Following years of increased technology use in classrooms, a small but increasing number of private and charter schools in the Houston area are reducing their reliance on digital devices.
The pandemic caused many students to transition to online learning, and following this, schools rapidly integrated technology, enabling students to use Chromebooks for assignments, homework, and exams. In the 2021 school year, 96% ofpublic schoolsreported offering electronic devices to students who required them.
Currently, some schools are promoting traditional handwriting methods and restricting the use of devices to assist students in improving their academic performance and enhancing their social abilities within the context of national and state-wide initiatives.concerns about screen time.
The approach we've taken toward technology is closely connected to our desire for these girls to experience the maximum amount of freedom," said Margaret Cronin, director of admissions and communications at the Magnolia School. "We believe that in these early years, teaching them without such distractions will ultimately result in a greater level of freedom.
Some school districts have also reduced the amount of time students spend on screens. AtLos Angeles Unified School District, board members decided in April to restrict screen time and move away from individual device policies. InRichardson ISDClose to Dallas, local officials are implementing new regulations that limit the time students can spend using devices during class.
Focus on deep learning
At the Magnolia School, a private, all-girls Catholic institution located in Spring Branch, students are not permitted to use any electronic devices within the classroom. The most common use of technology by teachers is to display a map of the United States or an image of a country's flag on a whiteboard.
The lack of digital devices is frequently the school's "main draw" for families, Cronin stated.
Rather than using laptops and tablets, students at Magnolia engage in all their learning through paper and books. Kindergarten students might use colored blocks to recreate printed images of flowers. Third-grade students complete book reports on paper and have a reading nook available in the classroom. Fourth-graders write personal essays in cursive.
You can clearly see there's a big difference with my oldest child, who has completed classical education from start to finish, reading books and taking notes in them," said Rachel Davis, a fourth-grade teacher whose youngest child uses a Chromebook at his public school. "I truly believe that you remember so much more and have a deeper experience.
She mentioned that it's challenging to compare her daughter and son because of their distinct learning styles, but she has observed her daughter develop a passion for learning in a low-tech setting.
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Numerous teachers and parents advocating for reduced screen time argue that the change is supported by an expanding range of studies examining student learning methods.
Meredith Austin, the associate director at Rice University's Center for Education, stated that research has indicated a connection between extensive screen usage in classrooms and poorer academic results.
A 2023 studyexamining data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress revealed that students who spent more time using digital devices in English class tended to have lower reading comprehension scores.
Nevertheless, Austin mentioned that other elements have also played a role in the decline of student learning in recent years, such as social media, reading instruction, the COVID-19 closures, and a lack of teachers. It remains uncertain how much screen time has influenced recent academic results, particularly since some studies indicate that technology used alongside effective teaching can be advantageous for students.
Critical thinking
Annamarie Omanga, leader of the Magnolia School, stated that the school's policy prohibiting technology encourages students to contemplate and consider their responses more carefully before putting them into writing. She added that this approach also enables students to develop their own concepts rather than imitating content they might encounter online for an essay or assignment.
There's less of a quick succession of 'what do I need to write down here,' " Omanga said. "Even for myself with a phone, I can sometimes send things off without thinking about it.
Omanga mentioned that since the pandemic, the school has experienced a significant increase in enrollment and parent interest. The student population at Magnolia School has almost tripled since its establishment in 2019, with 186 students currently enrolled from kindergarten through eighth grade.
Austin mentioned that research has indicated students are less inclined to perform deep reading when they read on screens — this refers to the process of reflecting and thinking critically about the material, as opposed to simply absorbing information passively.
A review of 54 studiesIn 2018, it was discovered that individuals tended to understand informative texts more effectively when reading them on paper rather than on a digital screen.
Austin mentioned that the same principle applies to writing. Because writing with a pencil may take more time compared to typing, this slower pace can encourage students to think more deeply about what they are writing down.
"Merely owning a device does not enhance educational results," Austin stated.
However, Austin and other researchers have warned that technology is not inherently damaging – and that the way schools implement it is crucial.
In reality, according to Austin, when technology is properly integrated and educators receive training in instructional software, it can result in improved academic outcomes.
Educational technology can also offer tailored assistance in subjects where students face difficulties, and deliver extra support to students with disabilities and those who are still learning English, she mentioned.
Social development
For certain Houston schools, however, the matter extends beyond academic subjects. It involves developing social skills and building connections.
That's a crucial element of the method used at the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Academy, a private Christian middle school located in Bellaire..
The children are receiving new minds, new bodies," stated Eric Lerch, the school principal. "And we truly aimed to develop an educational program that aligns with their current state.
The no-frills school, which began in 2022, has expanded from five to 18 students in recent years.
Lerch mentioned that students sometimes use computers for research assignments, but they frequently print out data and store it in binders for study. They are also mandated to create outlines by hand before writing their drafts.
Jaime Sonnier, the head of student life, stated that by eliminating electronic gadgets, she aims to help students develop a more balanced interaction with technology and reduce their reliance on it.
We're cautiously teaching them about the limits and the significance of those boundaries," Sonnier stated. "Afterward, they'll be implementing these principles in their high school ... and learning the correct methods to apply them as their minds grow.
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Lerch mentioned that the low-technology setting has encouraged students to interact, work together more, and "engage in meaningful conversations in person without a screen getting in the way."
At Magnolia School, Omanga mentioned that their limited technology has enabled students to develop stronger connections with their teachers.
They refer to it as a rat race to keep up with all the technology," Omanga stated. "It is far more effective to educate a child when you understand them as an individual rather than just a collection of data.
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