If you are like me and have been out of the branch since March, it seems a little daunting to stay current on the trends in kids tech. With remote learning being a popular path right now these resources can help you stay connected with your community and patrons in the online world!
One of my go-to quick reference sites is Common Sense Media. They are easily searchable for apps, games, movies and more. They offer quick information about each item and then a review that follows. It’s free and easily accessible online at https://www.commonsensemedia.org/.
Another popular choice is Children’s Technology Review. This is a subscription based site that will email a monthly newsletter of reviews for current children’s technology and interactive media products. The ratings are provided by people with a background in education and child development. https://reviews.childrenstech.com/ctr/about.php
School library journal has a page devoted to technology on their site. They offer different articles on trending topics in tech, as well as some reviews! https://www.slj.com/?subpage=Technology
PC Mag (https://www.pcmag.com/) currently has a quick access tab on their homepage for “Back to School Tech,” a topic a lot of our community’s parents and families may have questions about! If you are looking for more general information on tech for kids, try typing “kids tech” in the search bar and taking some time to sift through it that way.
If you are looking for trends that can be easily turned into programming for the library, check out PLIX, https://plix.media.mit.edu/. PLIX focuses on integrating STEAM and creative learning into the library setting. They even have a discussion forum that’s open to any librarian!
If you are still looking for more inspiration, check out these sites!
https://beamcenter.org/
https://techcrunch.com/
https://www.digitaltrends.com/
https://www.instagram.com/
https://makezine.com/
https://www.edsurge.com/
If you have a great recommendation that wasn’t mentioned here, please feel free to post in the comments!
Today’s post was written by Jennifer Minehardt, Senior Children’s Librarian, NYPL – Roosevelt Island Branch Library, New York, NY for the ALSC Children and Technology committee.