SALT LAKE CITY \u2014 Phones are out of the classroom, but are we saying no laptops next? Last week, Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced a bell-to-bell ban on cell phones in all Utah schools, joining 22 other states all taking similar action. But, the national conversation doesn\u2019t stop at phones. A growing movement now questions whether devices like laptops, iPads and Chromebooks belong in classrooms at all.<\/p>\n
Author and Educator Andrea Davis, with \u201cBetter Screen Time,\u201d shared what the research says and where schools should draw the line.<\/p>\n
Technology Itself Isn\u2019t a Great Teacher<\/p>\n
When laptops and tablets were introduced into classrooms, they were expected to revolutionize education. Davis said the reality has been disappointing.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have better data than ever before when it comes to how technology is impacting education, and the reality is that it hasn\u2019t held up to its promise really,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Standardized test scores and IQ scores have actually dropped over the past decade.<\/p>\n
\u201cTechnology itself isn\u2019t a great teacher,\u201d Davis added.<\/p>\n
Distractions and Workarounds<\/p>\n
Schools and parents are always on top of blocking harmful content, but Davis said that students find ways around restrictions.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve talked to students and they know the workarounds,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
This means devices well-intended for learning can easily become gateways to distractions. Davis emphasized that giving kids access to the entire internet and expecting them to stay focused is unrealistic.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re really asking too much of them, to be honest,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Research Points to Paper Over Screens<\/p>\n
Studies consistently show that comprehension and retention improve when students read on paper and write by hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cStudents typically score lower on online exams than they do on paper,\u201d Davis said.<\/p>\n
She explained that with all the information available to students on the internet, they are often multitasking on their school devices which even further reduces learning.<\/p>\n
\u201cTechnology is just not a consistent predictor of learning,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Solutions for Schools<\/p>\n
Davis emphasized that the goal isn\u2019t to be anti-tech, but pro-learning.<\/p>\n
\u201cTechnology can be an incredible tool. We all know that,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Currently, some schools are limiting device use to the classroom and requiring homework to be completed by hand. Others are considering a return to traditional computer labs to learn specific skills like typing and research. Davis also noted that schools need to vet apps carefully to avoid design features that encourage addictive behaviors rather than learning.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaking sure that those apps are not using persuasive design. They\u2019re not using those tactics like streaks and the things that really are sucking kids in, but aren\u2019t enhancing learning,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n
Find more insight from Andrea Davis on Instagram, @betterscreentime<\/a>.<\/p>\n