Dear parents,
Do you remember when the internet was invented? Showing my age again, I have to confess that I do. I asked a tech-savvy friend in those days what the internet is and he said that it is computers connected to other computers all over the world. I had no idea what he was really talking about and, to this day, my understanding of the internal workings of the internet is not much more sophisticated than it was then in the mid-90s.
The implications of this new technology were also lost on me to a large degree. For example, another friend was describing to me what email was. And I said, "It'll never catch on." Talk about being a completely ignorant know-nothing. Nonetheless, there was a point I made in that conversation that I cling to, even though I am drafting this message in an email. I said to my friend that email sounded like it would eliminate the need for interpersonal communication, substituting it with a superficial, ephemeral and remote activity that kept other people at arm's length. I was quite vociferous on this point and remain so in spite of the ubiquity of online communication.
There is simply no getting around digital technology if we are to function effectively in the world today. But while I can remember what life was like before, SMMC students cannot. And it is unreasonable to expect them to appreciate how immersive the experience of digital technology can be unless we show them. It is like they are standing on the bottom of a great lake, but can't see the water, briefly holding their breath until they are overwhelmed.
Filtering, monitoring and restricting access are necessary, but insufficient. Young people need to be formed and educated in the ethical and proficient use of technology. To this end, high school students will participate in a Digital Revolution workshop next Friday 20 September. Fr Murphy will address all high school students on the nature and ethics of digital technology, distinguishing it from other forms of technology, tools that we control, in contrast to digital technology that has the power, if we let it, to control us.
Long-time friend of the College, Mark Mannering, will then facilitate a workshop for students in Years 9-12 through the remainder of the school day. Mark's presentation will address the good and bad of YouTube and AI, maintaining online privacy and safety, social media engagement models, time management, detecting manipulation, gaming, addiction, strategies on how to avoid the pitfalls, while making efficient and effective use of digital tools.
I'll be taking notes myself at what I am confident will be an engaging and fruitful experience. Thanks for your support.
Warm regards,
Ian Smith
Principal
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