Links from Professional Development, Summer 2020

Device Natives

It seems more and more evident that the “digital natives” have all grown up. It was a bubble. Most kids today play on devices instead of learning how to use computers.

We need to encourage kids who are interested in tech. We also need to expose more kids a wide variety of tech. Show them it’s fun.

We have more and more kids today who don’t know how to manage files, how to use features of software (like centering text), or how to type. My theory is: Before fun apps migrated to gadgets, kids wanted and needed to know how to use computers, so they could use MySpace (for example).

Today it’s very similar to pre-2000 when only “nerdy” students really knew how to use computers. Regular kids just use their phones/tablets.

I’m not sure administrators, parents, or the public realize this is happening.

Grumpy wizards make toxic brew for the evil Queen and Jack. (Google Fonts)

Google Web Fonts

Teachers love fonts! This is not always a good thing typographically and technologically. Even though I may be risking unleashing a new wave of font-heavy publications, if teachers are using Google Fonts, they at least won’t be full of fonts that are proprietary and trapped on the originator’s machine, but missing from everyone who receives the file.

Google keeps updating these fonts, and “you are free to to use them in any way you want.” They were intended for use on the web, but you can download them and use them on your own computer. Start browsing:

Google Web Fonts [Icon]