Like it or not, our children are growing up in the age of technology. Our first response is to pull back, to protect them from exposure to inappropriate outside influences, and to stick with what we know. Unfortunately, what we know about technology is much less than what they know.

As the use of technology both in and out of the classroom continues to grow at an alarming rate, it's important to remember the words of Sir Francis Bacon, "Knowledge is power."

As Christian educators, we need to learn about the current trends in technology and find a way to respond and to implement them into our schools.

1. Online or computer-based curriculum: If you haven't implemented online or computer-based curriculum, it's time to consider it as an option.

Today's digital natives use computers in most facets of their lives. From movie times to the Facebook status of friends, they're engaged in the digital world. Reading text and interacting with images on a computer screen is second nature. Online curriculum takes place on familiar terrain and keeps them engaged in the learning process with text, audio, video, and tools for communication with teachers and classmates.

2. Web 2.0 Tools: Available from any connected computer, the Internet offers many effective lessons to add to your curriculum.

From art and science projects to collaborative learning opportunities with students on the other side of the globe, today's digital learners have access to engaging lessons that have become available with increased Internet access and cloud computing. In addition, they allow students to see the world from a different point of view. You'll be amazed at the variety of instructional tools and resources you'll find in the Web 2.0 environment.

3. Blogs as vehicles for instruction: Web logs are online diaries, but while some focus on personal ideas and the opinions of the individual blogger, others have become great tools for use in the classroom.

Some Christian schools have employed classroom blogs in which students are required to respond to daily Bible readings or verses, chronicle their journeys toward confirmation, and get creative with writing about their faith. This open forum not only helps them develop written communication skills, but is a great way for parents to follow their child's progress and for congregations to get involved in the lives of Christian students.

4. Cell phones or wireless laptops: Available anywhere anytime, Christian schools can use wireless devices to post exciting news.

Widely used by today's digital natives and their parents, these communication essentials can be used by youth groups to get church members involved in their community service activities or post updates from mission trips. They also provide a convenient way to inform families of changes in school calendars or for project or test reminders.

5. Social media: Kids today don't hang out on the landline-mired phone to get in touch with their friends. Instead, the popularity of social media sites like MySpace, Facebook, and MyYearbook among teens continues to grow.

Teenagers are avid users of social media to share information, get status updates, and to communicate. While activity on these sites should be closely monitored, they can be used effectively as learning spaces. With Facebook, teachers can publish slides for lessons and lots of multi-media content that students can review from computers at home or at school. YouTube videos can be posted that offer valuable information on literally unlimited topics. Students can even strengthen their 21st century skills by creating a script, producing, and eventually making their own videos to post.

Most importantly, all of these new technologies are intertwined in our daily lives. The use of one most often leads to the use of another. They are no longer something new; they are something now. Ignoring these technologies is denying students in Christian schools the learning opportunities that will prepare them for life as adults in the digital age.