges.
This conversation is ongoing, and it’s essential to revisit it regularly with your family. It doesn’t have to be formal; it can happen during dinner or while driving. We also have family agreements that can guide these discussions about media and technology use in your home.
Have you used any of these agreements with your family, Frank?
Yes, I find it crucial to integrate these conversations into our routine. What works for one child may not work for another, so it’s important to adapt and maintain open communication.
I agree. Consistent communication is key, and involving children in these discussions can lead to a better understanding of their values and preferences.
As we wrap up, I encourage everyone to visit Common Sense’s website for resources and tips on navigating the digital world. Thank you, Frank, for sharing your insights today. Remember, this is an ongoing conversation.
Thank you for having me, Jennifer. I encourage everyone to explore local Remake Learning Days events in their area. Have a great day!
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This version maintains the core message while ensuring clarity and professionalism.
Values – Principles or standards of behavior that are considered important in a society or community. – In social studies, we learn how different cultures have unique values that shape their traditions and laws.
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. – Technology has revolutionized the way we communicate, making it easier to connect with people around the world.
Media – Various means of communication, such as television, radio, newspapers, and the internet, that reach or influence people widely. – The media plays a crucial role in informing the public about current events and issues in society.
Learning – The process of acquiring knowledge or skills through study, experience, or teaching. – Online platforms have transformed learning by providing students with access to a wealth of information and resources.
Families – Groups of individuals related by blood, marriage, or a sense of belonging, often living together and supporting one another. – In social studies, we explore how families contribute to the social structure and cultural continuity of a community.
Communication – The exchange of information or ideas between individuals or groups through speaking, writing, or other mediums. – Effective communication is essential for resolving conflicts and building strong relationships in any society.
Social – Relating to society or its organization, including interactions and relationships among people. – Social networks have changed the way people interact, allowing for instant sharing of ideas and experiences.
Health – The state of being free from illness or injury, and the overall condition of someone’s physical and mental well-being. – Public health initiatives aim to improve the health of communities by promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing diseases.
Activities – Actions or tasks that people engage in for enjoyment, learning, or achieving a specific goal. – Extracurricular activities, such as clubs and sports, provide students with opportunities to develop new skills and interests.
Justice – The quality of being fair and reasonable, and the administration of the law to uphold fairness in society. – The social studies curriculum includes discussions on justice and how laws are designed to protect the rights of individuals.
