Question About Screen Time
One of the biggest trends in edtech has been 1:1 devices in schools. Many districts have been working on getting computers or iPads for every student in their schools. That way every student has equal access to technology. This is something I have been passionate about because it is very frustrating to have to share computer carts amongst multiple classrooms. I know that my district is currently working toward getting a cart of computers in every classroom.
I do have one concern about this though. In middle school, if a student uses a computer in every class, they could be in front of a screen for up to six hours. That is a lot of screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that there be a limit on screen time for children and teenagers. Computers are such a powerful tool to use in the classroom but how much use is too much?
My question for you is: should we limit screen time in the classroom?
I do have one concern about this though. In middle school, if a student uses a computer in every class, they could be in front of a screen for up to six hours. That is a lot of screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that there be a limit on screen time for children and teenagers. Computers are such a powerful tool to use in the classroom but how much use is too much?
My question for you is: should we limit screen time in the classroom?
That is an interesting question that you ask. A few years ago I attended a conference for software developers and there was a seminar about ergonomics in the work place to help prevent employee injuries related to heavy computer use. It is surprising how damaging it can be to sit in front of a screen all day without proper equipment and taking breaks just to name a few. For k-12 students, I imagine this could cause extra issues. Maybe it could cause unknown health risks to growing bodies, or it may also damage student’s ability with actual writing skills. I know I cannot write with pen and paper to save my life after using a device for writing the last 15+ years. I do think it could really damage face to face social interaction skills if kid’s faces are glued to a screen all day, especially since there is a good chance their faces are glued to a screen already in their free time. For that I all for computers and devices in the classroom, but there should be limitations. Good post!
ReplyDelete-Jake
Thanks Jake. You bring up some really interesting points. I think ergonomics are really important too. I think it would be great to get better chairs in our schools because students spend so many hours in them. I know it would be too expensive though. I agree that my handwriting has gotten much worse since I use a computer regularly now. I wonder as well what that will do to young students.
DeleteThe questions your post raises for me are two-fold. First, if the district hasn’t already equitably placed technology in the hands of its students, then what are they doing? Are they still arguing the merits of technology as it passes them by, or are they frightened of the perceived cost? I don’t know, however, it all seems so tardy to my mind. I’m convinced that today’s learners have a new civil right regarding access to technology. I teach digital photography in a stand-alone Career Education department. I started teaching digital photography in 1998 with curriculum I authored. I stopped teaching chemistry-based photography in 2006 in a phased out plan starting 2004. The industry demanded this transition.
ReplyDeleteI have found myself surrounded by districts still teaching darkroom photography today, as we speak. How do they justify the expenditure of teaching 1960 technology in a digital age? I feel starved of resources in my department. How do these programs teaching obsolete technology get their dough?
Regarding the second great question you pose, it seems to me the screen time should relate to the task. Is learner’s screen time monitored when they get home from school? What assignments require learners to make things with their hands, or raise their heart rate to achieve? Parents and friends have much more control over screen time than any school would in comparison. If screen time is to be limited, the limits should happen first outside the school environment.
I’m adding my name to this response due to the fact that I was identified as “Unknown” on your blog in my last interaction.
Keith Hanz
I completely agree that students have a civil right regarding access to technology. It is so frustrating that we as teachers are still fighting to get equal access for all students. That's crazy that there are still schools teaching darkroom photography. It does seem strange that they are putting their funding toward that rather than digital photography.
DeleteI think you are right that limits on screen time should happen first outside of the school environment. Because we are using technology for educational purposes, I think it's okay that we use it fairly often. It's good to incorporate activities that are hands-on or involve movement too.
Hannah, on 15 March of this year the Government of Ontario announced a ban on cell phones in the classroom. How would this kind of ban affect your thinking around 1:1?
ReplyDeleteI know this wasn't directed at me, but high school students can use apps like Goosechase on college visits or school field trips. Middle school teachers get permission from parents and ask that the apps they want used for class be downloaded at home. I automatically thought of this when I read your question. Goosechase allows collaboration (through teams), engagement, and formative assessments. Think of how that could be taken away with the ban of cell phones.
DeleteHere's the link to Goosechase EDU: https://www.goosechase.com/edu/.
That's really interesting that Ontario is banning cellphones in the classroom. I think cellphones are a huge distraction in the classroom. I do think it's more powerful when we can provide students with a laptop or iPad that they can use in the classroom. These devices can have more controls, like web filters and monitoring programs. Part of me also agrees with Alicia though that a cell phone can be used as a tool. There are a lot of great apps that students can use to collaborate, practice skills, or get help. I think many of these apps are better used at home though rather than in the classroom.
DeleteSome teenagers use computers when they aren't in school. Some teenagers spend a lot of hours on the computer. However, I think that the amount of time that a student should spend on the computer during school depends on the subject and assignment.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think if it is a meaningful assignment that uses the computer then it is definitely worthwhile. Sometimes I have seen teachers just use the computers though because they are there, which can lead to overuse.
DeleteI do think there is a balance when it comes to screen time. As a parent of three teenagers I can relate to too much screen time! I also wish our school had more access to technology. We are far from a 1:1 school. Our class currently shares a cart of laptops with 5 other classrooms. It's really hard to accomplish everything we need to do on the computers and I'm constantly trying to find a work around. Sometimes I end up using my smart board and doing a whole group instruction instead. Our state testing is online and we do MAPs testing online. There are weeks that need to be blocked out for testing and we are completely without during those times of the year. This makes things very difficult.
ReplyDeleteI agree it's really difficult during state testing. It's frustrating that you will be in the middle of working on a project that involves computers but you can't use them because another class has to use them for testing. I definitely think every classroom should have its own cart of computers, but I know that is expensive.
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