Tablets out, imagination in: the schools that shun technology
https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2015/dec/02/schools-that-ban-tablets-traditional-education-silicon-valley-london
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I've talked with my students about this story and I'm becoming more and more interested in the idea of regulating student use of technology. It's important to note that this story was written in 2015 but one can't argue that things are that much different today. Students are still using many types of technology throughout their day, including during classes, lessons, study time and seat work. Jenkins does focus on the elementary aged students; we are seeing these children when their technological habits are fairly ingrained so the idea of backing up the 'train' creates angst with some teens.
I take the attitude that technology is useful and there is no point in trying to take it out entirely, but I want my students to be able to disconnect when it's necessary - that is all. Maybe we will be more engaged with each other and learn that we like being in a room together.
Executives of Silicon Valley companies are fully regulating their children's use of technology. I would have said that we need to ask ourselves what they know that we don't, but we do know what is happening to the children we are teaching and have become increasingly alarmed. I take heart after reading this that we are not wrong and need to have a tough conversation about whether we teach to lead our students or to mirror current culture. Leading will be my choice every time.