DCI middle school
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
I am hopeful that DCI might pursue a path that offers more balance. I think tech use has a place in classrooms but I am against computer use in every class. I get frustrated that the boosters accuse parents who are asking questions or seeking a more moderated approach as being anti-tech or anti-DCI.
DCI aside, I have found this debate very interesting and it has made me think about tech use for kids in general. |
Anonymous
Technology is only a TOOL, like a pencil or calculator. No need to elevate it to anything else. What kids need to learn is critical thinking. No Chromebook can teach you that. However, my DS LOVES his DCI Chromebook and likes school (and yes, he enjoys playing video games at lunch, sigh). But I’m trying to see the big picture. If learning is going on, I’m OK with what I think is too much. We keep a pretty firm lock down on screen-time at home and summer will be mostly screen free (sleep-a-ways and family vacation). |
Anonymous
Totally agree, feel the exact same way. And that is not giving up on DCI, but it is waiting to see what happens and if there are signs of willingness to change and lessen the use of technology. NOT get rid of it. Just significantly lessen it. |
Anonymous
| Agree with 14:55. Holding out hope that DCI will make some changes. I think tech use can be great but just want a balance! |
Anonymous
| Curious to know if anyone contemplated what they might do if DCI remains uncomfortably tech heavy in spite of parent concerns. I personally saw it as a reason to stay put and as I have years to decide, maybe I can. But, if the focus will stay on technology, which I know is harmful and which I know is not a necessity, I face the real possibility of moving out of DC. Hate that thought, but may not have a choice. |
Anonymous
| We've got our fingers crossed that our IBs continues going in the direction it looks like - things are looking up in our neighborhood... |
Anonymous
| We'll likely put our hats in the ring for Latin or Basis. I know that Basis has a French class for fluent speakers. Kid's from Stokes French and West African kid's attend. |
Anonymous
| I've followed the previous thread re:tech use at DCI but still haven't figured out what the administration is doing to address concerns parent's have. How are they responding? I would love to think that the administration is willing to make changes to such a new program. Please current parents, keep us informed! |
Anonymous
In the 2 DCI mtgs I've been in, to be honest, the Administration has just sounded defensive and like they're not changing anything. I hope that's not true, and I hope current parents are having a different experience and finding the Admins willing to discuss this and examine it. But I haven't heard that yet. |
Anonymous
I doubt they will change, no need. Plenty of kids to fill slots. |
Anonymous
| Not to mention that there are plenty of parents with tech savvy kids who thrive in tech-rich environments, too. And no, I'm not just spouting mindless boosterism. I really am thrilled at the prospect of a place for my techie kids. |
Anonymous
Well then, time will tell. It'll be interesting to see how gung-ho about that level of tech-focus parents continue to be as more and more research about the negative impacts on learning and health of too much tech come out. I forsee it as only a matter of time before DCI loses a lot of the parents who commit the most time and energy to a school like DCI. That would be very very bad for the school, and I'd bet on it changing then. But that is probably quite a few years down the road, so yes, maybe for now it'll be just us few who find other options. But no way am I exposing my kids to that much tech, that much of each day, based on what I already have learned about the impacts. If there are tons of parents waiting to take my spots, so be it. We all do what we think is best for our kids. |
Anonymous
| ^This. My children's health and wellness is my number 1 priority. Tech-rich environments are unhealthy for kids. The science is clear. I'm surprised at the number of parents complacent with this. The exposure to radiation alone scared the crap out of me. Young bodies with cells reproducing as fast as a child's are rife with the potential from real negative health effects. Who, in their right mind, would be okay with that? Not a parent focused on their kid. I'm really sad about this because I was excited by the program that DCI touted, which sounded unique in the nation. No where did they advertise this hyper focus on technology and Chrome books. If they had they may have gotten schooled early on that parents would not tolerate an unhealthy tech focus for their kids. I already know one family leaving their feeder school for Basis instead of completing their last year at their immersion school. So that particular feeder school will miss out on one more year of payment for a pupil (it's unlikely that slot will be filled by anyone) and DCI is missing out on a qualified applicant with language ability. It's a shame on all counts. |
Anonymous
Completely agree, but I don't think it's common knowledge yet why you and I, and many others, as parents are totally turned off by this heavy tech exposure. Every time the conversation comes up in these threads there are posters who think we're "anti-technology" and who talk about how many people will rush to fill our spots if we leave (which, I think is true at least right now). While the research is already starting to be out there about why this much exposure for middle and high school age students is a bad idea, you kind of have to be looking for the info or really paying attention. So far it seems like the majority of parents feel like it's the wave of the present and they are excited for their kids to ride it. I understand feeling that way, but I'm clear my kid will be plenty tech savvy without spending the majority of each school day for YEARS looking at a chromebook. The first time I really sat up and paid attention was reading a couple of articles about how many of the tech CEOs have super-limited tech exposure for their kids, even doing Waldorf and Waldorf-like private schools which allow almost no tech. If anyone is up on the research on the effects on kids, it's those tech innovators and leaders, so why are they choosing to keep their kids mostly unplugged for their school-aged years? Just really hoping DCI admins will wake up and modify this before my kids are having to decide whether we try for BASIS or Latin or not. 
|
Anonymous
|
Interesting article in PC mag about chromebooks. Didn't realize Google offered them to schools for $99 dollars!
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2414433,00.asp |