Smart Social Podcast: Keeping students safe so they can Shine Online Josh Ochs

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs interviews Phil Edwards, superintendent of Angleton ISD. They discuss strategies for using students as social media ambassadors to effectively communicate school messages, the importance of educating both students and parents on social media safety, and opportunities to enhance student career pathways. The conversation also covers tactics for increasing parent engagement and the responsible use of AI tools in education. Join us as we explore how to keep students safe online and help them shine in their future careers.

Parents and teens are busier than ever. They are juggling sports schedules, club meetings, homework, and more. TeamSnap is a popular sports management app designed to help parents, coaches, and players navigate the world of team sports with ease. TeamSnap offers schedule and roster management, group chat and direct messaging, and live game score updates.

Screens and phones tend to be our constant companions. These devices and apps keep us connected and make everything more convenient but they can also make it hard for us to unplug. For teens, it can be doubly problematic. Studies have found an underlying biology that makes them prone to staying up late. As a result, teens might not be getting the sleep they need for optimal alertness and concentration during the day.`

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com podcast, host Josh Ochs interviews Dr. George F. Fiore, Executive Director of the Chester County Intermediate Unit in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, about the strategies his district employs to safeguard students on social media and prepare them for the future. Dr. Fiore emphasizes the importance of a systemic approach to education that includes training for students, parents, and staff to ensure consistent messaging and practice in digital literacy and online safety. A significant accomplishment highlighted is the doubling of enrollment in special education, career, technical education, and virtual learning environments over the last four years, demonstrating a commitment to increasing access and opportunities for all students.

The discussion also explores the proactive use of artificial intelligence (AI) as an educational tool, including its potential to assist students lacking executive functioning skills and to provide personalized learning experiences. Dr. Fiore shares practical advice for parents to engage with technology and AI, advocating for a learning approach that starts with simple, relatable activities like planning a vacation using AI tools. The episode underscores the belief in the power of positive technology use, the innovative potential of AI in education, and the crucial role of engaging parents and the community in fostering a safe and supportive digital environment for students.

The Fizz app was founded by students for students. While it originally launched as an app for college students, it is now moving into high schools nationwide. This student app promotes the idea that students can connect with their community “safely, authentically, & vibrantly.”

Parents, however, have concerns as the Fizz app allows users to share content anonymously. Apps that include anonymous posts always come with concerns about potential cyberbullying and inappropriate content, so it is important for parents to be aware of their child’s online activity and regularly discuss responsible social media use.

In this insightful episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs talks with Jeff McCoy, Associate Superintendent for Academics at Greenville County School, South Carolina. In this discussion, Jeff shares valuable strategies on how their district handles the complexities of social media interactions among students and the innovative use of AI tools in education.

Jeff emphasizes the importance of modeling positive behavior online, the role of anti-bullying campaigns, and the unique 'On Track' mentoring system implemented in their schools. The conversation also covers how Greenville County is embracing AI technologies like ChatGPT to prepare students for future careers, ensuring they are not only technologically proficient but also equipped with the necessary ethical guidelines to use such tools responsibly.

This episode is packed with practical advice for educators, district leaders, and parents on fostering a safer and more productive educational environment through technology. Tune in to learn how to help your students navigate the digital world with confidence and integrity.