TECH IN EDUCATION
Our Stance on AI and Smart Devices
In our modern society, technology is a part of nearly every facet of our lives. It seems difficult to think of a time when we didn’t have digital information immediately available at our fingertips, be it to ask a question or make an online purchase.
At DCA, we recognize the fact that the technology that affects our society and our homes also impacts our students. Rather than shunning or fearing technological advances, such as artificial intelligence (AI), we aim to demonstrate to our students that, like any tool, it can be used for good or evil. We, of course, want to teach them to avoid the latter.
This article will cover DCA’s policies regarding technology and electronic devices and how they affect students, staff, and the school at large.
The Effects of Technology on DCA Students
Students, of course, are impacted the most by technology. Many have had access to the internet and smart devices for most or all of their lives, and tech (including AI) is an integral part of their personal lives as well as their education.
DCA believes it is essential to acknowledge this impact on students and their academic performance, which is why we introduced a new AI Policy and Philosophy in 2025. This framework aims to define for our students the proper and improper uses of AI in their schoolwork, encouraging its use as a tool rather than a source of information. AI should never be used to usurp a student’s original work or ideas. With clear parameters in mind, AI can be a benefit to students’ learning and research, instead of a temptation to misuse this tool to take shortcuts, which detracts from quality work.
Along with the use of AI, we also have to be cognizant of the devices themselves, where the information is stored and viewed. In a recent study sponsored by Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard University, four different school phone policy types were observed:
- Bell-to-Bell. Students are not allowed to access their phones at any time during the school day. Phones are stored away until dismissal.
- Off and Away. Students are allowed to keep their phones on their person, but must have them powered off and out of sight for the entire day.
- Limited Use. Students may have their phones with them, but they must be turned off during instructional time. They can be used during lunch breaks, recess, etc. This policy is where DCA stands on phone usage.
- Classroom-Specific Policies. Classroom teachers set their own policies.
While the state of New Hampshire recently enacted a bell-to-bell law for public schools, DCA has adopted an off-and-away policy. In that same study, 45% of students (the highest percentage response for the survey question) said that their school’s phone policies improved the learning environment. We also feel our policy provides a good balance that teaches students responsibility and encourages a positive learning environment.
Check out the survey to see the rest of the results and how students feel about their school’s policies.
Teachers Affected by Tech Changes in the Classroom
Among the policymakers and policy abiders are the policy enforcers. Our teachers play a critical role in the usage of technology at DCA, not only with the technology the students are bringing to school from their homes, but also the technology being used in the classrooms.
We encourage the use of technology in our classrooms, particularly in the upper school, as students will be using these tools in and out of the classroom for most of their lives. Our teachers, therefore, provide and monitor school devices in the classroom that are used to enhance the learning experience while not replacing it.
While our school Chromebooks cannot access AI tools directly, our older students do have opportunities to use them under the guidance of the teachers, who show how to use them ethically while supporting our policies.
Because of the online tools made available to students at home, teachers have also been encouraged to shift how they assign homework, from assignments that assess students’ work to more “unplugged” assignments, such as reading. This new strategy encourages learning while discouraging the temptation to use technology to complete assignments rather than assist.
Viewing Technology Through a Biblical Worldview
Throughout this article, we hope to have conveyed a common theme: technology (like AI) should be used to enhance learning as an important tool, not a substitute for learning. A great way to understand this is by applying our biblical worldview.
Anything that we do or say should be filtered through the lens of our biblical worldview, which includes the use of technology. Our AI Policy and Philosophy goes into detail about the dos and don’ts of using AI and what defines its appropriate use. The document can really be summarized in a single question: Is the technology being used in a Godly manner? Consider the following questions:
Are we being honest with our use of AI, such as citing sources?
- “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.” Proverbs 12:22 (NKJV)
Are we taking (stealing) intellectual property from others without consent?
- “Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.” Proverbs 10:2 (NKJV)
In all that we do, are we doing it to the glory of God?
- “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)
When we prioritize integrity and stewardship in our use of AI, we transform a modern tool into a daily practice of faith.
Using Modern Tools With Biblical Principles
AI and other forms of technology are not tools that we simply tolerate at DCA. We understand their importance and their undeniable usefulness in the workplace and beyond.
By directing our students to use these resources in a way that reflects our eternal values, they are empowered to take on challenges and tasks, all the while shining a light into a dark world.
If you have any questions about our AI policies or any other questions about DCA, please feel free to contact us. Let’s give God the glory, always.