Technology

The approach to technology at MTS is highly intentional, with an emphasis on critical thinking and innovation.

Technology is an integral part of life at MTS and is embedded throughout the curriculum. Technology use at MTS is intentional, and it is used to support learning, demonstrate understanding, and express creativity. We focus on developing skills that allow students to use devices to access information, derive meaning, and construct knowledge. They learn essential systems and platforms that support reading assessment, skill development, and problem-solving. Students also have opportunities to more deeply explore areas of interest, including coding, digital art and photography, and 3D printing. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly at this time, MTS is investing deeply in understanding AI – its use and applicability in education in a K-8 setting.

The MTS AI Vision

Always human. Always intentional.

At MTS, we center human intelligence while utilizing artificial intelligence to amplify joyful learning and inspire action.

To that end, we thoughtfully harness AI as a transformative tool to:

Enhance learning – providing the best educators, curriculum, and pedagogy for each student
Ensure our students graduate as discerning, fluent, ethical, and adaptable individuals by fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration
Elevate interest, passion, and possibilities
Empower our people to do the things that only they can do (and can’t currently do)

AI Guidelines by Grade Level

K-2 Students – Hone the Human Skills to Prepare for Human-AI-Human Methodology

3-5 Students – Scaffolded Use of Generative AI with Human-AI-Human Structure and Guard Rails

6-8 Students – Increasingly Independent Use of Generative AI with Human-AI-Human Structure and Guard Rails

Focus on the emphasis that AI is a human-made tool with technical limitations and ethical implications
Each student understands the most effective task, platform, and use of various AI tools to support their learning. And knows when AI is not the most effective tool for learning.
Intentional, transparent, and structured use of generative AI as a collaborative partner following the H-AI-H model

ProComm – Approaching and Using AI with a Spirit of Discovery

Explore and experiment with AI tools to find the most effective task, platform, and use of various AI tools to support work.
Use generative AI as a collaborative partner following the H-AI-H model
Utilize AI to be more efficient, allowing you time and energy to be an even more effective professional
Understand that AI is a human-made tool with technical limitations and ethical implications, presenting us with a healthy opportunity for growth
Guide and transparently communicate student-facing AI using our AI Vision and Grade-Level Guidance

Digital Well-Being

While gaining an understanding of technology is imperative in the modern world, we also recognize the challenges and concerns around overuse of technology for our youth.

As part of our MTS Into Action Strategic Plan, we aim to “actively nourish the mental, physical, and emotional needs that allow individuals and the collective to thrive,” and it is our priority to help support our students and families to develop a healthy relationship with technology for the well being of all members of the community.

Digital well-being was a throughline in the 2023-24 school year and remains an important focus. We created the Family Technology Guidelines to provide community norms that help families develop and follow rules that align with other MTS families. Finally, we continue to review our use of educational technology and its alignment in a K-8 scope and sequence.