Power On: The Impact of Technology at School

Mount Vernon School

Technology is all around us. In education, helping students build technology skills gives them confidence to explore, teaches them how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly and prepares them for the future.

“When used intentionally, technology creates magic,” says Heather Van Looy, director of Instructional Technology at Fulton County Schools. “In the classroom, the use is guided by teachers, and at home, students use technology to independently complete tasks. It also can be a great tool for parents to help their kids.”

Table of Contents

Technology in the Classroom

Engaging students in a task or making learning interactive are key benefits of technology use in classrooms. Students connect with peers in other classrooms or learn from global experts through virtual lectures. A student demonstrates his new knowledge by creating infographics, podcasts or videos. Learning how to use technology will follow a student throughout his life.

“We’re focused on human-centered, ethical implementation for both students and staff,” says Lisa Watkins, executive director of Instructional Technology & Innovation at Gwinnett County Public Schools. “Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be a partner for students in their learning if it is implemented appropriately.” Their cross-divisional team has outlined an AI Learning Framework to support skill-building in programming, mathematical reasoning, ethics and more.

Mount Vernon School uses a tiered framework to outline when and how AI can be used. “We teach students how to use AI ethically, transparently and effectively, equipping them with lifelong digital literacy skills,” says Dr. Jennifer Santi, director of Technology at Mount Vernon School. “We want students to develop tenacity, judgment and agency, not just automation skills.”

As technology advances, educational professionals stay updated on new materials.

“We want to protect student and staff data, so products have to be approved,” Watkins says. “Many tools are not for student use. We are careful in what we implement to make sure it’s appropriate and protects Personally Identifiable Information.”

If you’re confused, ask your child’s teacher. “If something raises concern, reaching out to the teacher for clarification is the best first step,” Van Looy says. “Open and respectful communication helps build trust and leads to better outcomes for everyone.”

Technology for Homework

Homework reinforces classroom learning. “It’s about learning how to use digital tools with purpose. We use technology to deepen learning and spark creativity while building responsible digital habits,” Santi says. “We teach students to be thoughtful, ethical and independent users of technology — skills that will serve them long after the homework is turned in.”

Students use technology to research topics for assignments and collaborate in real time with classmates on a shared document. They take online quizzes to get instant feedback or use AI to receive suggestions or edits to their writing.

“Important cautions about using AI for homework stem from the realization that learning requires effort, and the use of AI can create an over-reliance that short-circuits critical thinking,” says Connie White, director of Learning & Innovation at Woodward Academy. “We want to help students use it as a learning tool rather than a shortcut.”

Different programs are useful for different assignments.

“At home, you have a deep toolbox, so you can use a hammer when you need to use a hammer. Technology is the same way,” Van Looy says. “There are lots of tools that do different things well. You and your child will learn to pick the right tool for the right task.”

Woodward Academy

Parental Responsibility

At the beginning of the school year, make sure your contact information is updated and correct, so teachers and school administrators can keep in touch. Pay attention to official communication tech to keep you aware of relevant updates.

“This fosters stronger home-school partnerships and ensures students receive the support they need,” White says.

If you have a concern, use school-approved channels or platforms. White recommends keeping messages clear, brief and respectful. Consider scheduling a meeting to address a more serious issue. Allow teachers adequate time to respond, and respect boundaries by avoiding late-night messages or expecting immediate replies.

At home, you are the authority on the available technology.

“Without teacher guidance, students may use technology more passively or get distracted. Students may struggle to know how to apply digital tools effectively,” White says. “We encourage families to establish clear expectations, designate tech-free times and implement support systems helping students strike a balance between tech and non-tech activities.”

Understanding policies will keep you on track with what your child should be using. Student handbooks detail expected responsibilities. Remind your child of their importance and consider establishing your own rules. For example, if she damages the laptop or loses the charger, the fees will come out of her allowance.

Remind your kids why they’re using a piece of tech to help their learning. Encourage your child to be strategic, which will build critical thinking and problem-solving skills while exploring technology.

“This helps shift the mindset from completion to comprehension,” White says. “Students need to learn how to evaluate the quality of online help, distinguish between reliable and misleading sources, and recognize when technology is misleading them. This is part of developing digital literacy, a crucial 21st-century skill.”