COVID-19 has profoundly altered our society, particularly in education, where distance learning has become increasingly prevalent. This shift means students spend more time on screens than ever before, a departure from traditional in-person schooling.
While increased screen time offers benefits, excessive exposure can challenge students.
How Much Screen Time is Too Much?
Experts caution that excessive screen time can impact brain development. Studies have linked more than two hours of daily screen use to lower scores on cognitive tests (Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development, 2018). Prolonged screen exposure, exceeding seven hours a day, has also been associated with thinning of the brain’s cortex, which is crucial for reasoning and critical thinking skills.
Moreover, students accustomed to distance learning may show reduced interest in physical activities and face-to-face social interactions, posing challenges when transitioning back to traditional school settings.
Before COVID-19, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended limiting screen time to two hours daily for children aged two to eighteen. Updated guidelines now emphasize individualized approaches, acknowledging technology’s pervasive role in children’s lives. They advise monitoring and adjusting screen time to ensure balanced usage tailored to each child’s needs.
Tips for balancing bytes and books throughout the school day
Is your school or district striving to achieve a balanced blend of online and offline learning experiences? Consider these ideas to create a comprehensive school day that harnesses technology’s advantages while encouraging students to engage in valuable face-to-face activities:
- Integrated Learning Activities: Blend online resources with hands-on projects and group activities to enrich learning experiences and foster collaboration.
- Tech-Free Zones or Days: Designate specific times or days for offline activities, promoting creativity, social interaction, and physical movement.
- Outdoor Education: Utilize outdoor spaces for lessons, physical activities, and exploration, enhancing student well-being and connection with nature.
- Community and Service Learning: Engage students in community projects or service learning initiatives that involve direct interaction and tangible contributions.
- Arts and Creativity: Incorporate arts, crafts, music, and performance activities that allow students to express themselves creatively and develop diverse skills.
By embracing a balanced approach to learning, your school can optimize educational opportunities and cultivate a well-rounded experience that prepares students for success in both digital and interpersonal realms.
By embracing a balanced approach to learning, your school can optimize educational opportunities and cultivate a well-rounded experience that prepares students for success in both digital and interpersonal realms.
How to Limit Screen Time
Track Student Screen Time
Educators often need to pay more attention to the amount of screen time students require for their assignments, a habit stemming from less monitoring in traditional face-to-face teaching. When crafting lesson plans, educators should consider the delivery time and the screen time needed for students to complete tasks during and after instruction.
To manage this effectively, estimating and documenting the necessary screen time in lesson planning is beneficial while actively monitoring to prevent excessive use. This approach may involve adjusting instructions and assignments to minimize screen exposure. Additionally, teaching students to self-monitor their screen time and schedule breaks can foster healthy habits amidst digital learning demands.
Group work
Online group work allows students to engage at their convenience while providing instructors with a platform for prompt feedback. Moreover, virtual collaboration facilitates participation from students who may feel less at ease with face-to-face interactions, encouraging sharing diverse perspectives. Complementing online group work with in-person opportunities to nurture social skills is essential, according to Miron.
“Utilizing classroom time to cultivate social skills alongside project work is highly beneficial,” Miron explains. “For instance, tackling a social studies or history assignment in small groups enables students to practice expressing their opinions, inserting relevant information, and respectfully debating differing viewpoints.” This approach fosters the formation of new friendships and the honing of problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills—essential proficiencies for future professional endeavors.
Use Brain Breaks
Brain breaks encompass activities that prompt students to move, energize, or relax, aiming to break mental monotony and enhance blood circulation and brain oxygenation. These breaks boost student focus and alertness upon returning to screen-based activities. Common brain breaks include relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, music, dance, and stretching. Implementing brain breaks in education fosters a balanced learning environment and optimizes student engagement and productivity.
Schedule Tech-Free Days
Implementing tech-free days, where learning occurs without reliance on technology, can be beneficial despite requiring upfront planning and preparation from educators. These days, it can be structured asynchronously for remote learners.
Educators should design engaging activities that go beyond typical worksheet packets. Choice boards are often utilized, offering students options such as using manipulatives, household items, arts and crafts, or hands-on materials the school provides in advance. To prepare, educators must ensure materials are sent home for remote students and demonstrate how to complete tech-free tasks effectively.
Create Screen Time Plans with Students and their Families
For many students, school-related screen time is just a fraction of their daily total. While it’s crucial to restrict screen time for academic purposes, excessive overall screen time can still have adverse effects.
Educators should consider collaborating with students and their families to develop a tailored screen time plan. These plans clarify daily screen time limits, streamline scheduling, and foster accountability. It’s advisable to make the plan visible to students, empowering them to participate in monitoring their own screen time.
Flexibility is critical; the plan should accommodate students’ varying activities at school and home. A rigid schedule may be impractical, making adherence challenging for students and enforcement difficult for adults.
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers valuable resources for parents and educators seeking guidance on creating effective screen time plans. These resources serve as an excellent starting point for managing and monitoring student screen time.
Frequently Asked Question
Why is it essential for educators to monitor students’ screen time?
Monitoring screen time helps educators ensure balanced use of technology, promoting healthier learning environments and overall well-being.
How can educators effectively manage screen time during remote learning?
Educators can manage screen time by integrating varied activities, promoting breaks, and collaborating with families to establish clear guidelines.
What are the potential risks of excessive screen time for students?
Excessive screen time may lead to disrupted sleep patterns, physical health issues, and challenges in cognitive development.
How can educators collaborate with families to support healthy screen time habits?
Educators can collaborate by sharing resources, discussing strategies, and developing personalized plans that reflect school and home needs.
What strategies can educators use to balance screen time with other learning activities?
Strategies include incorporating offline tasks, promoting active learning, and encouraging students to self-regulate their screen use.
Where can educators find reliable information and resources on screen time management?
Educators can access resources from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics for guidelines and research-backed strategies.
How can educators address individual student needs regarding screen time?
Educators should tailor approaches based on students’ developmental stages, learning styles, and family preferences to optimize screen time management.
Conclusion
Staying updated on screen time management is essential for educators to foster healthy and balanced learning environments. By monitoring and regulating screen time effectively, educators can mitigate potential risks associated with excessive use, support cognitive and physical well-being, and enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
Collaborating with families and utilizing resources from reputable organizations ensures educators have the tools and knowledge to navigate the evolving digital world.
