Learning in a Digital World

Technology is one of the many tools students use to learn.

Technology is an important part of learning, but it’s only one of many tools students use each day.

Our teachers carefully choose when technology supports learning and when other approaches are more effective. Some lessons are best with a Chromebook. Others are best with a book, a science experiment, a classroom discussion, a pencil and paper, or hands-on activities.

Technology should never replace meaningful relationships between students and teachers. Instead, it helps students create, collaborate, communicate, and explore new ideas in ways that will prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

A Balanced School Day

Every school day includes a variety of learning experiences. Teachers choose the tools and activities that best support each lesson. Students may use technology to:

• Read digital books and learning materials.
• Practice math and literacy skills.
• Research questions and evaluate information.
• Write, edit, and publish their work.
• Create presentations, videos, artwork, and other projects.
• Collaborate with classmates.
• Access learning supports that meet individual needs.
• Demonstrate what they know in different ways.

Students also learn by:

• Reading printed books and writing by hand.
• Participating in classroom discussions and working with classmates.
• Conducting science investigations and hands-on learning activities
•  Creating art, music, and other creative projects.
• Playing at recess and participating in physical education.
• Building relationships with classmates and trusted adults.

Learning to use technology well is an important life skill. Just like reading, writing, or solving problems, healthy technology habits are developed over time through instruction, practice, and guidance.

In our classrooms, students learn how to use technology safely, responsibly, respectfully, and with purpose. As students grow, they continue building these skills through age-appropriate lessons and everyday learning experiences.

Healthy technology habits help students make thoughtful choices about when, where, and how they use technology while making time for learning, relationships, movement, creativity, and rest

What Healthy Technology Habits Look Like

At school, students have opportunities to practice healthy technology habits every day. These include: 

• Choosing when technology is the right tool for learning.
• Balancing technology with hands-on learning, movement, and face-to-face interactions.
• Thinking critically about the information they find online.
• Protecting their personal information and respecting the privacy of others.
• Treating others with kindness and respect in digital spaces.
• Knowing when to ask a trusted adult for help.

Technology skills are developed over time through instruction, practice, and everyday learning experiences. As students grow, they build the knowledge and judgment needed to use technology safely, responsibly, and effectively in school and beyond.

Our instruction goes beyond teaching students how to use technology. We intentionally help students become thoughtful digital citizens, critical thinkers, and responsible users of emerging technologies.

This learning is organized into three connected areas that build on one another throughout a student's education.

Students learn about:

• Digital Citizenship: Using technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly.
• Media Literacy: Thinking critically about the information students see, create, and share.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy: Understanding how AI works and using it thoughtfully and responsibly

Learn More - Explore each area to learn more about what students learn and how families can support these skills at home:

• Digital Citizenship
• Media Literacy
• AI in the Classroom

Learning doesn't stop when the school day ends. Families play an important role in helping students build healthy technology habits and digital skills that support learning, well-being, and responsible technology use.

Every family is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. You don't need to have all the answers. Small conversations, shared expectations, and healthy routines can reinforce what students are learning at school as technology continues to evolve.

At Home, You Can:

• Talk together. Ask your child what they're learning, creating, and experiencing with technology at school and at home.
• Set shared expectations. Create family routines and technology expectations that reflect your family's values and support a healthy balance.
• Stay curious. Take an interest in the apps, games, and online experiences that are part of your child's world.
• Model healthy habits. Children learn by watching adults around them. Show the balanced technology habits you'd like them to develop.

Small conversations over time can have a lasting impact and help children build the confidence to make thoughtful choices both online and offline.