It’s time to get back to the educational basics at school.
In other words, limit pupils’ use of distracting screens and other digital devices. Return instead to paper, pencils, pens, handwriting, reading printed books and following lessons given by a teacher, not an algorithm.
That’s also a call made by Gov. Greg Abbott. Putting politics and the upcoming election aside, in this case the suggestion makes sense. Probably a lot of teachers and parents will agree.
In August, Abbott proposed reasonable limits on tablets, laptops and the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms from grades kindergarten to 12, urging a resumption of more traditional methods of teaching. That doesn’t mean digital devices will disappear, but their use will be reduced.
Anecdotal accounts from educators and mounting evidence from researchers indicate students’ increasing reliance on glowing screens, quick-hit but superficial videos and keyboards have diminished attention spans, created more distractions and taken a toll on positive learning patterns and penmanship For thousands of years, direct instruction from educators has served the needs of pupils. While there is no doubt online tools are convenient and accessible, they simply cannot fulfill the same role as human-tohuman contact.
There has been an understandable rush to embrace the digital age, and everyone who hopes to get anywhere — whether as a blue-collar worker or a college professor — needs to have some degree of computer literacy.
However, it seems we may have gone too far in the classrooms, where the wellspring of learning and personal interaction are key components to socialization. While the mandated isolation of students during the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the need for some distance learning, that catastrophe is behind us.
The call for a return to basic learning tactics follows the prohibition already in place for cellphones, smartphones and smartwatches in the classroom. Many teachers report that the plan, which initially faced some pushback, has turned out to be extremely helpful in improving students’ retention of lessons.
In addition, school districts say the ban has led to higher grades and less cyberbullying.
The Legislature will still have to approve any proposed screen limitations after convening in January. Various media outlets including this one have noted the Texas Classroom Commission will work with students, parents, guardians and, of course, educators to set grade- and agespecific guidelines.
Getting back to basic instructional materials is a win-win for everyone, but especially for pupils. Anything less deserves a dunce cap.
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