Reading Reflection: Laptops and iPads in the classroom: the promise and the problems A close look at digital devices in schools — what works why it does.

This article demonstrates a conflict that many educators are facing in the classroom: digital devices and technology. Tech-literacy is fast becoming a necessary life skill, but it also comes with complications. First, at what point should technology be introduced in a school’s curriculum? We know that early screen exposure can damage a child’s development, and modern research is now indicating that social media in particular is having a profound impact on issues such as cyber-bullying, attention span, body dysphoria, eating disorders, sleep disorders, and more. Of course, technology is simply a tool, and we have opportunities to use it for good as well, and we do. How is it that we balance the strong desire to protect children from the same technology that they are exposed to at home and in social spaces, when we know it leads to harming educational outcomes? How do we balance the necessity of learning technology, and yet some communities will not be able to afford that technology? As the digital literacy divide widens to include innocent children, how do we, as librarians, facilitate a healthy and holistic view that helps instead of hindering? 

I was inspired by the story of California math teacher Randy Joss in the article. He explained how kids felt confident in the classroom, but when they got home, they would be stuck. The strategic play of releasing videos to help kids after school was heartwarming. I didn’t have a supportive home environment when it came to homework as a kid, and I definitely would have valued the videos from a teacher at home with access to that technology. Oftentimes, the quality of the teacher is what brings out the power to use this technology for good. I believe some teachers who prefer a homework packet low-engagement method of school work (a shame, I am not afraid to say)- these teachers and their students would likely not benefit from iPads, or other tech devices, the same way qualified teachers who care can offer. 

Lived experience as a previous public school teaching assistant:

During my last year as a teaching assistant within the wealthiest county in Oklahoma, there was an active shooter threat from a student circulated on social media the day we were supposed to have a glow-in-the-dark spirit week rally that everyone had looked forward to. Luckily, the threat was caught early and handled by local law enforcement, but the high schoolers could not be consoled. The rally ended up being cancelled later in the day because of the immense fear the incident had stirred. While putting on a brave face for the kids and reviewing steps for Run, Hide, Fight, I decided that I couldn’t be a part of normalizing this reality of gun violence in schools any longer, and I couldn’t renew my contract after that. These kids had the privilege, the phones, the Chromebooks, and a well-funded school infrastructure, including a brand new high school (it was the second year open). Learning ceased because safety was compromised by the very access they possessed.

In deep contrast, the neighboring school district of the capital was entirely destitute. Kids in high school were sharing 10-year-old, damaged books (1 book: 2 students), and the schools couldn’t afford Chromebooks. Many of these kids were not privileged enough to have smartphones until they got jobs, and were often recipients of free and reduced lunch programs. I have to wonder which kids are actually better off? If the same active-shooter threat incident had happened in this high school, would the kids have even been aware of it? Could they have gone about their day without fearing for their life, unable to concentrate on the day’s lesson, or even being able to let loose and have fun at a pep rally? The kids at the Capitol High School may be missing out on the latest and greatest tech in school, but are they better off than those kids who do have the smartphones and Chromebooks that are constantly distracting (rightfully so) in school? 

I’m not so sure what the right answer is, but I want kids to be able to go to school without fearing for their lives, while also being able to experience the joy, wonder, and frustration of having technology in school. Bottom line- when people are in a state of fear, learning goes out the window. Is it the fault of the technology- no, I don’t believe so, but the impact remains all the same. 

https://www.greatschools.org/gk/parenting/academics/ipad-technology-in-the-classroom/