Superintendent

Personal Responsibility In a Digital Age
 
Children are now going to school often equipped with personal computing devices.  They have cell phones that allow them to call, text, blog, Twitter, access Facebook, email and/or surf the internet.  Many either own or have access to iPads, laptops, home computers, or other communication equipment that goes well beyond regular access to a phone line. When these devices are first introduced to them, it is time to talk about personal responsibility and ethics related to the new communication.
 
Teachers and administrators will be working in the coming days on defining how to appropriately
maximize student engagement with these personal computing devices.  

Here are five quick thoughts to consider about what your kids are doing or could be doing in school:
1. Children are currently using personal computing devices on average about seven hours per day.  In most cases, much of this time does not include the school day.
2. Children could use these devices not only for social interaction but they could be tool using and problem solving instruments.
3. The communication network of many students now goes well beyond the school walls and the local community.
4. Ask your school for access to grades, attendance and progress reports regarding your children online.  They have the software capability to offer this to you and it will help you stay in touch with how your children are doing in school.            5. What is your school doing related to technology integration in the classroom?    A Grand Rapids area school district no longer buys textbooks, opting to utilize online curriculum at a much lower cost.  Does your school have smartboards or media projectors in most classrooms?  Do your teachers use online libraries, distance learning, and integrate technology use regularly in the classroom?
 
We need to take personal responsibility for understanding how technology can and is impacting our children.  Your local school can be a source of understanding, guidance, and of many potential technology applications.  Parental involvement with children throughout the entire school career remains a key to future success.