Geneva Classical Academy’s approach to technology in the classroom may be one of the most obvious differences one immediately observes.  While many schools put notepads or laptops in the hands of their students when they enroll, possibly as a marketing tool, we in fact discourage use of technology during the school day.  Screens are conspicuously absent.  Our teachers do not want our students to be distracted from the learning going on or the relationships being fostered within our walls.

Jesus said “Every student when properly trained will become like his teacher.”  In other words, true education is discipleship.  This happens face to face, not virtually.  While we may have access to unlimited information online, this does not take the place of learning wisdom from an experienced sage, both those in our classes and those found in the books we read.  What blog, Facebook post, email or website could replace a conversation with Mr. Smith about the beauty of numbers or an interaction with Hemmingway in a class led by Mrs. Maravilla?  

Furthermore, technology is a tool to be used by those mature enough to handle it.  It takes great character to withstand the infinite temptations brought about by the worldwide web.  Honesty, integrity, and self-control must prevail, and it behooves us to protect our children from this while they are young.  A chainsaw is a fantastic tool for keeping our yards nice, but we do not give chainsaws to  first graders.  Likewise, we as mentors of young people should be wise in whose hands we put such an even more dangerous tool—a computer.

Don’t get the wrong idea, however, we are not luddites at Geneva!  A technology grant recently received put laptops in the hands of all of our teachers to enhance their presentations and make them more effective in their jobs.  We are not against technology.  The trainer that came during our teacher training days said about Geneva, “You are high-tech people in a low tech school.”  This is true, and we will strive to keep it that way.