Breaking Free from the Screen: A Reality Check for Education

As we continue to push the boundaries of technology in education, it's essential to take a step back and assess the impact of screens on our children's learning. While phones have been the primary focus of attention, it's time to shine the spotlight on the other "educational" screens that have become an integral part of the classroom experience. Chromebooks, tablets, and laptops have become ubiquitous in schools, with the aim of bridging the digital divide and enhancing learning outcomes. However, the data paints a different picture. Despite the increasing push for 1:1 laptop policies, student math, reading, and science scores have been on a steady decline since 2012. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly played a role, but it's clear that the screens themselves are not the solution to improving education. In fact, research suggests that screens can hinder learning outcomes. A study from Norway found that students who read text on computers performed worse on comprehension tests than those who read the same text on paper. Another study using MRI scans showed that children who spent more time reading paper books had stronger reading circuits in their brains compared to those who spent their time on screens. The reality is that learning on screens does not yield the same benefits as learning on paper. Children derive deeper meaning from printed texts, and the skimming encouraged by screens can lead to a loss of deep reading processes necessary for literacy and learning. Moreover, the screens themselves can be a distraction from actual learning. Students are often tempted to play video games, search for content, or even access inappropriate materials during school hours. Teachers struggle to prevent this misuse, as students can quickly click away from a site or find ways to bypass blocks. It's time to acknowledge that screens are not the answer to improving education. Instead, we should focus on creating a learning environment that fosters deep learning, critical thinking, and creativity. This means moving away from screens and embracing more traditional methods of learning, such as writing by hand and reading printed texts.