Eumundi Voice - Issue 80, 6 October 2023

Do we need digital devices in primary classrooms?

The use of digital devices in primary school classrooms can be a divisive topic with pros and cons so it's important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages and make informed decisions about integrating technology into classrooms.

Some positive aspects of digital devices in primary school include better access for learners to extended resources allowing them to deeply research a wide range of topics. Students can be more prepared for the digital skills they will need in their future education and careers. Digital textbooks and materials are often more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than traditional printed materials.

On the flip-side, excessive screen time can have negative effects on children's health including eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns and potential long-term health issues. Technology can be unreliable leading to interruptions in lessons and there is also the real concern about potential privacy issues.

Educators' lens

From a broader state department perspective some of the digital benefits include ensuring all students regardless of their location in Qld have full access and support in the curriculum. This is to ensure no child is disadvantaged and the barrier of direct access is removed.

Other benefits are about being future-oriented. The strategic plan of Equity and Excellence has an emphasis to ensure students are future-focused through learning practices that connect teachers and students across the state.

“There are digital learning opportunities that exceed the benefits to students compared to traditional practices, however there are also traditional practices that are more effective depending on the curriculum intent of the lesson,” is one teacher's perspective.

Parents' views

Consultations with parents showed they understood their children are growing up in a digital world and therefore need to learn technology skills. The concerns expressed were fairly consistent:

“Some interstate schools start utilising iPads in Prep, which I don’t agree with, however our kids are growing up in a digital world so I don’t want them to be left behind either. I believe we need to find a balanced approach and introduce devices in classrooms from Yr 2 and gradually step up the use of technology to enhance learning each year level. One thing I would really love to see is if children are learning on devices they are taught to touch type properly from the start so they don’t learn bad habits.”

“Although the use of computers in the classroom is inevitable as they are now playing an increasingly dominant role in society, I believe it is still essential in the formative years to ensure that most of our children’s work is handwritten. To handwrite requires greater

focus and concentration and assists with the recall of information. It also helps with handeye coordination which is essential for the developing brain.”

“We personally experienced the children’s learning improvement when they attended a new school that was less tech focused and taught the old-fashioned way with a notebook and pencil.”

“Social skills are also impacted. At one of the schools our children attended we had the option to opt out of the iPad class. The children that were in the iPad classes at the school were anti-social and would sit on their devices outside the classroom in Prep instead of playing on the playground equipment.”

“Screen time isn’t limited at school in the later years of primary and secondary school which makes it very difficult to implement limits at home. I also believe that if kids are on devices, touch typing should be taught as early as possible to avoid creating bad habits that are hard to undo later.”

All views are relevant and as this is new territory we will continue to navigate with the rapid changes in technology. It is essential for educators and policymakers to strike a balance between using technology as an educational tool and ensuring that students have a wellrounded, healthy, and equitable educational experience while considering the impact these decisions have on home environments.

Robyn Simpson