While technology can be very beneficial, its use must be monitored. Educators understand that children are not only getting screen time at school, but also at home. The New York times discusses a study done and concluded that, “Thoughtful schools and companies understand that the use of digital learning must be educationally appropriate and balanced with time away from devices. Skilled teachers understand that digital resources complement classroom discussions. Computers don’t replace conversation”(New York Times). Educators realize the importance of classroom discussion and do not recommend that students only be on digital learning all day. However, a good balance between devices and discussion make for the perfect learning environment for all learners.
One potential to alleviate this risk is to use e-readers. These devices are similar to the first models of the Kindle with the grey screen and black letters. While this device does not have a backlit screen and must be used in the light, they provide an exceptional battery life of up to 9 days even with heavy use. These devices allow students to read many textbooks in one place, are light, and inexpensive to their paper textbook counterpart.
For those using the traditional tablets, these also come with great advantages, but must be used effectively. In Tennessee, technology was used in a “deliberate, measured” way to increase students’ ownership of their learning, to differentiate instruction, and to allow teachers to focus on the students that needed the most support (Mohammed). In this way, the teachers used traditional teaching methods with the added benefit of keeping children learning at their own pace while they spent time with those students who needed a bit more assistance.
Mohammed, S. (2018, October 26). Tech or no tech, effective learning is all about teaching. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2018/09/06/tech-or-no-tech-effective-learning-is-all-about-teaching/
Too Much Screen Time for Kids? New York Times Company, New York, 2018.
Tablet Learning 