Should There Be Limits on a Students Screen Time?

I found this article very interesting, and a common question I often wonder. With all of our technology advancements I find it difficult to imagine that it is all meant to enhance our society to make “in replace of”, not “in addition to”.

Throughout my schooling I sometimes feel that having computer and internet access twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, there literally becomes no time off. I am constantly reminded of work, school, and personal matters all hours of the day, and given day of the week. Emails, cell phones, and online web pages (i.e. Moodle, teacher web pages) are some means of technology that allows for opportunities of additional communication.

What about the use of technology in a classroom? I feel that educators are provided with an abundance tools that allow for online collaboration, communication, and presentations. This new way and transition into our school curriculum is very similar to the question I possess, are these really new means to “enhance” our curriculum to replace, or to given in addition to the existing?

How do we really calculate our children’s “screen time”, like mentioned in the article, it is literally impossible. Our advance and progressive society has made technology capabilities everywhere, and possible for everyone. We carry them in our pockets, have them in our cars, and surround ourselves around them in our homes. We are fully connected. With these possibilities and the idea that it is still expansive, the need for a healthy balance is crucial. I feel very strongly that traditional methods of teaching and paper creativity are important fundamentals to growth. Disregarding these areas, I think will lead to sad loss. Technology capabilities and options are of great need and of importance, but in moderation, such as, “It is critical to use class time to its fullest and to use computers for only the highest levels of cognitive thought and learning”. Our children’s education should be and become well-rounded and diverse, giving opportunities and lessons with a balance, and not become technology engulfed. For example, as also suggested within the text, “That means we should use computers only to enhance the curriculum and not just because we need a break from classroom management or because grades are due the next day.”

Works Cited

Weinberg, R., & Stager, G. (2010, September/ October). Should there be Limits on a Students Screen Time? Retrieved October 18, 2010, from Iste: http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Point_Counterpoint_Should_There_Be_Limits_on_a_Students_Screen_Time.aspx