At Rushmore American School, we believe in the transformative power of technology in education. As a proud Google School, we will harness the capabilities of Google for Education tools to revolutionize the way students learn, collaborate, and prepare for the future. However, as we embrace the benefits of ICT, we will also prioritize fostering a culture of responsibility, safety, and ethical use that aligns with the values and traditions of the UAE.
The Role of ICT in Education
ICT, powered by Google’s comprehensive suite of tools, will become an essential component of enhancing the learning experience. Google Classroom, Docs, Slides, and Sheets will provide students and teachers with a seamless platform for collaboration, communication, and creativity. From accessing a world of knowledge to developing critical skills such as problem-solving and teamwork, technology will open doors to endless opportunities. At Rushmore, we will integrate these tools thoughtfully into our curriculum, ensuring they enhance teaching and learning while supporting our mission to nurture well-rounded, global citizens.
A Culture of Responsibility
While technology is a powerful enabler, its use must be guided by principles of responsibility and respect. At Rushmore American School, we will be committed to instilling these values in our students. Our approach will emphasize:
- Digital Citizenship: Teaching students to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. This will include understanding the impact of their digital footprint, respecting intellectual property, and engaging in positive online interactions.
- Ethical Use: Encouraging students to use technology in ways that align with our school’s core values and the cultural norms of the UAE. This will mean promoting honesty, integrity, and respect in all digital activities.
- Balanced Engagement: Helping students find a healthy balance between screen time and other aspects of life, such as physical activity, face-to-face interactions, and personal reflection.
Keeping Our Students Safe
The safety of our students will be a top priority at Rushmore American School. As a Google School, we will take full advantage of Google’s robust security features while implementing additional proactive measures to ensure that technology use is secure and age-appropriate. Our initiatives will include:
- Robust Safeguards: Utilizing Google’s advanced filtering and monitoring systems to protect students from inappropriate content and online threats.
- Ongoing Education: Providing regular workshops and training sessions for students, teachers, and parents on topics such as cyberbullying, data privacy, and safe online behavior.
- Clear Policies: Establishing comprehensive guidelines for ICT use that outline expectations, responsibilities, and consequences for misuse.
Partnering with the Community
We believe that fostering responsible technology use is a shared responsibility. By partnering with parents and the wider community, we will create a supportive environment where students thrive. We will encourage open communication between school and home, offering resources and guidance to help families navigate the digital world together.
The Path Forward
Starting in August 2025, Rushmore American School will proudly leverage the power of Google for Education tools to inspire and empower our students. By emphasizing responsible use and aligning our practices with the cultural values of the UAE, we will ensure that technology serves as a tool for growth, innovation, and positive impact. Together, we will prepare our students to lead with confidence, integrity, and responsibility in an interconnected world.
The journey toward responsible technology use will be ongoing, and we are committed to supporting our students every step of the way.
