A few years ago, I wrote a post about the modern convenience of technology. I questioned whether we had made certain tradeoffs for that convenient technology. With recent legislation in New Jersey (where I work) that bans phones in school for students, I found myself rethinking our use of technology in education.
First, I think it starts with modeling. As adults, we need to show our children what appropriate use of technology looks like. When we are constantly interrupted by the dings and pings of our own phones, and give priority to our phones over other more worthwhile pursuits, we are probably sending the wrong message. When it comes to the phone ban in schools, I think it might actually be more difficult for teachers to model restricted use of their own phones in the classroom. It’s going to be a struggle for a lot of people for a little while. But in the long run, it makes sense that students should be more engaged in the learning process, and more engaged with life outside of the tiny screen in their hands.
Let’s ask another obvious question. If we are banning phones in school, does it then make sense for a student to sit in front of another school provided device instead? As an elementary school principal, I would argue that we should also be restricting the use of computers in schools rather than incorporating them more. I really think it comes down to intention. If we are purposefully providing students with time to use their devices in meaningful ways (think Redefinition in the SAMR model), then we are thinking clearly about why students have devices in front of them in the first place. Too many students are blindly thrown on their computers throughout their day (and at home as well), and we have seen the results. We need to have our youngest students reading books, and learning to write, solving problems, and engaging in ways that don’t involve screens at all times.
Now, the final aspect to examine is whether we are too far gone at this point. We are at a crossroads. Putting technology “back in the box” won’t be easy, but it is a test of our collective will.
We aren’t just banning a device; we are trying to reclaim the classroom. We are trying to produce students who understand the why behind their technology usage, not just the how.
Rich
