Check Before you Charge!

Txt + Drv = Total Fail

- March 28th, 2012

2 Seconds Matter: April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Would you let someone cover your eyes for two seconds while you were driving? No way. But it’s no different when you glance down to text, email or check in while cruising down Route 66.

Teens will be surprised to learn that if they are on the freeway going 65 mph, a quick two-second glance to read a text means they have driven nearly two-thirds of a football field without looking. And those precious seconds can kill them, their passengers or the people in other vehicles. More than 3,000 people died, and thousands more were injured, due to distracted driving in 2010 alone.

This lesson discusses eye-opening statistics on the perils of distracted driving and alerts teens to the hazards of looking away from the road, plus offers tips for avoiding the temptation of phone use while driving.

Online Hate Crimes: Are you part of the solution or part of the problem?

- March 18th, 2012

Taking a stand against hate crimes on the internet

Every individual is unique and different in his or her own way, no matter his or her race, gender, ethnicity, religion, etc. It is important to recognize and understand these differences and to grow up as tolerant and accepting individuals.

The vast majority of people in every country oppose hate, hate groups, and hate crimes. However, the number of hate groups around the world is increasing. Recent case studies indicate that the internet’s role in today’s society has contributed to the rise in hate content and membership. One person’s act of hatefulness combined with the internet’s mass distribution can instantly shatter lives, cause emotional and physical harm, and damage an individual’s reputation and future opportunities. Read further about how the actions you take or support online do matter and can significantly impact others.

INFOGRAPHICS: IS A PICTURE REALLY WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS?

- March 3rd, 2012

Infographics serve as powerful learning tools in the classroom and at home

Are you more of a visual learner and communicator? Are you able to better understand data and findings when it’s presented visually? Research shows that visual communication may be more powerful than verbal communication, suggesting that people learn and retain more information when it is presented visually better than when it is only provided verbally or as text.

Infographics combine findings from relevant data and a visually memorable format, providing readers with a quick understanding to topics. Read further about how infographics can be used as powerful learning tools in the classroom and to promote critical thinking in new and innovate ways.

From Phone time to Face time—No Disconnect Here!

- February 6th, 2012

New technologies bridge the generation gap to promote closer bonds

Who says technology is hurting interpersonal relationships? New research shows that the “computer generation” no longer encompasses just the teens who grew up with technology. Seniors are migrating online like never before, which offers new channels for communication between the generations.

Whether texting, Skyping, Facebooking or emailing, seniors and youth have much to gain from each other. Read further for some surprising statistics on how seniors are increasingly embracing current technologies and finding new ways to communicate with their grandchildren and other youth. And, don’t miss out on tips to help deepen interaction between younger and older generations.

@#RT: A little bird told me

- January 24th, 2012

New “Language” Has Teens–and Critics—all A-Twitter

Teens are increasingly turning to Twitter as an alternative or addition to other social media platforms. Like any technology, it has its own language, culture… and risks. How are teens using Twitter and how can they minimize privacy concerns? While you can make your Twitter account “private,” or even use a pseudonym, others may still be watching—including peers, school officials, parents, and even Homeland Security.

As we learn to integrate new technologies into our everyday lives, students and professionals alike grapple with the thorny questions of the boundaries surrounding freedom of speech, appropriate speech, and content censoring. Read on for a primer on Twitter-speak, and find out who’s Twittering… and who’s reading.

Sony, Apple, Facebook, Healthnet, Android, Google+….

- January 24th, 2012

What do they know that you don’t know they know?

More than 40 countries around the world will celebrate Data Privacy Day this week to “promote awareness about the many ways personal information is collected, stored, used, and shared, and education about privacy practices that will enable individuals to protect their personal information.”

Vigilant internet users assume they are “safe” if they use precautions to not openly share private data, but what about the information that is collected without their knowledge? As internet users have become more savvy about phishing and data-hacking schemes, up pop new privacy-robbing tools that include tracking, facial recognition, public data mapping and data packaging.

Read further to find simple ways consumers of all ages can protect their online privacy and fascinating – and frightening – facts on security breaches.

Everyone has a role to play in using the internet responsibly and ethically, and it includes remaining vigilant, speaking up and taking action to protect the hard-won civil rights of individuals.

Keeping the Dream Alive

- January 14th 2012

Protecting civil rights in today’s wired world

This week has been designated as a time to reflect on the achievements of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the many civil rights champions before and since. It’s also an opportunity to realize there’s work to be done as we remain aware of challenges that continue today and examine what role the internet plays in establishing and maintaining civil rights advances.

Our wired world has established a level platform in many ways, and the availability of information creates tremendous opportunities to support the expansion of civil rights worldwide. At the same time, this instant information age allows for discrimination in ways never dreamed of in the past.

Everyone has a role to play in using the internet responsibly and ethically, and it includes remaining vigilant, speaking up and taking action to protect the hard-won civil rights of individuals.

2012’s Must-Have Resolution: Improve Digital Security Awareness

January 5th 2012

New year, new devices and new threats make malware protection a must

The gift-giving season went digital in December 2011, with tens-of-millions of lucky ducks receiving computers, laptops, tablets, e-readers, game consoles and smartphones.

And with the majority of those presents falling in the mobile realm, it’s no surprise that mobile malware attacks are expected to expand in prevalence and sophistication in 2012. The scariest part is that most students don’t protect their mobile devices with security software.

Facebook, another target fixed within malware’s crosshairs, experienced its fair share of scam attacks in 2011 – a trend that will only continue to grow this year. Hackers are increasingly planting social engineering tricks, free-merchandise cons and fraudulent links on the popular social networking site. And tweens and teens are falling for their sneaky ways, placing their finances and identities at risk.

Read further to explore key security threats and better understand your students’ need to protect their devices, personal information, and safety in this new year.

This Year’s Social Networking Trend: Private—It’s the New Public!

December 13th 2011

We’ve just learned that even the “King of Social” isn’t safe. While it’s ironic that Facebook Co-founder Mark Zuckerberg had his Facebook account hacked and private images shared, it begs the question: Does privacy exist on the internet?

New York Times Reporter Nick Bilton further examines this question as he recounts his quest to identify a stranger who’s been commenting on his Instagram photos.

These stories follow countless similar ones that have made headlines this year. Negative repercussion from sharing comments, photos, videos, and more through online platforms are on the rise. And the fallout is catching up with people of all ages.

Find out what Bilton discovers on his digital fact-finding mission, and how it’s a lesson in understanding that more people than you could ever imagine will see what you post online.

IS INTERNET ADDICTION REAL? SCIENCE SEEMS TO THINK SO

December 7th 2011

The news stories highlighted in the iKeepCurrent content this week highlight a familiar dispute: Does the amount of time spent online, and more specifically to one of the studies, do violent video games negatively affect players? This question has long been argued without much scientific evidence to back up claims that game violence has a prolonged negative neurological effect. Until now….

The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) recently reported its breakthrough findings after conducting a gaming study on 22 young men, ages 18-29. Research revolved around the long-term effects of violent video games on the brain. So, what type of influence do these games have on cognitive function and emotional control?

Find out what the RSNA discovered during its study, and how this information relates to the larger issue of maintaining a healthy balance in your digital life.

Stealing Someone Else’s Password = Epic Fail

November 30th 2011

What Every Teen Should Know About Stealing Someone’s Password

“Everyone’s eager to hack the Facebook account of others. Here is the simplest method, using a phishing web page…”

So opens this week’s featured news article from BreakTheSecurity.com. The friendly tone belies its true intention: to give step-by-step instruction on how to perform the malicious act of stealing someone’s password and private data.

Countless websites, forums and articles are dedicated to sharing the latest hacking tips and techniques. Some teens may come across this information, thinking they’ve hit the jackpot for carrying out the prank of the century. However, the law places criminal penalties on “practical jokes” involving the unauthorized use of personal identifying information.

Find out what happened to one teenager whose Facebook-hacking escapade hit the news, and how his story inspires guided discussion around password abuse and online social responsibility.

Philanthropy - Be Good for Goodness Sake!

November 23rd 2011

As the holiday season rolls in, many of us tend to become more philanthropically minded and consider how we can benefit others through the donation of time, money or by providing other assistance.

The internet has facilitated unprecedented opportunities to help others in ways we could only have dreamed of in the past – community building, disaster relief, sharing and caring have all benefitted from people who choose to use technology to better the lives of others.

While it’s easy to be self-centered online, and a minority chooses to be mean online, most people are socially responsible, making positive connections, and contributing in thousands of different ways to collectively improving our world. With all the tools the internet provides, finding ways to help others is even easier.

Malware – It Doesn’t Care if You’re Naughty or Nice

November 17th 2011

6 Essential Steps to Safer Online Shopping – Don’t Get Scrooged This Holiday Season

Last year, 30 million people reported that they made purchases online. Of that number, 48 percent were teens—a number that has grown even larger this year.

As the holiday gift-giving season rolls in, it’s time to find out what teens know about safe online shopping. Forever on the hunt for sweet deals, students may be unaware that there’s more to a successful online shopping haul than the price tag.

While getting a good bargain is important when buying online, there are six essential steps that students should focus on first to keep their devices and financial identities protected. And once they have these down, they’ll be able to shop safely and securely all year long.