Tech Tip: Keeping Pace with Technology Changes

By Kristina O’Connor, Director of Curriculum & Instruction

Have you tried nailing slime to a vertical wall? It’s impossible to do. Gravity takes hold of the gooey substance, and it slides down the wall, leaving the nail holding nothing at all.

This is how I describe trying to keep up with technology. It’s like trying to nail slime to a wall … impossible.

Technology is constantly changing. No matter how much time we devote to researching the latest updates, listening to podcasts about technology developments, and reading every article we can about the most recent advancements, it is impossible to keep up. This means that the technology we are using, and the technology our children are using, is constantly changing. Because of this, we need to have ongoing conversations with our children.

Stay curious. Ask questions. Need help getting started? Visit our Screen Smart Seven Hills guides and find our Conversation Starters for students of all ages, pre-kindergarten through grade 12. There, you will find questions such as:

• “What makes something feel ‘safe’ or ‘trustworthy’ online?”
• “What does your online presence say about you?”
• “What would a healthy balance look like for you right now?”

There is no right or wrong answer to any of these questions. Every family is unique, and we recognize that you know your child best.

By staying in constant conversation with your child, being curious, and asking questions, you might have a better chance of at least keeping up with the technology your child is using. And it won’t feel as impossible as trying to nail slime to a wall.