By Ethan Lachman ’21

Internet expert Lori Getz spoke to seventh and eighth grade students about internet safety and technology use during class meetings over the past month. Getz earned her master’s Degree in Educational Technology from San Diego State University and has educated students across the country since 2008.
Students learn basic internet safety skills in the seventh grade Library and Technology course, but Getz said that her goal is to teach new information. On her website, lorigetz.com, Getz said that she wants students to understand where and when to use technology, and how much time to spend utilizing it.
Getz explained to students how they should balance technology in their lives.
“To decide when and where to use technology, [students] have to focus on physical and emotional health, manners and time management, and less on ‘How much time should I spend on a device?’” Getz said in an email.
However, Getz does not disapprove of technology, and in fact welcomes its influence on daily life.
“Technology is an amazing resource that should make our lives better, easier, and more efficient, giving us time to be more human and connect with…family, friends and community,” Getz said.
Although the class meetings with Getz lasted for one hour and extended into their activities period, students spoke about the benefits of the lectures.
“Although [the lecture] went into break, everyone really liked it and she also gave us a lot of good information,” Jacky Zhang ’21 said.
Getz is scheduled to speak to ninth graders in their class meetings at the end of March.