What is your stance on screens in the classrooms?

Hi John, I’m a WR parent and would like to understand your stance on screens in the classrooms. Several large districts across the country (LA and NY most notably) have recently enacted policies around technology in the classrooms. I would like to see a similar initiative in Orinda.

Thank you for the question. My short answer is that I agree with you: I think OUSD should have a clear, written policy around technology and screen use in the classroom for all grades.

My family started at Wagner Ranch when our kids were in 1st and 3rd grades, and they’re now in 5th and 7th grades, at Wagner and OIS. That has given us experience with how technology is used in OUSD classrooms across much of the K–8 student experience, and we’ve generally been satisfied with the balance we’ve seen.

There are real benefits to technology in the classroom. It allows students, and parents, to keep track of assignments, due dates, grades, schedules, and other information at home. I also appreciate that our kids are learning to use computers as tools for work and learning, rather than solely as entertainment devices.

At the same time, we haven’t felt that computer use has been out of balance with pencil and paper work, books, classroom discussion, and other forms of learning. That’s obviously a subjective assessment based on secondhand information from sometimes unreliable narrators (aka our kids).

So back to your question: I think having a written and shared policy around classroom technology use is important. It should establish clear expectations for families, students, teachers, and administrators, while making sure technology is being used intentionally, rather than simply because it’s available.

My understanding is that OUSD is actually taking this on as an initiative during this school year, which I’m glad to see. It’s something I’ll be interested in following closely and learning more about as that work develops.