On Thursday, October 13th from 2 – 3:30pm, Ross Laird returns to the UBC Learning Circle to discuss “Technology, Kids and Teens“.
This presentation explores the emerging cultures of technology and their impact on childhood development, family life, and education. Technology is now an essential feature of the landscape of childhood and adolescence. Gaming, micro-blogging, social networking, texting, and other digital tools now provide the central means by which adolescents manage the challenges of their development. Issues such as anxiety, depression, isolation, anger, and addiction are increasingly finding niches in the online worlds. Educators, parents, counsellors, and all those who work with children must be able to respond to this groundswell of change with new skills and strategies. This presentation provides a summary of those skills and strategies along with a suite of simple, practical tools that can assist adults in navigating — and helping kids navigate — the complexities of the digital landscape.
This is typically a presentation intended for parents (and their kids), educators, and social service professionals.
About the Speaker
I am a consultant, teacher, writer, and creative artist. I work with educators, counsellors, social service providers, and other purpose-minded folks on a wide variety of projects and initiatives. I am a professor and instructor in counselling, psychology, interdisciplinary expressive arts, and creative writing. I have taught at many educational institutions, including Simon Fraser University, Vancouver Community College, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, The Union Institute and University, and Antioch University. I am Co-Director of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research.
I also provide consulting services to professional artists and graduate students in multiple disciplines, to addictions counsellors, to social service agencies and to corporations and educational institutions. I am a frequent speaker at conferences, I am a registered member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and I am the 2003 recipient of the Association’s Communications Award.
I am an advocate for personal health, educational renewal, and community development. I enjoy running, woodworking, and many other crafts. I live in Vancouver, British Columbia.
To read more about Ross and his work, please visit: http://www.rosslaird.com/
