Ricky Brown, Apple Professional Learning Specialist, Sync
For many educational leaders, public narratives can make or break the reputation and credibility of institutions. When introducing new methods of approaching the curriculum, it is easy to get swept up in the negative connotations surrounding a technique or tool newly introduced to the classroom. One such example of this is classroom devices and the worries surrounding screen time for students.
Edtech devices have become as necessary to the modern student as textbooks and notepads were for the generations before. Technology has provided new ways for all types of learners to express themselves, bring ideas to life, and engage with lessons.
When the school day comes to an end, it is evident that some children are choosing to continue to use technology in their spare time. As such, concerned parents have raised the question: ‘are our children exposed to screens for too much time in the day?’.
Even as adults it can be difficult to limit screen time. It is not uncommon to see concerns regarding the effects of screen time on concentration and work output for students. Despite the fears surrounding screen time, this is a concern that manufacturers, parents and school officials can address.
What parents can do
Manufacturers such as Apple have been providing parents tools to stay on top of their children’s screen habits. The Screen Time app comes pre-installed on all iPhone and iPad models but must be turned on and enabled to be utilised.
Parents can use this tool to view reports on how much time is being used per device, per app, and even per website. With this, they can lock devices or set schedules to limit certain apps at allotted times.
What schools can do
School officials also have the power to aid in the effort to reduce screen time. They can offer after school programmes to provide alternative activities for children to partake in and draw their attention away from screens. Encouraging students to partake in sports, drama, and other after school activities can be hugely beneficial for not only their screen time, but relationships with peers and even their mental health.
Alternatively, raising awareness and educating students on the importance of self-regulation and digital literacy can be our most effective effort. We can limit the devices they use in the classroom and at home - but by dedicating time in an assembly or class to focus on why limiting screen time will benefit them in the long run, we can bestow students the importance of moderation.
Conclusion
When it comes to public narratives surrounding new methods of teaching and learning, it is important to acknowledge the cons as well as the pros and work with parents and peers to address concerns. Being open and honest about public perceptions and concerns will always be a more effective route than brushing them under the proverbial rug.
Edtech has brought a host of benefits to the curriculum inside and out of the classroom. Fears of an increase in screen time for students are valid and can be addressed in a variety of ways. When considering tech in the classroom, it is vital that we instil the importance of moderation in students who may be going on to make use of devices once the school day has come to an end.
Visit our team at the CST CEO Leadership Summit in July and discover tailored technology solutions that work for your institution.
Join us for CST's CEO Leadership Summit on 7 and 8 July in Birmingham to explore our theme, Values in action: Purpose, public value, and public narrative. Find out more and book now.
The CST Blog welcomes perspectives from a diverse range of guest contributors. The opinions expressed in blogs are the views of the author(s), and should not be read as CST guidance or CST’s position.
