Modern Life Skills
Welcome to the Educational Technology Modern Life Skills Support PageOn this page, you will find some of the resources utilized by Brentwood School to teach students about digital citizenship and online awareness. Our students spend a lot of time in digital spaces, whether it be for educational or social purposes. In both spaces, it is important that students understand the impact of their participation on other people and on their own digital footprint.
As we learn about new trends in teaching digital citizenship and social media that may be affecting our students' well being, this page will be updated with articles, videos and other resources. Check back here regularly to grow your understanding of the ever-changing online world in which many of your children explore and live.
Media Literacy Week 2024
Hosted by the National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE), the mission is to highlight the power of media literacy education and its essential role in education all across the country. U.S. Media Literacy Week celebrates the five components of media literacy: Access, Analyze, Evaluate, Create, and Act.
Parent’s Guide to Media Literacy
Trend Micro worked with NAMLE to create a parent’s guide to assist families in starting media literacy conversations at home.
The guide uses real-life examples to focus on one simple piece of advice: teach your kids to ask questions. Download your free copy of the parent’s guide and tell your neighbors where to find theirs.
Google's Help your family be safe and smart online
"The Be Internet Awesome Family Guide gives families the tools and resources to learn about online safety and citizenship at home. We’ve created this guide for families to make it easier to incorporate and practice good digital habits in your everyday lives. Packed with good stuff, this guide will help you and your kids discuss, learn, and think about online safety together."
Featured Resources
Family Tech Planners
"Tech planners are a great way for kids to have a shared understanding of how your family makes the most out of entertainment and tech time." - Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media App Review Store
Detailed reviews on various Apps your students might be interested in
Ditch the Distractions: Supporting Kids and Teens with Phone Notifications
Article from Common Sense Media, September 26, 2023
Family and Community Engagement Program
Common Sense Media led program, May 2024
Find your Influencers: Empowering Students to Navigate Nutrition and Fitness Trends Online
Blog Post from the Social Institute March 7th, 2024
Guardians Guide to AI in Education
More Resources
The Social Institute's recommendation for navigating Violent conent
Blog Post from the Social Institute, October 11, 2023
Cellphones and Devices: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
Article from Common Sense Media, September 26, 2023
Girls and Social Media: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
Article from Common Sense Media
Students and AI: Balancing Assistance vs. Cheating
Blog Post from The Social Institute, August 10, 2023
9th and 10th Grade Parent/Guardian Coffee
Introduction to The Social Institute and Modern Life Skills, April 26, 2023
The Power of Positive Influencers: Insights from our Student Ambassadors
Blog post from The Social Institute, March 10, 2023
Introducing Artifact: How the New App is Revolutionizing How Students Can Keep up with the News
Blog Post from The Social Institute, February 17, 2023
Meta Updates Advertisements System to Keep Apps Age-Appropriate for Students
Blog Post from The Social Institute, January 19, 2023
The Future of AI: What ChatGPT Means for Students
Blog post from The Social Institute, December 15, 2022
EdTech and Social-Emotional Learning
Integrating tech tools helps ignite development of key SEL skills. Blog post from Eduporium.
News Literacy Week
- Tools for Everyone
- Make sure to check out RumorGuard.
- The 6 E's of Parenting in the Digital Age for Parents (National Association for Media Literacy Education)
- These high schoolers are learning to identify media bias (CNN)
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How Media Literacy Can Help Stop Misinformation From Spreading (Forbes)
"Common Sense is an independent voice for kids, families, and communities everywhere. We combine original research with game-changing advocacy efforts to make the digital world work better for all kids..."
"To make the most of the Internet, kids need to be prepared to make smart decisions. Be Internet Awesome teaches kids the fundamentals of digital citizenship and safety so they can explore the online world with confidence."
Above the Noise, a YouTube series for teens, cuts through the hype and dives deep into the research behind the issues affecting their daily lives. The series investigates controversial subject matter to help young viewers draw their own informed conclusions, while inspiring media literacy and civic engagement.
"Is Snapchat safe for kids? How does it work? And what's with Snapstreaks? Everything curious parents need to know about this ultra-popular app." By Christine Elgersma
"Taking a break from devices is proven to have positive benefits for kids, from better nutrition and focus at home to fewer problems at school."
Contact our Educational Technology Team
For general questions related to support, contact the Help Desk at (310) 889-2734 or ext 1234, option 1 or email us directly at edtech@bwscampus.com.
Scott Perloff
Director of Educational Technology, K-12
Robert Kahn
Educational Technology Specialist, Middle School
Megan Alkema
Administrative Assistant, Educational Technology
For Fall 2024, students will need a MacBook with a minimum of the following:
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2020 Apple M1 chip or newer
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at least 8GB Ram
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at least 256GB Hard drive
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able to run MacOS Sonoma