In today’s onlife world, technology has become an integral ubiquitous part of our everyday lives, including in the education profession. As we embrace today’s onlife world, it is essential for schools to establish a strong foundation for the integration of age-appropriate technology into classrooms as a positive learning tool. Having presented to over 1000 schools across Canada and the United States, we have anecdotally identified five foundational digital keystones that we believe if schools were to effectively employ, would greatly assist in their pursuit of a more desirable approach to tech integration into the curricula. In this blog post, we will discuss these identified school based digital keystones, and how they can benefit schools, students, parents, and caregivers.
Keystone #1 – Informed Parents: Create the Partnership
The first keystone to successful tech integration in schools – ensuring that parents are well-informed about the technology (both issued by the school or brought into a school by a student) being used for educational purposes and the policy surround its use while at school.
Schools should require parents to attend educational sessions that provide insight into the tools and platforms their children will be using. This not only fosters trust between parents and educators, but also enables parents to support their children’s learning at home.
We presented at one school where it was a requirement that all parents needed to attend a parent education night on the topics of digital literacy and internet safety as it related to the use of technology at school. If a parent did not attend, then their child would not be issued with a school Chromebook. Yes, there was some push back from some parents about attending such an event, but in the end, all were happy they did.
When parents understand the technology their children are using, they can better assist with homework, monitor screen usage, and promote responsible tech use while at school. In our opinion, the partnership between schools and parents is crucial for a wraparound approach to the tech development of students.
Here at the White Hatter, we offer several parent and caregiver digital literacy and internet safety programs that you can find here: https://thewhitehatter.ca/parents-caregivers/
Keystone #2 – Informed Educators: The Power of Professional Development
Educators can play a pivotal role in shaping students’ digital literacy and responsible technology use. Professional Development (Pro-D) sessions are vital to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to incorporate technology effectively in the classroom. Continuous training helps teachers stay up to date with the latest educational technology trends, teaching methodologies, and digital safety practices.
By investing in the professional development of educators, schools ensure that technology is leveraged as a valuable educational tool, rather than merely a distraction to learning.
Here at the White Hatter, we offer a specific professional development program for educators that can be located here: https://thewhitehatter.ca/programs/internet-investigations/
Keystone #3 – Clear Policy on Tech Use: Rules That Make Sense
For a school’s digital integration to succeed, it is essential to establish a clear and comprehensive policy on technology use. This policy should be readily accessible and enforceable, providing guidelines and rules for both students and educators. It should address issues such as appropriate device usage, online conduct, and consequences for policy violations.
When these policies are visible and consistently enforced, they create a structured environment where technology is used responsibly and productively, enhancing the learning experience for all.
NOTE: Policy needs to be “informed” policy that is read and signed by both student and parent.
Here’s an article we wrote specific to school policy when it comes to cellphones: https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/some-thoughts-about-cellphones-in-classrooms/
Keystone #4 – Strong Tech Systems: Safeguarding The Online Learning Environment
The fourth keystone is building a robust technology infrastructure. Schools must invest in filtering and monitoring systems that ensure safe and secure digital environments for students. These systems help prevent access to inappropriate content and alert administrators to any concerning online activity. This should also be brought to the attention of both students and parents that such monitoring and filtering of a school’s digital network is taking place.
Additionally, schools should maintain open lines of communication with parents and promptly share any issues related to technology misuse or unsafe online behavior. A collaborative approach ensures that everyone involved in a child’s education is working together to provide a safe online learning environment.
Keystone #5 – Continued Age-Appropriate Digital Literacy and Internet Safety Education
Digital literacy and internet safety education must be an ongoing part of the curriculum. Technology is continually evolving – students and teachers need to adapt to new tools, platforms, and digital risks. By incorporating digital literacy education into the curriculum, schools equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. Digital literacy and internet safety education in the curriculum emphasizes the importance of these skills, reinforcing their significance in students’ lives.
Here at the White Hatter, we offer several digital literacy and internet safety programs for elementary school, middle school, and high school students that can be locate here: https://thewhitehatter.ca/schools/
Integrating technology into education is not just about providing students with devices; it’s about creating a solid foundation that ensures technology is used as a positive learning tool. Informed parents, educated teachers, clear policies, robust tech systems, and continued digital literacy education are the keystones that enable schools to provide a safer, more productive, and enriching digital learning experience for all students.
As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education in today’s onlife world, the incorporation of technology as a positive learning tool has become imperative. The five digital keystones we’ve discussed – Informed Parents, Informed Educators, Clear Policy on Tech Use, Strong Tech Systems, and Continued Age-Appropriate Digital Literacy and Internet Safety Education we believe form the foundation of successful tech integration in schools. These keystones foster a blend of traditional and digital pedagogy, ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for educational growth while maintaining a steadfast focus on safety and responsibility.
By engaging parents in the educational process, equipping educators with the necessary skills, establishing clear and enforceable policies, investing in robust technology systems, and continually emphasizing digital literacy and internet safety, schools can create a more productive and enriching digital learning environment. This collaborative approach between schools, parents, and students not only prepares the next generation for success in today’s onlife world, but it also reinforces the importance of responsible technology use.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
