If I ignore last week’s heat wave in Boston, I’m pretty excited that summer is here. With the weather finally under control kids and educators alike are counting down the days to freedom (some of you are already free but we’ve had an INSANE number of snow days this year). While most are thinking about how to spend the lazy days of summer, I’m already thinking about the fall.

The first step in gearing up for the new year is getting an all new planner! Out with the old and in with the new. It’s a bit sad how excited I am to starting filling this up with all new adventures!

I’m really excited for what the 2013-2014 school year has to offer. This fall marks the beginning of my fifth year of touring around the country talking with students and educators about issues surrounding social media. Wow, just typing that blows my mind! I can’t believe it! It seems like yesterday that I was stuffing envelopes and mailing postcards all while hoping for the best! I couldn’t have predicted how amazing this journey has been. And it’s only beginning.

For the 2013-2014 school year I’m doing more than ever. For the first time since I started touring I am creating all new programs for students, educators and parents. During this past year I said good-bye to “Hooked on Facebook” and welcomed “Your Digital Life” into my repertoire. While this new program holds true to many things discussed in its predecessor, all new topics are addressed including SnapChat, Instagram and so much more. Even I have to acknowledge that Facebook is falling out of favor with students today!

In addition to “Your Digital Life” I am adding some all new assembly programs into the mix. Much like my previous work, these programs are designed as a framework and allow for full customization to make for the best experience possible for students and educators alike. These programs include: “Digital Breadcrumbs” (for middle and high school students) a lesson on what it means to leave behind a digital footprint and what it means to your future.

In preparation for the upcoming conference season all new workshops have been created and added into the mix! I am a big fan of large audience presentations but nothing beats the one-on-one feel of a workshop. I love teaching! For high school and middle schools students we have “Your Digital Resume” and “I’m Going Viral” two programs developed to get attendees to ask themselves some serious questions about what it means to be a digital citizen as well as the pros and cons of the digital world.

I could keep going (and I just might in next week’s entry) but I’m going to leave it there.

So, even though I am hanging out at Starbucks rocking shorts and a t-shirt, soaking up as much Vitamin D as possible, I’m working hard for the upcoming school year. I have a lot of pretty awesome updates coming in the next few weeks so keep your eyes peeled. I also encourage people’s input on what kind of programs you’d like to see in the next school year! Feel free to shoot me an e-mail at anytime at info@joshgunderson!

Until next time,

Josh

Josh Gunderson is an award-winning speaker specializing in Internet Safety and Cyberbullying. For more information on Josh and his educational programs please visit www.HaveYouMetJosh.com