Editing NorthStar Through the Ages (section)

== The Future Age: Where We Will Be ==
Student and faculty communication remains an important factor for NSA. FirstClass continued to be NorthStar’s main social platform until mid-2019. Around the summer months, the administration began what was known as “the Switch.” According to NSA’s Support team, the main reason that NorthStar began looking for a new communication system was that “FirstClass would no longer be offered through our [previous] host.”

A new school year and social platform brought about the end of secret folders and instant messaging. Instead, channels and more permanent private messages became the next big student social platform. 

When it was first announced NorthStar would be switching to Microsoft Teams, there were some mixed opinions. Many students were excited about the change and what new adventures it would bring. Others were more hesitant to say goodbye to the place of deep seated tradition they had come to appreciate. 

Alexis, a current NorthStar sophomore, explained how her unique FirstClass experience made her excited for the change. “As I had a chromebook, it was very messy and frustrating to work around [with FirstClass],” she said. “It was hard to have a personal chat with someone and the emails were a pain to send. It was hard to actually interact with anyone there, and due to that, I switched to Skype. FC [for me] was only used for emails to teachers, where Teams can be anything you want! It can be a place to call your teachers or interact with friends. You can go to live sessions and call each other, something FC did not offer. Overall, I prefer Microsoft Teams and Outlook to FirstClass.”

Looking toward the next school year and beyond, members of the ''Navigator'' staff shared their hopes for what Teams will become in the future. “I kind of like to think of teams as the hallways of our virtual school,” says Karis. “I think it would be cool if it continues to be a place where students can connect and form close friendships with other students.” 

When asked her opinion, Tirzah agreed, saying, “I think a place for students to interact is what I hope Teams both is and always will be.”
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[[File:NSA Timeline.png|left|frameless|822x822px]]
The Navigator staff hopes that this article will serve as a record and inspiration for the next generation of students at NSA. Throughout the ages, NorthStar will continue to be a light to people all over the world as its founders intended. 

''“May NSA continue to come alongside families and provide that educational community of learners and educators to meet the needs of families in ministry around the world.”''

-Mr. Peterson (an NSA founder)
[[Category:Navigator Articles]]
[[Category:Nav 20-21]]