Technology: A Not So Modern Tool
by Sylvia Robinson, Ph.D., RMCA K-8 Principal
What place has technology in a classical, Christian school? After all, there were no computers in ancient Greece and Rome! But before we discard technology from our learning toolbox, we should perhaps take a closer look. From what we know about these and other ancient civilizations, they were not just users of technology, they developed and advanced it. The ancient Egyptians were some of the best engineers the world has ever known. The pyramids and other structures displayed a remarkable mastery of technological know-how, while working with the hardest of stones and without metal tools. But even the Egyptians did not see technology itself as the prize, but a means for pursuing what they desired, peace and tranquility in the “afterlife.”
With the growing popularity of schools that “emphasize” science and technology, it is easy to believe that technology is the end and not the means. In the classical education tradition, the focus is on disciplining our thinking in order to allow for technology to be a tool, not an end in itself. By learning to think logically and deeply about truth, goodness and beauty, we can take the best advantage of the technology our modern-day world has to offer, and even take it further. Ancient civilizations have shown us that the motivation of people toward something grander than themselves is what drives them to develop technology to reach that goal.
As classicists, we should be some of the biggest proponents of using technology. The questions that RMCA students seek to answer would require an expansive library that would be difficult if not impossible to keep updated. The very nature of their Socratic education begs them to ask and answer questions about both ancient and current topics. How else but through the internet could they have easy access to primary sources, hoards of literature, and up-to-the-minute Christian apologetics and research?
A Christian environment affords us the unique opportunity to discuss the ethical and appropriate use of technology. Earlier this year, in Middle School Chapel, we utilized an entire session to discuss “netiquette” (the etiquette of electronic communication). We began with reviewing how important words are to God; so much so that He revealed himself to us by way of words, in the Bible. Not only did we discuss proper electronic communication decorum, but the inherent dangers in words being considered fast and easy. Scripture warns repeatedly about the power of words to both hurt and heal. What better opportunity for students to discuss how to calculate the weight of their words than in an age of instant and text messaging?
Technology is a tool, not an end in itself.
RMCA students are grateful but see the need for an upgrade. In our school’s recent Student Council campaign season, eleven 6-8th graders gave impressive speeches about how they would try to help improve our school. At least five of them mentioned the need for an upgraded computer lab. While some might think that these comments were just indicative of our cultural perceived need to always have better and faster technology, I don’t think that conclusion holds in this case. These students want functional tools for learning, not playing.
If you haven’t been asked already, you will be. You now have the opportunity to help us raise $45,000 to upgrade our school’s technology. The great thing is, by taking advantage of a matching funds grant and educational discounts, we’ll be able to implement about $110,000 worth of equipment for that amount! Your gift will help us purchase a new laptop lab for the Middle School and a new Mac lab in the library, and do a school-wide technology refresh.
Classical schooling and modern technology can be complementary. At RMCA, we aim to use the best tools of today to enhance an education of the past. As Gene Edward Veith writes in Classical Education, “Properly understood, a classical education… seeks to prevent the unbalanced concentration of studies that too often produces the artsy student or the science nerd.” I believe that putting technology in its appropriate context achieves this balance.
