Screen Time - Fact vs Fiction

Recently, schools using devices to support student learning have heard about a potential legislative push to "ban" device use during school to minimize student screen time.  At Columbus Public Schools, our focus for technology use in the classroom is "purposeful" use.  The fact remains, the best instruction that can be provided to our students is delivered by a trained and certified teacher in the classroom - often with the support of highly skilled paraprofessionals when needed.  CPS students are not learning from a device; however, having devices available to students has allowed us to develop a strategy to use these devices to enhance learning opportunities for students.  As students progress through our system, use in high school looks much different than the use in elementary.

This year we will be able to share screen time data after the first semester, including specific use by grade level.  This is a critical balance with how "personal screen time" is being used outside of school time.

Screen time on personal devices may be a different story, but at CPS personal devices (ie phones) are not permitted during the school day with limited exceptions.  Again, this is not to advocate for any particular stance other than a blanket ban on technology (school-owned devices) at school would be a detriment to our students.

Our goal is to ensure we are working together for a balanced approach to screen time for our students.