Technology - Friend or Foe?

Dear Families,
Perhaps your family is a lot like ours. Our twenty year old is the technology expert of the household. Everything appears to be so easy for her. I guess that's why the term "digital native" came to be. Our kids have grown up with new and innovative technologies that seem a bit overwhelming to those of us admitting to not having computers around as we grew up. Yes, I guess sometimes we just need to admit we are getting older...but are we getting wiser when it comes to our use and the our kids' use of technology?

The integration of technology both for students and teachers, has been high on our list of priorities with our School Improvement Plan for several years now. It's amazing to see the inventory of equipment available to our staff and students on a daily basis. As adults, we learn alongside our students. And sometimes, they become the teachers! There's no doubt that learning increases when technology is utilized. Just come in and see! From interactive whiteboards, wireless laptops, student response systems, document cameras, and more. You will see students and staff members actively engaged with technology to enhance the learning process at MCMS.

We all have heard the horror stories associated with the misuse of technology and hope that our students understand the power of the transfer of information, including photos over the Internet and cell phones. Cyber bullying is becoming an increasingly used method to harass others. In fact, cyber bullying is defined as one of the three types of harassment the NC Department of Public Instruction outlines as unacceptable behaviors in our schools. One might ask how a comment posted from home may impact school? When the comment makes its way to interfering with the teaching or learning process, whether the behavior was initiated within the school walls or not, it becomes subject to the disciplinary guidelines and procedures as established by the Carteret County Schools.

I believe that we must entrust our students with the use of technology, but teaching and reteaching appropriate uses of technology must be a shared responsibility between families and school personnel. Certainly, I believe that technology is our friend. However, we must constantly reinforce the risks associated with misuse.

Sincerely,
Dr. Sue Kreuser