1
Podcast
Technology and Trust: On Building the Relationship
featuring Colin GleasonTechnology and Trust: On Building the Relationship
“I’m a big believer in boredom…. All the [technology] stuff is wonderful, but having nothing to do can be wonderful, too.” Thought-provoking words from the man whose company produces one of the most powerful tools for distracting ourselves from any feelings of boredom. Not only Steve Jobs, but seventeenth-century French philosopher Blaise Pascal, too, understood the dangers of perpetual entertainment, the inability to sit alone in a room by oneself. Given the current cultural moment, a particular arena in which children—and, indeed, parents too—need to grow in self-mastery is that...
2
Video
Trends in Teen-Facing Tech
featuring Rich MossTrends in Teen-Facing Tech
A presentation by Director of the Forum, Rich Moss, from the 2023 Freedom and Technology Conference at The Heights School.
3
Video
Routines and Routers: On Technology in the Home
featuring Rich MossRoutines and Routers: On Technology in the Home
A presentation by Director of the Forum, Rich Moss, from the 2023 Freedom and Technology Conference at The Heights School.
4
Podcast
Is Your Son Ready for a Smartphone?
featuring Alvaro de VicenteIs Your Son Ready for a Smartphone?
In this week’s episode, headmaster Alvaro de Vicente helps us develop a philosophy of technology. Building off previous conversations on The Forum with Cal Newport, Mr. de Vicente takes a deep dive into the topic of smartphones. In particular, he helps us answer the following questions: How can parents discern if a smartphone would be beneficial for their son? When is the right time to entrust him with this powerful tool? Under what circumstances? Will waiting to give your son a smartphone render him ill-prepared for college and beyond? More...
5
Video
The Adolescent Mind: Understanding so as to Accompany
featuring Alvaro de VicenteThe Adolescent Mind: Understanding so as to Accompany
A presentation by Headmaster, Alvaro de Vicente, from the 2023 Freedom and Technology Conference at The Heights School.
6
Video
Addictions: On Fighting the Good Fight
featuring Joe CardenasAddictions: On Fighting the Good Fight
A presentation by Head of Mentoring, Joe Cardenas, from the 2023 Freedom and Technology Conference at The Heights School. Joe presents on accompanying sons and students in their battle to avoid and overcome addictions resulting from devices given too early or right on time.
7
Podcast
Welcome to the Web: Introducing our Sons to the Internet
featuring John BeattyWelcome to the Web: Introducing our Sons to the Internet
On this week’s episode, we discuss technology with Mr. John Beatty, IT director at The Heights School. While in past episodes we have spoken about smartphones, social media, and other forms of digital technology, in this episode we turn our attention particularly to the use of the internet on desktop computers. As always, our aim is not merely to put up walls and make rules, but rather to help our sons grow in freedom. Our sons are not machines to be programmed, but rather humans to be formed; and this...
8
Podcast
Digital Minimalism, Part I
featuring Cal NewportDigital Minimalism, Part I
It has been said that the choice is not between philosophy and no philosophy, but between good philosophy and bad philosophy; for to have no philosophy is itself a philosophy, albeit a disastrous one. The same holds true for digital technology which, although often vital in the modern world, can be dangerous if used mindlessly. For these next two episodes, we welcome back Dr. Cal Newport, professor of computer science at Georgetown University and New York Times bestselling author of seven books, including Digital Minimalism and A World Without Email. In...
9
Podcast
Digital Minimalism, Part II
featuring Cal NewportDigital Minimalism, Part II
Missed Part I? Click here. Continuing last week’s conversation, in this episode Dr. Newport delves into two things that have become ubiquitous in our lives: texting and email. Whether it is logistical texts with our kids or emails for work, these two technologies can occupy a large portion of our days. Indeed, even a quick text or email can cost us time, as we shift our attention between different contexts. While texting and email may by now feel like second nature, have we ever stopped to think about how best...