Explore

Pennsylvania Schools Face Growing Skepticism Over Technology Use Amid Screen Time Concerns

Pennsylvania Schools Face Growing Skepticism Over Technology Use Amid Screen Time Concerns

In Pennsylvania, there is a growing movement among parents and educators to reassess the use of technology in schools, particularly concerning the amount of screen time students are exposed to. The Canon-McMillan School District plans to eliminate the use of Chromebooks for students from kindergarten through second grade, shifting focus back to traditional learning methods. This decision is part of a broader push by PA Unplugged, a group advocating for reduced screen time in schools, which argues that constant access to technology can hinder foundational learning skills. A survey by PA Unplugged revealed that 77% of respondents believe there is too much screen time in schools, and 81% are concerned about the use of school-issued devices. This sentiment is echoed nationally, with similar concerns being raised in other states like California and Utah.

Denver Public School Board Considers Total Cellphone Ban During School Day

Denver Public School Board Considers Total Cellphone Ban During School Day

The Denver Public School Board is set to discuss a new policy that could lead to a total ban on cellphone use during the school day. This proposal comes amid growing concerns about the impact of mobile devices on students' attention spans and academic performance. The board's consideration of this policy reflects a broader trend in educational institutions seeking to limit distractions and enhance the learning environment. The discussion will focus on whether a complete ban is feasible and how it might be implemented across the district's schools.

Instructure's Canvas Platform Faces Second Cyberattack by ShinyHunters, Data of Millions at Risk

Instructure's Canvas Platform Faces Second Cyberattack by ShinyHunters, Data of Millions at Risk

Instructure, the company behind the Canvas learning management system, has been targeted by a second cyberattack from the hacking group ShinyHunters. This group claims to have accessed personal information of 275 million individuals across nearly 9,000 educational institutions. The compromised data reportedly includes names, email addresses, student ID numbers, and user messages, though Instructure asserts that sensitive information such as passwords and financial details were not involved. The hackers have demanded a ransom to prevent the release of the stolen data, setting a deadline for May 12th. Instructure has acknowledged the breach and is investigating, having temporarily taken the platform offline for maintenance.

Intelligent Campus Security Systems Transform School Safety Approaches

Intelligent Campus Security Systems Transform School Safety Approaches

Schools are increasingly adopting advanced security technologies to enhance campus safety. These systems include enhanced video surveillance, access control, and threat detection technologies that help monitor and respond to potential security threats. However, experts caution that technology alone is not sufficient; effective security requires coordination among various departments and ongoing training for staff. The focus is shifting towards integrating these technologies into daily operations to ensure they are used effectively and sustainably.

Cyberattack hits system that thousands of schools use as finals loom

Cyberattack hits system that thousands of schools use as finals loom

A cyberattack has caused chaos for students at thousands of schools as they study for finals

A Canvas outage tied to a cyberattack has wreaked havoc on colleges' final exam season

A Canvas outage tied to a cyberattack has wreaked havoc on colleges' final exam season

Schools and universities across the country are recovering from an outage tied to a cyberattack that knocked down Canvas

Denver Public Schools Considers Cellphone Ban During School Hours to Enhance Focus

Denver Public Schools Considers Cellphone Ban During School Hours to Enhance Focus

Denver Public Schools is contemplating implementing a 'bell-to-bell' policy that would prohibit students from using their cellphones during school hours, including passing periods and lunch. This initiative aims to minimize distractions and enhance students' focus on their studies. The proposal is part of a broader effort to improve educational outcomes by reducing the reliance on digital devices during school time. The school district is currently in discussions about the potential impacts and logistics of enforcing such a policy.

Neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath Critiques Ed Tech's Impact on Student Learning

Neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath Critiques Ed Tech's Impact on Student Learning

Jared Cooney Horvath, a neuroscientist and former K-12 teacher, has raised concerns about the impact of educational technology on student learning. In his book, 'The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids’ Learning—And How to Help Them Thrive Again,' Horvath argues that the integration of digital technologies in education has led to a decline in cognitive skills among students. He points to the reversal of the Flynn effect, which previously showed generational increases in IQ scores, as evidence of this decline. Horvath's research suggests that excessive screen time and reliance on digital tools can fragment attention and reduce cognitive skills. He highlights that students who use computers extensively score significantly lower on assessments like PISA. Despite the potential benefits of certain educational technologies, such as intelligent tutoring systems, Horvath emphasizes the importance of traditional learning methods, like paper-based reading and note-taking, for effective educatio...

Study Finds Minimal Impact of Phone Bans in U.S. Schools on Academic Outcomes

Study Finds Minimal Impact of Phone Bans in U.S. Schools on Academic Outcomes

A study conducted by researchers from Stanford and Duke universities has found that strict bans on mobile phones in U.S. schools have 'close to zero' impact on student learning, attendance, and online bullying. The study, published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, analyzed data from nearly 1,800 schools where students' phones were kept in locked pouches. While the bans led to a significant reduction in phone usage, they did not translate into measurable improvements in academic performance or other non-academic outcomes. The study did note some modest positive effects on math scores among older students and a temporary increase in suspensions and a dip in student well-being during the first year of the ban.

Advocacy in Education: A Continuous Mindset for Teachers

Advocacy in Education: A Continuous Mindset for Teachers

An opinion piece discusses the concept of advocacy as a continuous mindset rather than a singular moment, particularly in the context of education. The author reflects on personal experiences of advocating for better resources in a classroom setting, such as acquiring a smart board through grant writing. The piece emphasizes the disciplined process of advocacy, which includes identifying needs, conducting research, and building a committed team. The author also highlights the role of artificial intelligence in education, using it as a tool to enhance student learning and confidence. The article underscores the importance of advocacy beyond the classroom, especially with upcoming elections that impact educational policies.

Principals Advocate for Schools Amid Political and Resource Challenges

Principals Advocate for Schools Amid Political and Resource Challenges

School principals across the U.S. are increasingly taking on advocacy roles to support their schools amid political scrutiny and resource constraints. Principals like Angie Charbonneau-Folch and Chase Christensen are engaging with legislators to influence policies affecting public education. They emphasize the importance of centering teacher and student voices in advocacy efforts. These leaders are also working to ensure that lawmakers understand the complexities of educational needs and the impact of proposed legislation on schools.

Spokane School District Encourages Students to Reduce Phone Use for Better Sleep

Spokane School District Encourages Students to Reduce Phone Use for Better Sleep

The Spokane School District in Washington is implementing a new initiative to encourage students to reduce their phone usage, particularly at night, to improve sleep quality. This initiative is part of a broader program called Engage IRL, which aims to limit cellphone use during school hours and promote extracurricular activities as alternatives to screen time. The district has observed that many students are not getting the recommended 8 to 10 hours of sleep due to late-night phone use. To address this, the district is providing parents and students with information on the importance of sleep and strategies to reduce screen time before bed. This includes setting a digital curfew and creating tech-free zones in bedrooms. The initiative is supported by educational leaders and mental health experts who emphasize the negative impact of inadequate sleep on students' behavior and academic performance.