At The First Academy, we are a community of learners. Technology is an important part of the educational process at TFA. We are an Apple-Distinguished School, and we use computers and iPads for critical presentations and papers. We also use state-of-the-art tools and products to enhance the learning environment for our students. When utilized in support of our Gospel-Centered School Culture, technology can offer innovative and exciting opportunities in conjunction with what the instructors are teaching in the classroom.
Whether you’re a student, parent, or TFA employee, our Technology team is here to serve you with the following resources.
Students
- Genius Bar Help
- MacBook Guidelines & Policies
- iPad Guidelines & Policies
- Prox Card Assistance
- ClassLink Login
Parents
Employees
Family Portal & TFA App
Families have access to Family Portal (formerly known as FACTS ParentsWeb), our online Student Information System. Family Portal offers access to Student/Family contact information, Student Medical information, Attendance, Daily Grades, and Progress Reports. Lesson Plans, Homework, Discipline, School Directory, and other useful school information.
Read more about Family Portal online here.
The Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence
In today’s digital age, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of our lives, shaping various aspects of society, including education. While AI offers incredible potential to enhance learning experiences and streamline processes, it also presents unique challenges and ethical considerations that we must address conscientiously.
As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, it becomes increasingly important for us to understand the proper usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our classrooms, both for our students and teachers (Living Curriculum Influencers). As stewards of God’s creation and mindful of our responsibility to uphold ethical principles, we must approach AI with wisdom and discernment. Here are a few key points regarding the proper usage of AI within our school community.
We must ensure that AI technologies align with our Christian values and principles of justice, equity, and compassion. Let’s use AI tools responsibly.
It’s essential to educate ourselves, our students, and our community about AI technologies, their capabilities, and their potential impact. By fostering a deeper understanding of AI, we empower our students to become ethical and discerning users of technology.
- Critical Thinking and Discernment: Encourage critical thinking skills and discernment when interacting with AI-powered systems. Remind our students to question assumptions, consider the ethical implications of AI decisions, and seek guidance from teachers and mentors when needed. AI is a wonderful tool to assist students, faculty, and staff. It was not created for students to cheat; it was built to answer questions, gather information, and help us complete tasks. Thinking and using AI are not mutually exclusive. Tech tools support but don’t eliminate the need to be able to read, write, and do computations.
- Respect for Human Dignity: Emphasize the importance of respecting human dignity in the development and deployment of AI technologies. Let’s prioritize the well-being and privacy of individuals, ensuring that AI systems are used to empower and uplift rather than exploit or manipulate.
Let’s foster an open dialogue within our school community about AI, inviting diverse perspectives and experiences. By engaging in meaningful discussions, we can collaboratively explore the ethical dimensions of AI and work towards solutions that reflect our shared values.
It’s an exciting time in education as AI enables possibilities and opportunities for student learning that were previously impossible or not accessible to all students. Beyond just using AI for school work, students can use AI as personal tutors who can explain and summarize concepts, brainstorming partners to help them get started on creative projects, and personal assistants who can help scaffold their work. As we embark on this journey of embracing AI ethically and responsibly, let’s strive to harness the potential of AI for the greater good, guided by our commitment to Christ-centered living.
AI FAQs
Digital Citizenship and academic integrity are important lessons that we have been teaching students for years and will continue to do so in the digital age that we live in. Upper School students recently attended a workshop focusing on the importance of the ethical use of AI. Students at TFA know that humanity is made in God’s own image, or “Imago Dei,” and has qualities and characteristics that reflect God. Artificial Intelligence does not possess a soul and will never match God’s masterpiece in mankind.
Dr. Scott Toenges, Upper School Chaplain, Christian Studies Teacher, Commissioned Colson Fellow
Our faculty and staff have spent hours in dedicated AI professional development evaluating, assessing, and discussing the discernment needed between the information output and the Biblical truths. They have found it to serve as a great “assistant” or tool to be utilized. Just as we have moved from pencils to calculators to spreadsheets, we have learned to implement these tools to foster efficiency so that teachers and students can spend more time asking deeper questions and thinking critically. Higher-order thinking places the responsibility of decision-making on Image bearers, not AI, while still maintaining AI in its proper role as an assistive tool. Since these tech tools can handle the basics, we can allocate more time to higher-level tasks. We will continue to guide students to achieve proficiency at the application level, progress to the analysis and evaluation levels, and ultimately reach the creation level. Additionally, teachers will offer examples in their respective courses, emphasizing the appropriate utilization of AI and its relevance to their specific disciplines.
Mrs. Leti Branz, Upper School Mathematics Teacher, Academic Dean, & Commissioned Colson Fellow
Students will be taught that how they use AI should be no different from any other tool that helps them with their work. If students can confidently answer the 5 questions below, they can make use of AI and develop their AI literacy and skills.
- How are you using AI? Using AI as an assistant that you are working with is OK; outsourcing your work to AI is not.
- Does AI achieve the purpose of your work for you? AI shouldn’t take away a student’s purpose for completing an assignment; teachers assign for learning gains and deeper understanding that should extend beyond AI
- How much are you interacting with AI? Students should not just copy and paste what AI spits out. At TFA, our teachers know our students and are aware of their God-given abilities. Our teachers understand that AI isn’t always the most reliable and may not produce the best results, so they encourage students to collaborate with AI or utilize it as an assistant in their work.
- Can you explain the AI’s responses? AI can not do the learning for our students. Students should be able to understand, explain, and correct AI-generated answers.
- Have you cited your use of AI? Citing the use of AI is an important part of academic integrity, just as students would cite a textbook, the Internet, etc.
Jennifer Jackson, Interim Assistant Head of School for Pk-12 Programs & Parent Relations