Connectivity Moves Students to the Head of the Class

I’m no mind reader, but I have a pretty good idea of what the students in our members’ service areas are thinking: “Back to school already?”

Another summer has flown by—they seem to be shorter than they were in my day. Other things are different, too. When I was coming up, I remember prioritizing new clothes and school supplies as I wondered which teacher I would have. The next big things we looked forward to were county fairs as the weather started to turn.

Today, I think students are still focused on new clothes and, even amid the flurry of virtual activities to choose from, there are those time-honored fairs. But there’s been an undeniable shift when it comes to modes of learning. Laptops have replaced textbooks, and paper communications have given way to email, which passes between teachers, students and counselors on a near-constant basis. Students even have options like virtual school, making online access essential.

Technological advancements spur great leaps forward in education, but they also bring new concerns like passwords, cybersecurity and internet safety. As we equip our children with the power of the internet, it’s necessary to teach them to protect themselves from it, too.

Ultimately, internet access should equal opportunity, and the start of the new school year is the perfect time to ensure every student has access to pathways to success. Our networks are the conduits for online learning, electronic communications and so much more. So, as we support teachers and students moving into another school year, we go forward with thoughts of the region’s young minds and the all-important priority of #ConnectingTN!