Today, we live in a digital age where technology has become an integral part of education, changing how teachers teach and students learn. From interactive whiteboards to online learning platforms, technological tools offer opportunities for engagement, collaboration, and personalization in the classroom that generations before us would have never imagined. Frazier (2017) makes the statement, "Access to the Internet has quickly become an indispensable resource for schools" (p.119). An increase in access as well as availability to technology and tools as well as all of one's personal files through platforms such as Google Suites and Office 365 allow students and educators to have said technology at their disposal almost 24/7 which can "lead to improved collaboration and wider use of technology resources" (Frazier, 2017 p.133). However, as schools increasingly rely on technology to deliver instruction, there is growing concern about the potential drawbacks of this dependence.
A major concern in schools now is the risk of over-reliance on technology, which may unintentionally hinder students' development of essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. Additionally, the constant use of screens can lead to digital fatigue and attention issues among students. Recognizing these challenges, many educators are exploring ways to balance the use of technology for its benefits while ensuring that students have opportunities to learn without it. One study found that "that heavy television use predicted a loss of reading of four months relative to peers two years later: heavy computer use predicted a similar loss in numeracy two years later" (Mundy et al., 2020).
Many schools have begun turning to "unplugged" days in schools in an attempt to come up with a solution to this balancing act. These designated days provide a break from digital devices for both teachers and students, even down to checking emails at times, and encourage students to engage in learning activities that do not require technology. Whether conducting hands-on science experiments, participating in group discussions, or working on collaborative projects, unplugged days offer a refreshing change of pace and a chance for students to hone their non-digital skills.
But the benefits of unplugged days extend beyond just skill development. They also promote mindfulness and well-being by giving students a break from the constant stimulation of screens. Research has shown that excessive screen time can have negative effects on mental health, including increased stress and anxiety. By providing regular opportunities for students to disconnect and engage in offline activities, schools can support their overall well-being. Along with these benefits, unplugged days encourage community and collaboration among students by communicating with each other and using their eye contact, body language, and actual words instead of digital means of communication.
Of course, implementing unplugged days requires careful planning and coordination. Teachers need to design engaging activities that can effectively replace digital instruction and ensure that students remain focused and motivated throughout the day, keeping the teachers sharp and on their game so to speak. Additionally, schools must provide adequate resources and support to facilitate unplugged learning experiences, such as access to materials and professional development for educators.
Ultimately, the goal of unplugged days is not to eliminate technology from education but rather to strike a healthy balance between digital and non-digital learning experiences. By incorporating regular unplugged days into the school calendar, educators can help students develop the skills, habits, and mindset needed to navigate an increasingly digital world while also preserving the timeless principles of learning and human connection.
Frazier, M. & Hearrington, D. (2017). The Technology Coordinator’s Handbook, Third Edition (3rd ed.). Eugene: International Society for Tech in Ed.
Mundy, L. K., Canterford, L., Hoq, M., Olds, T., Moreno-Betancur, M., Sawyer, S., Kosola, S., & Patton, G. C. (2020). Electronic media use and academic performance in late childhood: A longitudinal study. PLOS ONE, 15(9). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0237908
Hello, I enjoyed reading your blog entry. I agree with having unplugged days at school because students and teachers have become dependent upon technology. Unfortunately in the area where we are located, sometimes our internet goes out and many teachers scramble to find activities to complete with their students without the use of technology. An unplugged day will help teachers become more prepared for days with no internet. It will also help students to work on reading and comprehension and thinking skills. Some students have expressed their frustration with the use of technology in the classroom. In addition, during state testing of the ACT, many of our Juniors reported they would have preferred to take the pencil and paper version of the test. According to my research, Despite all the new technologies, flipped classrooms and the like, most students’ first choice for learning was to listen to the instructor lecture, just as they preferred in 2006 and 1996 (Jackson et al.,2011 as cited in Banerjee & Olson, 2021 p.282).
ReplyDeleteReference:
Banerjee, H., & Olson, J. E. (2021). What learning tools do students
prefer? An assessment of undergraduate business courses. Journal of Education for Business, 96(5), 275–283. https://doi-org.ezproxy.montevallo.edu/10.1080/08832323.2020.1812490
Hey Allison,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog. You did a great job of explaining what a school day of unplugged is like. I agree that we need to take days during the school year to unplug from technology. I worry all the screen time will have an effect on students eyes and neck who spend more time on technology that students in past generations. I like how you explained that teachers need to take a few days to plan lessons and focus on curriculum that is not related to technology. Integrating lessons the classroom with unplugged activities can help students improve their skill sets in a variety of ways. (Poth, 2024)
Poth, R. D. (2024, February 27). 6 ways to unplug from Classroom Technology in our Digital age. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/unplugging-technology-classroom/
Allison,
ReplyDeleteI like the topic that you chose to discuss. Overuse of technology can be a thing and even considered an addiction. Frazier and Hearrington mention how changes in teaching and learning necessary for taking advantage of Information and Community Technology (ICT) have not occurred beyond small pockets of good practice (2017, p. 106). It is good or best practices to implement multi-modal instructional strategies to reach as many types of learners as possible and create variety and interest in learning. While using my smart board and student Chromebook use is convenient and beneficial, internet down days have helped in finding balance in computer use and effective instructional strategies that require student interaction, collaboration, tactile and kinesthetic learning, etc. Educators cannot forget foundational elements that can easily fuse with new and innovative technological practices.
Merissa Thornton
Frazier, M. & Hearrington, D. (2017). TheTechnology Coordinator's Handbook. International Society for Technology in Education.