I would like to look at the idea of connectedness in two distinct ways. Firstly - the importance of human connection and how this impacts growth and learning. Secondly - how technology can be used to accelerate and expand connectedness.

Human Connection

Human beings are “created to be related!” - in the beginning when Adam wondered the garden alone Genesis tells us that “It is not good for man to be alone”. As we are created in the image and likeness of the triune God (who is a relationship of persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit) - we are created to be in relationship with others.

Of course pride is the biggest barrier to developing and maintaining the meaningful relationships we desire for our tamariki. Every child’s temperament is different. Some require more support in this area than others... but regardless of their strengths or weaknesses we persist in pro-social coaching and modelling.

A child who values relationships is more likely to positively engage in learning. Schools are social hubs where students are encouraged to be involved, active participants who contribute to their own learning. Developing individual student agency (a passionate, driven ownership of their own learning) is a core goal of the 21st Century School.

Digital Technology

The use of digital technology elicits passionate reactions from most... With many being passionately in favour and others ardently opposed. With this in mind a very measured approach is necessary.

Simply completing learning tasks on a device because you can is not enough of a reason to do it. When this happens a device just becomes a very expensive pencil. Learning tasks need to be enriched by technology for it to be of worth. This ideology is well summarised in the following graphic. 

Strategising Safe Technology Habits

Digital technology provides us with opportunities previously unavailable - but we must also recognise and address the fact it also comes with risks. Including but not limited to:

• Cyber-Bullying
• Pornography and other adult content
• Online predators
• Addictions (many games are made to get children addicted)

With this in mind it is important to have clear boundaries and expectations at home. I highly recommend time limits on screen time each day. The use of internet capable devices should also be restricted to common areas within your homes. Most parents have these restrictions so don't be scared to implement them in your homes. 

At the end of the day we must remember that technology is just a tool! We are privileged to live in a time with such amazing tools... but we must remember developing character and virtue is far more important than knowing how to use and app or write some code.