EdTech to advocate for responsible digital use in classrooms

TEXAS — Laptops have become a popular tool since the COVID-19 pandemic, connecting students to educational resources. Nationally, students spend an average of 52 minutes per day on school-issued devices, according to Lightspeed Systems.

Here in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott said it’s too much.

“We find that results are better when students are personally interacting with their high-quality teachers, who are capable of providing a great education for those students,” said Abbott.

Some lawmakers said they’re supportive of the governor’s call to decrease screen time in classrooms, including Amarillo Rep. Caroline Fairly, who spearheaded the now-law that bans cell phones in classrooms.

Fairly told Capital Tonight in a statement, “I’m excited to work with Governor Abbott on limiting screen time in our schools. This isn’t about shutting technology out of the classroom, it’s about making sure kids are learning the best way possible. I’ve heard from countless parents frustrated with their kids spending the school day on a Chromebook, and I’m looking forward to finding common ground that supports our public schools, our teachers, and our students.”

But there’s some concern that Abbott’s directive to close laptops in favor of face-to-face interaction will decrease benefits that educational technology provides. Mike Jackson works with educational technology companies, or “EdTech.”

He said that concern has some merit.

“What they want is a voice of, hey, you know, I think we need to look closer at what good technology is. I think it’s a good thing because there is a lot of technologies out there. Some are better than others. So, I think it’s really good to have a cleansing of what’s being used in schools,” said Jackson, CEO of the Texas Education Alliance.

Jackson said he wants the EdTech industry to be included in the conversation. He’s launching a nonprofit called Responsible Technology in Education to advocate for responsible use of technology in schools.

One expert who studies student screen time said there are also consequences for too little screen time.

“Overcorrecting on technology can limit their access to and strength in technology skills that are essential for a modern workplace. That can especially impact students who don’t have access to technology outside of that district device,” said Amy Bennett, chief of staff at Lightspeed Systems.

One teachers’ union supports less screen time if it’s at teachers’ discretion.

“We actually need to make sure that these are tools that the teacher who is charged with instructing students are able to use at the appropriate time and in the appropriate level of balance with their direct instruction, with the actual relationship with the teacher to meet students where they need to be met,” said Zeph Capo, president of Texas AFT.

Abbott’s democratic opponent, Gina Hinojosa, also weighed in, telling Spectrum News, “Abbott’s failed education record has been to gamify education, even appointing a tech entrepreneur to run his education agency. He has replaced hands-on learning with screen time in elementary school… Everything out of Abbott’s mouth this campaign is the opposite of what he does.”