A Balanced Approach to Educational Technology
A Balanced Approach to Educational Technology
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FCPS Parents for Intentional Technology was formed in December 2025 as a response to the rapidly changing exposure to technology faced by our children in our school district and at home.
Our Primary Goals Include:
Our Primary Goals Include:
Enact grade-differentiated screen time policy, starting with elimination of devices for younger learners. *
Use technology in the classroom only for instructional time or assessments. (NEW)
Configure developmentally appropriate default settings in existing technology, including ones that protect student privacy. **
Limit student-facing generative AI use to only non-core high school elective classes, with parental consent at time of enrollment. *
Implement whitelisting of approved websites and programs for students, grade by grade.
Offer opt-out of 1:1 devices and/or of specific EdTech programs.
*Assistive technology or platforms part of a student’s IEP or 504 plan excepted.
** Examples: default is cameras off (unless given permission for an assignment for designated or supervised timeframe?; default is no student access to email in k-5 (they made this change for k-2 at the start of 26-27); default is no access to YouTube; default is online book access through MyOn limited to age-appropriate book choices; default to an increased privacy default (any specific examples?)
***After-school clubs/activities not included; Parental consent is supplied by a demarcation in the course-listing, clearly identifying a class as one that uses AI; Other AI uses that have slipped in before a policy was in place should be discontinued.
What is Intentional Tech?
What is Intentional Tech?
TRANSFORMATIVE
TRANSFORMATIVE
Technology should expand learning in ways traditional tools cannot—not simply replace paper and pencil for convenience.
EVIDENCE-BASED
EVIDENCE-BASED
Too much edtech is adopted before it is proven effective. Schools should use digital tools only when independent, repeated research shows they improve student outcomes over traditional methods.
DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE
DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE
Technology use should match a child’s age and stage of development. Early overuse of screens can weaken the development of core skills like handwriting, spelling, fine motor ability, and sustained attention. Children need foundational skills before heavy screen use.
TIME-BOUND
TIME-BOUND
Screen use should be purposeful and limited. Intentional use means deciding ahead of time how long technology will be used, why it is needed, and what learning comes next.
REAL DIGITAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT
REAL DIGITAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Technology should support education, not define it. There is a difference between using devices for schoolwork and truly learning how technology works. If schools want students to be future-ready, they must teach meaningful, age-appropriate digital skills—not just increase reliance on edtech.
FCPS PARENTS FOR INTENTIONAL TECHNOLOGY | fcps-intentionaltech.org
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