Tech Wise Parenting

A new country-wide campaign in Britain to educate kids about online safety. It will be a compulsory plan similar to the road safety campaigns.

http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page21646

I love the Simpson’s episode where, for a day, someone had invented a baby translator so we could hear all of Baby Maggie’s thoughts. Well, someone has invented a “Cry Translator” for the iPhone. Most new parents have been completely baffled by why their babies cry and the idea of a device that could help sounds really good. However, according to a basic test conducted on NPR, the translator did not accurately translate the commentator’s baby. They tried several different cries and the device was incorrect for all of them. The developer cites a study, conducted in Spain, that reported a 96-percent success rate in calming crying babies when following the supplied suggestions. I’m not sure if this is worth $9.99 which is pretty pricey for an iPhone App.

Anki is a nice memorization tool for learning new languages, words, or anything else you might need to put on a flashcard. It includes an extensive number of options such as scheduling how often a particular card is shown, the ability to perform complex searches of cards, online synchronization, mobile access, statistics, equation support, sound and graphics support, importing, models, and more!

The software is available for Windows, Mac OSX, Debian/Ubuntu, and Fedora. For mobile devices, it can run on a basic USB stick, iPhone/iPod touch, Zaurus, and an Android version is in the works. Very nice software and all they ask is that you make a donation if you decide to use the software. What a great deal!

Have a little who loves all thing reptilian? Then you’ll have to check out the cool online exhibit at the Academy of Natural Sciences, “Geckos: Tails to Toepads”. The photo gallery has some great shots of interesting geckos with all kinds of markings. There is also a fun Match the Geckos memory game as well as an Art of the Gecko gallery which gives ideas on the many different types of sculptures and paint mediums that can be created with just one subject.

Over the holidays, Google will be offering free Wi-Fi at the following airports and on every Virgin America flight.  People will have the option of making a donation and Google will match donations up to $250,000.

With a basic 99 cent app, parents can now ask their kids to quickly use an iPhone to send parents their current location in an email. It verifies real time location and the link to Google maps cannot be edited. No more embarrassing phone calls to Mom and Dad, teens can send the link with just a few keystrokes. Text can also be added to the message.

Here is a new visual programming language by Microsoft for kids to create games. Designed for kids, the programming environment runs on Xbox and simply uses a game controller. No complex variables and curly braces required.

The language is based on icons and the program is based on pages which are broken down into rules along with conditions and actions. Vision, hearing and time control the behavior of characters.

The game demo is free and the full Kodu Game Lab is 400 Xbox points.

Zilladog is a great alternative, free email account for kids. Safe and easy to use, it was developed by parents for kids. The email account provides parents with a password to set up a buddy list for their child. Parents receive a copy of all outgoing messages and kids only receive messages from people on their approved buddy list.

While the email is the most valuable part of this service, the website is also worth a look. There are lists of fun and safe websites which do not have pop-up ads. Kids can also explore age-appropriate videos, music, and online games.