We have had some great feedback from students, teachers and parents regarding the use of technology and online tools like Facebook. The line between social/recreational/fun and creative, educational use can be rather gray and I have seen both great examples of using these tools to enhance the Kingdom as well as impact students and adults in a negative ways. This is part of being fallen and also why it is important to be in partnership, relationship and community as we help young people grow into the people God wants them to be.
First, let me share some feelings we have (I would hesitate to call them conclusions at this point):
- Our current technology we use to handle the filtering/restricting is rather limiting as it is a one size, does not fit all solution. Currently, it is either on (with restrictions applied equally in grades 6-12) or off (restricted completely) at parental request or as a consequence for misuse.
- We need to continue to intentionally train students, staff and parents with regard to the program in general but specifically with regard to appropriate/mission enhancing ways of using technology and online tools like Facebook.
- Some parents feel stretched when trying to help their student navigate effective use and balance with regard to technology. The balance part can be hard to discern.
- We need to consider ways to address the needs of a range of students from 6th - 12th grade. There is a huge difference in age and maturity as well as freedom/responsibility that typically come with growing up into young adulthood.
We have been looking at some additional tools/technology that would allow for greater granularity in our approach and give parents more options to choose from rather than simply on or off. Some have minimal expense, but require time to test and others (commercial products) have a cost attached that must be weighed. We will be continuing to explore the options this spring and hope to have some better options for next fall. At a minimum, we are looking at an "opt in" policy where parents would opt in for allowing social networking tools, etc. This opt in process might involve some required training for both student and parent (see #2 above) before it is opened up.
So, what to do for now? Beginning, Monday, April 13, Facebook will be available weekdays from 3pm-5pm and 7pm-11pm and on weekends from 7am to midnight. This is not going solve all our issues, but this will give use some time until the end of the school year to be in dialogue with parents and students about your thoughts, ideas, suggestions and concerns as we look toward next year. This is hard stuff and the newness of it makes it difficult to find good models to follow. We can't afford to avoid the world we and our students are living and working in, so we must engage it in a way that brings honor to God and furthers his Kingdom.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this whether you are a student, parent or teacher. You can call me (820-2805), email me (tkamps@hollandchristian.org) or stop by and chat.
Thanks for reading!