The Broward School District, which has prided itself as being a leader in using technology and artificial intelligence, could be directed by the School Board on Tuesday to rein in these efforts.<\/p>\n
The School Board will consider a request by Chairwoman Sarah Leonardi to take three steps to help control the use of technology. The proposal would direct Superintendent Howard Hepburn to:<\/p>\n
\u2014 Limit the screen time of pre-K through second grade students to \u201conly what is necessary for state-mandated testing and\/or accommodations for students with special needs.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014 Ensure that a proposed district policy on technology and artificial intelligence, slated for discussion on Aug. 4, includes \u201cthe maximum limitation on device and AI use\u201d for all elementary school-level students.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Ensure that software known as Linewize is implemented to catch any concerning student use of school devices, such as students wanting to harm themselves or others, and sent to the District Security Operations Center in real time for review.<\/p>\n
Leonardi told the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Monday that the proposal seeks \u201cmore responsible use of technology in our schools.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think many of us have seen data that suggests that kids don\u2019t need to be on screens for much of their school day. I had round tables with parents and students<\/a> where I heard those concerns expressed,\u201d Leonardi said.<\/p>\n One of the concerns she heard was how technology affects children\u2019s eyesight, Leonardi said.<\/p>\n \u201cI also heard from students, especially students with disabilities, that they use the technology, and it helps them a lot in school,\u201d Leonardi said. \u201cSo I\u2019m not trying to just get rid of all screens and all technology, but I think sometimes we can overuse it, and I\u2019ve definitely heard that from students and parents.\u201d<\/p>\n This will be the second month in a row the School Board will vote on a matter related to curbing technology use.<\/p>\n On June 23, School Board member Adam Cervera asked for a pause<\/a>\u00a0in the implementation of a program called MagicSchool AI until Hepburn\u2019s staff provides a written report addressing concerns such as student privacy, program costs, and the effects on teaching, as well as student learning and social and mental health.<\/p>\n He also requested more teacher input and public hearings on the issue.<\/p>\n