In today's world, we find ourselves in an unprecedented situation. Technology has evolved and become an integral part of our lives, changing the way we live and interact with the world. As Ashley May, Director of Educational Technology at Spring Branch ISD, noted in her talk in Houston, Texas on February 23, 2023, we are in a new world, and we must learn to live alongside technology. The question is, how can we survive and continue to educate our students while being human and using technology to better our lives?

The rise of AI and its impact on education and society has been a hot-button topic in recent years. Many schools have implemented digital citizenship programs to teach students about responsible technology use. However, Ashley May argues that we must do more than just tell students what they should and shouldn't do; we must teach them how to use technology responsibly and provide them with opportunities to experience creativity, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

May presented a graphic of the nine elements of a good digital citizenship program, which included topics such as digital access, communication, digital etiquette, digital law, digital health, digital security, digital commerce, digital literacy, and digital rights and responsibilities. She emphasized that even with the rise of AI and new technologies, these elements remain relevant and essential.

As educators, we have a responsibility to teach our students how to use technology responsibly, just as we teach them other life skills. We must encourage them to use technology to enhance their learning, communicate effectively, and solve problems. We must also teach them to be aware of the potential dangers of technology and how to protect themselves and others online.

Furthermore, we must also recognize the impact that technology has on our own lives. As AI and other technologies continue to advance, we must learn to adapt and use them to our advantage. We must also be mindful of the potential risks and challenges they bring and work to mitigate them.

Watch the video to see how Ashley shares that being human alongside technology is a continuous process that requires us to be adaptable, responsible, and mindful of the impact of technology on our lives and society. As educators, we must teach our students to use technology responsibly and provide them with opportunities to develop essential skills that will prepare them for the future. By doing so, we can ensure that technology is used to enhance our lives and not take over them.