This book investigates the changing culture of grandparenting. Depending on the group, the period, and the family, grandparents have been powerful patriarchs and matriarchs, reliable second parents, dependents, burdens, or community figures. The book examines the history of grandparenting and the changing depiction of grandparent culture from “old” to “hip,” including the development of the celebrity grandparent, the emergence of media technologies that allow for new communication and relationships between grandparents and their grandchildren, new rituals associated with grandparenting, the growth of the marketing of grandparenting as a new stage of life, and the impact on our culture of the commodification of grandparenting. Prior to the twentieth century, within the United States the idea of the modern grandparent likely did not even exist. Many people did not live long enough to reach the grandparent stage of life. Today, people are living longer, and grandparenting is occupying a longer phase in one’s life. Grandparenting is becoming its own life stage, where new rituals exclusive to grandparents are emerging. Newer technologies, such as Skype, Google Hangout and FaceTime, allow grandparents who are far away to establish relationships with their children. Many grandparents also use social media and blogs to chronicle their experiences. Some grandparents have turned their grandparent lifestyle into a business. The representation of grandparenting in popular culture is shifting as well. Grandparents are becoming their own figures on television and film programs, including reality shows. Others have been thrust into the public eye across social media. Marketers have realized the power of this new consumer subgroup and have begun to direct marketing campaigns to grandparents. Yet, despite the pervasive images of grandparents, some of which present empowered figures, grandparent representation in popular media continues to mimic many of the stereotypes commonly associated with aging, encouraging people to laugh at versus laugh with these figures. The Third Act: Grandparenting in a Digital Age examines grandparenting through history, interviews, and popular culture to study the changing image of grandparents in society.

As featured on The Steve Wright Show on Radio 2. Equipping children to thrive and survive in the digital jungle Digital technology, social media, and online gaming are now a universal part of childhood. But are you worried about what your children might be doing online? What they might come across by accident? Or who might try to contact them through Facebook or Twitter? Whether you are a parent, grandparent, teacher, or youth leader, you will want children to get the most out of new technology. But how do you tread the tightrope of keeping them safe online, whilst enabling them to seize and benefit from the wealth of opportunities on offer? Bex Lewis, an expert in social media and digital innovation, has written a much-needed and timely book full of sound research, practical tips, and realistic advice on how to keep children safe online. She puts the Internet scare stories and distorted statistics into context and offers clear and sensible guidelines to help children thrive in the digital jungle. Media coverage includes: BBC Radio 2: The Steve Wright Show, BBC Radio Tees, BBC Radio Newcastle, ITV Tyne Tees television , Real Radio, Sun FM, The Durham Times, The Northern Echo, The Sunderland Echo, Premier Radio.

The role of technology in the learning process can offer significant contributions to help meet the increasing needs of students. In the field of language acquisition, new possibilities for instructional methods have emerged from the integration of such innovations. The Handbook of Research on Foreign Language Education in the Digital Age presents a comprehensive examination of emerging technological tools being utilized within second language learning environments. Highlighting theoretical frameworks, multidisciplinary perspectives, and technical trends, this book is a crucial reference source for professionals, curriculum designers, researchers, and upper-level students interested in the benefits of technology-assisted language acquisition.

Many grandparents experience a surge of joy with the birth or adoption of a grandchild. For years afterward, time together is eagerly coveted, pictures are treasured and displayed, and multiple gifts along with various kinds of support are gladly provided. Richard Olson, a retired minister, professor of theology, and grandparent many times over, presents the unconditional love of a grandparent as indicative of a vocation, a calling from God. He explores the vocation of grandparent in all of its multiple dimensions of being and doing. Informed by a biblical perspective, the book explores the author’s personal journey of grandparenting and includes conversations with a diverse set of other grandparents. Olson examines biblical examples of grandparenting and suggests that the grandparent vocation has possibilities that often go unnoticed. These include care, enjoyment, and response to issues throughout a grandchild’s growth. He also addresses concerns for our grandchildren’s future world, and how grandparents can engage in mutual conversation about faith, morals, and values in a changing world. In addition, Olson discusses increasingly common relationship types such as grandparents serving as primary caregivers, adults becoming step-grandparents through marriage, interreligious family systems, and grandparents handling children with special needs. The book includes questions for personal or group reflection.

Team-Building Activities for the Digital Age will help you promote interpersonal communication and encourage young people to express their individuality and build face-to-face relationships. The activities use the technology that today's young adults thrive on (including cell phones, social networking sites, MP3 players, blogs, and digital cameras) as an opportunity for education and enlightenment.

This book offers new insights into transnational family life in today’s digital age, exploring the media resources and language practices parents and children employ toward maintaining social relationships in digital interactions and constructing transnational family bonds and identities. The book seeks to expand the boundaries of existing research on family multilingualism, in which digital communication has been little studied until now. Drawing on ethnographic studies of four families of Senegalese background in Norway, Lexander and Androutsopoulos develop an integrated approach which weaves together participants’ linguistic choices for situated interaction, the affordances of digital technologies, and the families’ language and media ideologies. The book explores such key themes as the integration of linguistic and media resources in family repertoires, creative practices of digital translanguaging, engagement in diaspora practices, and opportunities of digital communication for the development of children's heritage language skills. With an innovative perspective on ‘doing family’ in the digital age, this book will be of interest to students and scholars in multilingualism, sociolinguistics, digital communication, language and communication, and language and media.

"Rep Ro Khanna offers a revolutionary roadmap to facing America's digital divide. In Khanna's vision, "just as people can move to technology, technology can move to people. People need not be compelled to move from one place to another to reap the benefits offered by technological progress" (from the foreword by Amartya Sen, Nobel Laureate in Economics)"--

Steer the Ship of Tomorrow: A Guide for Grandparents Imagine holding the compass to a journey that shapes the future--one where the treasure is the laughter, growth, and wisdom of your grandchildren. "Raising the Future: Grandparents at the Helm" is the map that guides you through the uncharted waters of modern grandparenthood, helping you to become the steadfast captain your family needs. Dive into the heart of your new role with an in-depth exploration of today's family dynamics. Learn about the evolving legal and societal landscape that impacts grandparent caregivers. The transitioning to this vital role doesn't come without its storms. Accept the challenge with grace, adapt your home and life, and anchor yourself firmly within your expanding household. Build lasting relationships not just with your grandchildren, but also bridge the gap with the middle generation. Find your unique balance in the dance of parenting versus grandparenting, and keep communication lines as open as the ocean. Set sail through the educational landscape and advocate for your grandchild's schooling, leveraging resources to support their learning journey. Manage health and wellness with a focus on physical activity, nutrition, and mental health, ensuring your grandchild's holistic development. The voyage ahead requires astute financial navigation. Create a budget for your new household size and understand your rights and benefits. Champion community and technology by building a reliable support network, integrating digital tools for childcare, and ensuring online safety. Overcoming common obstacles like generational gaps and criticism is part of the expedition. Find solace in self-care and set boundaries to maintain your peace on deck. Most importantly, hold dear the joys of grandparenting--celebrate the milestones, share the family heritage, and relish the love that only a grandparent can give. As you near the end of the book, embrace the journey of personal growth and resilience. Reflect on your achievements and understand when it's time to pass the torch. With a treasure trove of resources and advocacy groups, the conclusion of "Raising the Future: Grandparents at the Helm" equips you to confidently raise the sails for future generations. Embark on this heartwarming adventure and emerge as the guardian of your family's legacy. Join the fraternity of grandparent's steering the ship of tomorrow.

Grandparenting Gold: Nurturing Bonds, Creating Memories" is an essential guide for grandparents looking to make the most of their role in their grandchildren's lives. From fostering strong bonds and creating meaningful memories to navigating family dynamics and passing on wisdom, this book offers practical advice, heartfelt insights, and actionable tips for every grandparent. Whether you're a seasoned grandparent or new to the role, you'll find inspiration and guidance to help you navigate the joys and challenges of grandparenthood with grace and wisdom. Discover how to build lasting connections, create cherished memories, and leave a legacy of love that will be cherished for generations to come.