With all the recent discussion about teachers having to address the issue of cell phone use in the classroom, many administrators are restricting the use of digital devices in school and revising their policies to reflect this decision. The belief is that if students are not permitted to bring their digital devices to school, then they won’t be tempted to engage in disruptive behaviors, such as texting in class or cyberbullying. Teachers, on the other hand, often hold a different opinion. Using various forms of technology in the classroom to enhance an activity or to help engage students in a lesson almost always elicits a positive response from the students.

As I now approach my thirteenth year in education, I still get excited about the possibilities of a new school year. Not ever knowing what the year will bring, I always want to ensure that I get the students engaged from the moment they step in the door. With each new class, the goal is always the same: make their first day unlike any other. To summarize what I do is actually quite difficult. There isn’t really a set activity or prescribed format I follow. But I do have many tricks or “methods to the madness” (as my former students like to call it), that get students excited about the days ahead. In fact, recently a student called my orientation a “brainwashing, but in a good way.” As long as it’s a positive experience, I guess.

Facebook, YouTube, Twitter...these popular sites are revolutionizing the way our youth are communicating and expressing themselves in today's world. As our children become introduced to these popular social networking sites at an earlier age, it is only natural for parents to want to limit or restrict their children's exposure. But how young is too young to start using social media? Because children are digital natives, they have a tendency to gravitate toward using technology for entertainment purposes or to communicate with their peers. Older generations don't necessarily see the appeal in using social media, but have to understand that this is the direction our society is heading. Many parents are concerned about age-appropriate material, children revealing too much personal information online, and cyberbullying - all valid concerns. However, restricting a child's use of these popular sites may not be the best solution.