Site Watch: A Kids' Blog Done Right
Typically, when we discuss children on the internet, the tendency is to do so from the perspective of fear. And given the spate of news stories of sexting, suicides, child predators, and security and privacy issues as they relate to children, who can blame us? But my good friend Alex Gil and his partner Laurell have been working with his son, Emil on Emil's Cool Vacation Journal, a summer vacation blog–and I think it's a great way to go. Beyond just keeping kids occupied, it really allows them to develop a fluency not just with technology but also with language.
Emil is chronicling his experiences while learning cool and important skills such a photography, blogging, and video editing. These are all skills that my first-year writing students get to develop each year in my Tech and Sensibility class, and increasingly, young people will need to know these basics as more tech makes its way into the classroom.
But the thing that I really enjoy about reading Emil's blog is that you get a clear sense of his voice. This is important for kids. Emil is funny and engaging.
Let me know what you think. More importantly, leave a message of encouragement for Emil.
