Spotlight on Digital Media And Learning

PLAYBACK: The Good, The Bad, and Who’s Missing

From bullying in the younger (and older years), to colleges embracing teaching social media from a pedagogical perspective and the importance of encouraging high school girls to consider STEM career fields, this week’s Playback looks at changes in networked environments throughout education systems.

PLAYBACK: Seeing Youth as “Active Agents for Good”

In this round-up we consider some new—and old—ideas about the intersections of identity and technology.

Not Too Cool for Privacy: Young Adults Monitor Their Digital Reputations

When Facebook decided last week to open up its members’ information to third-party websites and applications (initially forcing members to “opt-out” of something that didn’t even know was happening rather than giving them to choice to “opt-in”), everyone began to fret anew about the lack of privacy in the online world—and social networking, in particular.

PLAYBACK: Technology and Gender Edition

Girls get inventive in the new PBS series “SciGirls”; Harvard students discuss why women are less likely to pursue computer science degrees; Universities reach out to younger students to bridge the degree gap; More young girls are turning to online play—but are the virtual worlds preparing them to be active digital citizens? And Disney’s Pixie Hollow welcomes a male avatar ...

Is Technology Changing the Nature of Kids’ Friendships?

The New York Times looks at whether time spent with digital media is making our kids more or less social.

Social Media Withdrawal: What Happens When Kids Give Up Their Connections

The International Center for Media & the Public Agenda (ICMPA) recently asked 200 students at the University of Maryland, College Park to abstain from using all media for 24 hours—no internet, cell phones or (gasp!) Facebook. Most failed.

“Making Sense of Privacy and Publicity”

Do we have a right to look, just because it’s possible to be seen? danah boyd on online privacy, publicity and teens’ access to online public spaces.

Women in Sciences - Progress Stalled?

An in-depth article looks at the importance of women in STEM careers and what can be done to encourage more participation.

“The Digital World of Young Children: Emergent Literacy”

A new report from the Pearson Foundation examines how digital media is affecting early literacy around the globe.

Barbie Gets Tech

Armed with pink glasses and a pink laptop, Barbie takes on the role of computer engineer—her 126th career.